25-note USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Encoders
8 Velocity/Pressure Sensitive RGB-backlit Pads
2 Capacitive Touch Strips
External Control Input
MIDI 5-pin DIN Output
Model Year: 2022
ATL according to the camels, appears to be around $170-$200 elsewhere.
CamelCamelCamel.
You know everyone’s just gonna play The Final Countdown….
Is it a pre-recorded one that just plays itself?
Looks like it's back up to full price
Yep back to $160+.
Fantastic 25-key, especially at this price point.
I got the last one probably. Thanks OP. Have been waiting for this deal for ages 😅
Damn, sad I missed it!
same!
dang it!
I saw this last night but after watching some video reviews that all talked about related software to get full functionality it was a no from me.
Is there a gap in the market for something that has a low learning hurdle, is self contained, that is intuitive and can be given to a primary school kid to compose entire songs from fairly modular song components?
As in, here is a song of X bars, now put in a drum track (with options and ability for easy customization/experimentation), bass track (similar) and various options and sounds for melody and hooks over the top of this (locked to the key so minimizing ear hurt outputs). Here, you'll need verses, chorus bridge, etc - with degrees of customization.
Something that has all this in one place that a kid can more physically put together (not requiring a separate computer) but with a digital interface to manage the complexity. This would help them play with the fundamentals of composition and learn but also have entire track outputs without too much trouble? ie. 'Hey Dad I've built this catalogue of songs and you can see how my first attempts have evolved and are now much better and I have a style because I often use/like these bits/things'.
Sorry for the long comment but I've been looking for a year at least and still nothing comes up that suits or even comes close - kids things like blipbox are too simple and everything else is so hard that starting for a kid is impossible.
I think there’s some song composing apps but you’d have to do a lot of research before downloading as most of them would prob be rubbish
Apple GarageBand is probably the best for beginners in my opinion to learn how to use classic DAWs and production tools and the cheapest possible midi key will do for that.
Unless you like to try new tools with "AI" helping you which are not my taste :)
I got this particularly for working with Analog Lab which the Intro version comes bundled with the keyboard and technically costs more than this keyboard.
For a kid that age the best thing is for them to learn to play an instrument properly. Buy a keyboard that has a good piano sound and get them lessons.
Auxy or Garage Band are both good options for this. Nothing is going to shortcut the amount of work it takes to learn how to compose though, its mostly a matter of just sticking with a tool long enough to get proficient in it.
Appreciate the replies and acknowledge the no shortcuts views. However this is more about trying to go as close to the ‘source’ as possible quickly and getting some quick composing wins and endorphins going, not necessarily a fledgling Mozart or life path, just opening a door to a cool world with positive feedback loops. I’m just trying to open those doors at his age. I guess I’m thinking more a toy than this item but better than the current toys. Thanks for the feedback
Can I be a DJ with this?
No. It's a controller, for your synths, etc. It doesn't make sound by itself, unless you drop it on the floor. Also, it uses minikeys. Ugh.
if you can operate this device, you're kinda over qualified to be a DJ.
Well this thing looks much better and cheaper than the Casio VL-Tone I had in the early 80s.