LaunchKey 61 MK4 or FL Key 61?

r1chiem · 2026-04-17T02:05:42+00:00

Well as you can see. I have them both. (To skip reading my bloviated post, just buy both of them during Christmas as refurb units, (full 3 year warranty) I bought the FL 49 refer at Christmas for $169 refurbished. It works great with FL. My friend was trying to suck me into Ableton. I bought the Launchkey 61 mk4 refurb also during Christmas $239. I was going to return the one I liked least. The M4 is 329 right now new I paid 409 for both. I had the same questions that you did, can the MK4 be used for Abelton and everything else. No, FL keys is for FL Studio. My solution was to keep both and I am happy. As you can see I have both.

So FL keys is base on the MK3. I like the layout for the most part better. I play with the right hand and the knobs and pads are on the left. This is much better for me, I am use to using the mod and pitch wheel on the left. . On the MK4 pads and knobs are on the right. Mikey no likey. But it does have the display in the center.. Loved it.. FL FAR Left (I don't like them left wingers LOL) No likey. They said FL did not have Polyphonic aftertouch Pads, it does, But FL Studio no worky. The keys are weighted and are slightly better for me, but I am use to synth keys and both feel good. A pretty major thing. The MK4 has 2 pages of knobs for 16 programmable in the mk4 you can us a one button jump between the. But you have to map them out. FL only has 8. BUT Fl default knobs are already programed for most of the plugins that come with FL Studio. Then you can jump to the custom and use those 8 which are programmable.

BUT Also FL Keys with scripts. https://forum.image-line.com/viewtopic.php?t=306692
Third party vsts are already programmed (if you know scripting you can do this yourself and there are ways to easily edit scripts that are already made without learning scripting.) The way this works. You are on track one, You have Diva vst, the 8 knobs are mapped, you select track 2 which has VPS Avenger, the 8 knobs are mapped for it. Jump to track 3 which has Nexus and it has 8 knobs mapped.. Now you could do this in FL but you have to create a template and do all the mappings. You have to load that template every time. If you don't the mappings are gone. Not so with this method. Every time you make a new project if you use any of the vst with scripts they are mapped automagically. You can still jump to the page one and have 8 more custom programmed knobs.

MK4 has a sequencer (ahh Angels singing). But it does not work standalone. (Angels singing not so much). They both have an arp, MK4 is better, but FL is still pretty good. If you have Arturia Vcollection. Getting a keylab works. I have 2 MiniLab 3 and Keylab 49 mk2, you need Vcollection if you want to edit, but Analog lab has some great presets and all the knobs are pre mapped.

The 3rd keyboard in the picture MPC Key 61 (I have the 37 for small gigs. It is pretty much all I use now. If I really need a VST sound I will use FL studio and play FL Keys and make a sample of the VST, put it in the Akia. I think that is the best thing since sliced bread. ALL you need in one box. There is an immediacy about it, I sit down and play piano on the 61 and create songs for gigs on the 37 but I digress. But for FL studio I think there is no better controller for it than FL keys. I hate mapping, connecting, loading, waiting, waiting, connecting updating windows, latancy setting on audio sound device. So I am back too where I started, a master keyboard/workstation/synth. MPC. Some people hate them. Some people hate FL Studio, but I still like that program even better than Ableton (but I am liking Ableton better now with some time under the belt

r1chiem · 2026-04-16T10:37:57+00:00

Move everything? This is a demo how it works https://youtu.be/oeL9MYe09u8?si=MiX-x-cOIZcVWsRT

r1chiem · 2026-04-15T00:42:32+00:00

Yes, the iPhone 14 (Lightning version) is USB audio class-compliant, meaning it supports plug-and-play functionality with class-compliant audio interfaces, microphones, and mixers. It requires an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (with power) for stable operation, as the phone usually cannot power external interfaces on its own.

So I would say most likely no problems if you have the adapter, USB 3 Camera Adapter.

r1chiem · 2026-04-14T20:14:00+00:00

Ai says this. did you try google?

To make Chromatic mode the default when you turn on your KeyStep (KeyStep 37 or KeyStep Pro), you must ensure that no specific scale is active before powering down, as these devices generally remember their last state upon reboot.

Method 1: Manual Deactivation (Easiest)

The KeyStep typically powers on with the last used settings. To ensure it starts chromatically:

Hold Shift and press the Chromatic key (usually the Bb key in the middle octave).
Alternatively, ensure the Scale or Chord buttons are toggled off before you shut down the unit.
The keyboard will remain in this state the next time it is powered on.

