Any Midi Keyboard and external hard drive recommendations?

AnsweredClosed

JamesAug 9, 2021

I currently have an Akai MPK mini MK3 and although it's nice, it only has 25 keys and I'm doing your Piano Lessons For Producers course.

I believe a need more keys (having to purse the octave button to get to the next octave kind of gets annoying)

I don't have room for a full one yet but was thinking a 49 key would be good. Recommendations?

Also I want to get a decent SSD external hard for my music. Was thinking of getting a Samsung T5 and wanted your advice. Let me know what your thoughts are on those. Thank you!

Replies (4)

GratuiTousStaffAug 9, 2021

Hey man!

Yeah, I'm using the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49.. it's been awesome.

The setup was a little tricky, but I have an in-depth review on it, and highly recommend it for FL Studio.

It requires a FREE MIDI Script (which I wrote for you guys!), and there's a premium $9 add-on to get all the knobs/sliders to work easier.. (not required, but saves you a lot of time).

Here's my review on the Oxygen Pro 49:
https://itsGratuiTous.com/reviews/m-audio-oxygen-pro-49-review/

For the external SSD, what's your current setup?

Are you on desktop or laptop?

My question would be, why not get an internal SSD? - You can clone your drive pretty easily, and improve your set-up.

JamesAug 10, 2021

Wow that Oxygen Pro has everything I need so I will be getting it pretty soon! I was debating the Alesis V49 but that doesn't have near the amount of features as the Oxygen. I'm glad I am getting an expert opinion because I'm still new to this. Until Feb. Of this year I didn't even know what a DAW was so I still have a bit to learn. Computer-wise I have a ASUS Predator laptop at the moment. I am saving up to build something better Though. When that time comes, I will reference your video on building a good music production computer. I just have a $30 Toshiba 1TB HHD external hard drive at the moment. It was all I could afford at the time. But I need something faster and with more space. The Samsung T5 isn't cheap but I have heard it's pretty good but wanted your input on it. I am VERY glad I asked about the MIDI keyboard because that Oxygen seems way better than what I would have gotten if I hadnt asked. Thank you for your quick reply!

JamesAug 10, 2021

Oh, I meant to ask about a USB Powered hub as well. This laptop only has 3 USB Ports and I have a pretty cheap power hub right now and want one that will perform better. Thanks again!

GratuiTousStaffAug 10, 2021

Yes, that M-Audio Oxygen Pro is a good purchase for a MIDI Keyboard in FL Studio.

Honestly, any SSD you give will be a huge improvement over a HDD (regular disk hard drive).. so you will not go wrong.

It does sound like it's a "quick fix".. I'd honestly say go with a regular HDD external for your sounds, and when you upgrade later-on, you can get an SSD.. you won't see much improvement unless it's on your main drive (like booting up windows, loading programs, etc.)

For a hub.. I'd say make sure to get a 3.0 USB one.. and just be cautious on how many ports it has (I'd say 3-4 is a good number).. and think about the type of equipment plugging into it..

I'd assume an external hard drive would draw more power than a MIDI Keyboard..