I am looking into buying a midi keyboard controller to use with Reason. I am new to Reason but have been producing music using Fl studio and recording using Pro tools for years. So I am looking for a dependable Keyboard that will be instantly compatible with all functions of Reason. I want to spend my time producing and not figuring out how to set up the keyboard!

I am leaning towards the M-Audio Axiom 61 Key Midi Controller



However I have heard great things about the Akai MPK49 and the Korg Kontrlol49





I think that I would prefer having 61 keys vs 49 because I would have a larger range of notes I can play without changing the settings. However this is not the main qualification for a good keyboard.

Are the keys and/or touch pads on either of the boards easier to set up/use than those of the others?

Well I only have the axiom, so I'll just comment on that.

The setup is pretty painless, especially if you have reason and the update. Also it's pretty easy to download presets for other programs (like ableton live) and then transfer those presets to the axiom using the enigma software.

I like the quality of the semi weighted keys and pad, they may not be the best feeling in the world, but certainly get the job done and don't annoy me or anything.

However you may also want to check out novation keyboards, they're more pricey but I heard the build quality is excellent.

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Setup shouldn't be an issue, Reason supports most of the main brands out of the box and if it's not there there's probably a patch you can get off propellerheads. I'd be more concerned with your own preferences than reasons compatibility. Many knobs and sliders are good to have but I get on just fine with my Carillion control 49 - although reason thinks its an m-audio radium 49 it works exactly the same way.

i use the Remote SL 25 by Novation

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I compared the MPK49 with the Kontrol49 here:
http://meowsqueak.blogspot.com/2008/...omparison.html

I ended up going with the MPK49 and I am very happy with it.

That said, I think if I'd gone with the Kontrol49 I would have been happy too. Both are great MIDI controller keyboards.