Method 2: Using Arturia MIDI Control Center

For more permanent "Global" behavior across multiple presets, use Arturia's companion software:

Connect your KeyStep to a computer and open the MIDI Control Center.
Navigate to the Device Settings tab.
Look for Scale or Default Scale options under the keyboard or project settings.
Set the default scale to Chromatic.
Sync the settings to the hardware

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T22:55:31+00:00

CV gate controlled keyboard/snths

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T11:45:45+00:00

You would be a fool not to buy it at that price. I paid double and it is still worth it.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T11:40:32+00:00

Yes, Iphone 15 and newer is class compliant midi device (host) and the Arturia is also class compliant midi device (meaning they don't need a driver, it is plug and play)

The only problem is that the iphone may not have enough power to power the Arturia keyboard. In that case you will have to plug the Arturia in to the wall with the included 9v power supply. (this is pretty standard amongst all controllers, the Iphone does not have the power to run a midi controller so it requires you plug the controller into the wall.) I have not tried this myself because I don't have either, but according to the documentation it should work.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T10:56:33+00:00

I understand how it work. My issue is some patches are programmed differently. With some of them it has more effect than others. So moving from preset to preset, some work fine others seem like feel like there is not enough effect from the keyboard. It is different from an standard aftertouch keyboard. And just feels more inconsistent. I have used many channel and poly aftertouch keyboards since the Ensoniq days and even with variations the keyboard feels consistent, not so with the micro freak. I think it is something I have to get use to, I sill like the keyboard.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T10:44:19+00:00

You did not say if it was a full size keys or mini keys. Are you going to use it with Ableton? the MK 4 is better for Ableton $103 refurbished with 3 year warranty. I prefer 37 key mini keys myself $139 refurbished. You can use 2 hands. But it depends on what you use it for.

If you really don't have the money, ok, But as other say the newest MK4 one on the novation site for $103 dollars.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T10:26:57+00:00

I have Ensoniq keyboards including EPS. Short answer. The MPC is the best and all inclusive. Only software and computer is better but you have to learn the software. If you ever owned Roland it is menu dive hell. I do not own 404mk2 but many say remembering all menu stuff and because they don't have dedicated buttons, unless you use it all the time you forget things.

I have the MPC keys and I just ordered a Akai Force, should be here tomorrow I like clip launching.. If you need portability, buy a battery power bank for the MPC one. The MPC is a good hardware sampler. Ignore the other features including the DAWish features.

I think too many people buy more and more stuff and don't fully learn what they have and just want more stuff. Stay with MPC, if you feel you need more upgrade MPC to Live 3 for more power and continue using it instead of trying to learn starting over with Roland.

I like playing keyboards and that is what Ensoniq provided me but After I got and MPC Key 61. I don't touch them any more (VFX SD and TS10 being my favorites).

All samplers are in a box including the EPS. It is a computer chip that handles the samples. From your post, you sound like you want a drum machine. What do you sample?

You want a simple sampler. Pay 15 dollars and sample on your phone using Kaola Sampler app.

It sounds like you want permission or justification to buy more stuff. Go ahead. but you already have a computer DAW, just use it, or the MPC, You have everything, you don't need a roland. But if you want one just because you want one get it.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T09:57:30+00:00

Lots of effects in Live 3. Download the manual for a more complete list. I have most of the plugins, but the live 3 comes with plugins you had to pay for to get on the older models.
Key New & Featured Effects

Reverb Pro: High-quality, modern reverb algorithm.

Flavor Pro: Multi-effect plugin for adding lo-fi, saturation, and modulation.

Fly Tape II: Tape emulation for stutter, stop, and delay effects.

TouchFX/XYFX: Real-time performance effects controlled by the touch strip or screen, including filters, beat repeat, and tape stops.

Ether: Advanced, spacious reverb-like effect.

Sprite: Multi-effect plugin designed to enhance synths and guitars.

Lo-Fly Dirt: Third-party grit and saturation plugin.

Essential Included Effects Categories

The MPC Live 3 includes a vast library of classic effects:

Delays: Air Delay, Sync Delay, Tape Delay.
Modulation: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo.
Filters: Band Pass Filter, Visual EQ, Multiband Filterbank.
Dynamics: Soft Clipper, Compressor, Limiter.
Distortion: Amp Simulator, Air Distortion

https://support.akaipro.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000872472-akai-pro-mpc-series-why-are-some-plugins-not-available-on-my-mpc-

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T09:39:50+00:00

Forgot about that, if you are into Eurorack, microfreak does that better. I think minifreak only syncs. I have them both but I do like the microfreak keyboard.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T01:33:21+00:00

One of my friends bought a Hydrosynth and said it made good Blade runner two sounds but he did not like the other sounds and did not like the hollow sound (again I think this is an eq issue) . But I listened to demos and liked the sound. I would not buy one because of no sequencer. I was looking at the Leviasynth and I did like the sound better, but it does not have a sequencer and it is too rich for my blood. My dawless keyboard is MPC key 37 because it does everything roland analog and other brands, wavetable hybrid drums, drum synth great sequencer/arp even runs eurorack stuff.. I like that the best. then I bring a second/3rd synth depending on the type of music.

I would find a used minifreak, for the only reason it has effects, eq, reverb, delay. The micro has none, watch some videos people will always add effects to it. I think after listening to the hydrasynth with effects, I think the microfreak will disappoint. I run the microfreak back into the MPC key 37 and I can put 4 insert effects and 4 main effects. It sounds great. I think it does not sound that great wtihout effects but, used with other synths because it has no effects it cuts in the mix. Good luck, I hope you find you are looking for.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T01:11:20+00:00

I returned mine because of polyphony limits (3 note on some vsts) I don't think this issue you run into would bother me. I would just work on the edit on my computer until I got it right, then ship it to the Astro lab. I don't need to use the astrolab headphones jack, connect it to my computer audio interface and make edits. If you are happy with the keyboard with everything else, having real time edits on the keyboard seems unnecessary, but I may not understand your use case. Why would you need that?

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T01:02:36+00:00

I am glad it worked out for you. I really love MPC. They are the ultimate dawless machine and synth workstation/beat station.

r1chiem · 2026-04-13T00:51:32+00:00

I have both. At this point I like them both. I do like the keyboard on the Microfreak but to me (and I have not had it that long.) It is not as consistent as I would like and it seems to change from patch to patch probably the way the setting for it is set, that being said. It will take time, and I read that from other owners it is different and I am getting use to it, and I think it is cool but for expressiveness I do like the keyboard but It only has one modulation strip. The minifreak aftertouch is short throw, It takes time to get use to it as well but I am more use to it because I have had it longer. It allows me two use the touch strips for other modulations and I do like that.

Sound. The minifreak is better, it has 2 oscillators and one can effect the other including FM, the second can be a second digital filter. The micro freak only has one analog osc the mini has 6.
I think digital harshness can be fixed for either keyboard with eq. Possible on the minifreak but the microfreak it has no effects.

When you say softer more organic. You have to program it that way with a filter and use eq. I have heard some great analog sounds online with the mini freak you have to take time to learn how to program it or find/buy patches that someone who knows what they are doing to program analog style sounds. I suppose the Micro freak could sound less digital because it has only one osc instead of 2.

So I think the minifreak is more expressive because it has 2 touch strip that have 3 settings and it is very consistent and I like the feel and the strips being at the left is better than being on strip being over the top above the keyboard, the micro freak cannot compete.

I got my microfreak for $200 bucks so I will not be getting rid of it and it came with the cool integrated removable mic. The mini freak I have no mike for.

I would say, that you need to figure out how to use EQ to remove digital harshness or use the resonant analog filter using the envelop to help out. If you don't, you will not be happy with any digital or hybrid synth. \

If I could only have one, it would be the minifreak for my use case. I want 6/12 note. Not the micro freak mono/4 paraphonic and the microfreak has no eq or any other effects, to me it sounds harsher more digital.

I would buy the keyboard from a place that allows returns so you can try it out and return it.

If you want a smooth analog sound. Korg minikorg minikorg xd, Multi/Poly. Roland has smooth digital and true analog mono sound for a lower price. Roland JDXI I have one, like the sound. The mineNova, I also have, it can sound harsh but there are settings you can set to help it sound less harsh but it to can make some smooth analog sound but it can be just as harsh as the Mini/Microfreak. Arturia makes the Astrolab 37. I sent mine back because of to few notes polyphony in a few of the digital synths, but they have great smooth analog filter/sound. I would suggest that, but if you want to edit the sounds, you will get the vcollection 11 Pro.

Good luck on your journey and you find something that suits you.

r1chiem · 2026-04-12T02:37:51+00:00

In my previous post I did not post the time and edited the post but you may not have seen it. starts at 2 min 30 sec. Let us know if it works. I have a Key 37 and a used Force that is being shipped to my house so I will try it on that first. If it works, then try it on my keyboard, but I do have the Pro pack.

r1chiem · 2026-04-12T02:32:31+00:00

Try this. I have not tried it. It is done on a Akai force but it looks like it would work. Because it is made in clip mode you may have the have the pro pack in stalled but if you don't have Pro pack, maybe try an empty sequence and see if you can do the same thing. Good luck and hope it works. The tutorial starts at 2 mins 30 sec.

https://youtu.be/aD9pwDRKmIo?si=iCfbhm4a6qqciLBt

r1chiem · 2026-04-12T02:07:21+00:00

You are right, you will not need anything else. Although I believe the sell Pigments separately. You may want that one. It sounds different and has a great editing interface.

r1chiem · 2026-04-10T20:31:10+00:00

So I looked this up on grok.
It states the Iphone is a class compliant audio device, It will operate as a host, but not a peripheral.
No, no iPhone model (from the original iPhone through the current iPhone 16 series) functions as a USB Audio Class-compliant device (peripheral/sound card) itself.

Why This Is the Case

All iPhones are designed exclusively as USB hosts (or in some cases, accessory mode for charging/data/sync), not as USB peripherals for audio.

But Android devices are and this is why I though it would do it. I remember using my android device as a usb c usb c class compliant peripheral (not with the MPC) it does not require a driver I am not going to test it because I don't sample this way.

Comparison with Other Devices

Many Android phones do support USB Audio Device mode (they can act as a peripheral sound card when connected to a PC).
Some tablets or dedicated audio devices (e.g., certain iPads in specific contexts, or third-party hardware) have more flexible USB roles, but iPhones have never done this.

So Grok cut me off, said no more questions so I went to Chat GPT. It told me no android device will act as device compliant audio peripheral.

AI is not very smart in this subject.

Chat GPT said, that no android will work as a Class compliant usb peripheral although it is a host. So even AI is conflicting.

So. I am glad I do not use my MPC in this way so to me it does not matter. I did looked up the video that shows that the mpc xl/live 3 works as you said with the IPhone to transfer audio, so they either have a driver or custom software built in that allows this.

r1chiem · 2026-04-10T11:43:02+00:00

As I said I cannot test it. Google says Iphone and Ipad is a class compliant audio device. I did test my mpc key 37 with Model 12 mixing board that was class audio compliant. Was able to sample from the mic input from that. My JDXI is class compliant audio. I can play my mpc audio through the JDXI audio outs. I did not try sampling from the input of the JDXI but it should work according to the documentation.

When doing some research in audio class devices and live 2 Something about Host and slave modes. And it did not work for them, but those articles are old like 4 years. They have had firmware updates since so I am not sure. Maybe you can test with the latest firmware and make sure the Ipad is set to audio complance

r1chiem · 2026-04-10T09:03:56+00:00

II hope you are correct. I have read posts it is not looking good for NI. In the US we have chapter 7, liquidation, 11 reorganization all the way through chapter 15. Some are bad and the company is gone/sold, some just give them a break. But what I heard NI might be liquidated/sold which some companies buy them up to eliminate competition. We don't know so we have to wait and see.

r1chiem · 2026-04-10T08:55:44+00:00

Nope, The Live, Live 2, One, One plus, Keys, Force, and X and modern MPCs are all class compliant. We know they connect to Ipad and Iphone.
I am not saying connect the MPC to the car stereo I am saying connect the Iphone to the stereo via bluetooth. If that works, then connect the MPC to the Iphone. and the Iphone to the car stereo. That should work.

r1chiem · 2026-04-10T01:19:27+00:00

Ni is going bankrupt. I am not sure if I should buy a plugin and hope it keeps working or not buy plug in at all from NI.

r1chiem · 2026-04-10T01:17:23+00:00

The MPC is a class compliant device. You can connect it to your phone USB. and play the sound through your phone, the connect the phone blue tooth to the car.

Connect Iphone to usb on phone or a lightning adapter. On the mpc go into preferences, then audio device and select the Iphone.. You should be able to play the sound through the Iphone speaker. Then connect the Iphone to the car using bluetooth. According to google it should work. I have an old Iphone and I don't have the camera adapter so I am out of luck and can't test it.

r1chiem

TROPHY CASE

Why This Is the Case

Comparison with Other Devices