Korg K25 Controller Keyboard

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Average Rating 8/10

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Includes Korg's great M1 LE Software Synth totally FREE!!

Korg introduces its K-series USB-MIDI Studio Controllers that combine full size velocity-sensitive keys with a variety of hardware control features. They're designed to provide entry level and cost conscious users with affordable options for controlling software studios or live setups. Three K-series models are available: the 25-key K25, 49-key K49, and 61-key K61. All feature a great keyboard feel and response, with four velocity curves and a convenient fixed velocity setting for playing organ and analog synthesizer sounds. Key Transpose and Octave Shift offer an extended note range, while Modulation and Pitch wheels allow for expressive playing and real-time control.

Features:

Assignable controllers including two knobs, two switches, a slider, and a footswitch jack
Korg's proprietary ClickPoint controller can function as an X/Y joystick (with Hold function) or as a single-button mouse for direct computer control
Users can assign separate MIDI control changes to be sent to the X-axis (left/right) and Y-axis (forward/back), allowing control over two simultaneous parameters.
Each K-series model comes bundled with Korg's M1 Le software synthesizer, a complete software version of the classic M1 Music Workstation
Mac and Windows editor software included
Template scenes for popular music production programs and software synthesizers Free demo versions of the Korg
Legacy Collection, Live 5, Lounge Lizard EP-3, Ultra Analog VA-1, String Studio VS-1, and Reason 3.0
Powered via USB or with an optional AC adapter

Korg K25

Darren
March 24, 2007

Rating: 8/10

I use the K25 as an input device for sequencing MIDI. Its small size means that, together with a laptop, I can have a very portable but very functional MIDI studio setup.

The controls are very useful. The pitch and modulation wheels are very useful, especially when playing software synths. The knobs and buttons can be assigned to different tasks, thereby reducing the amount you need to reach for the mouse. The joystick can adopt different functions too, such as controlling the vectoring in Korg's Wavestation. It can function as a mouse too, but is fairly useless in this respect.

If you wish to play full piano-type parts in real time, the 2 octaves available won't really be of any use - you'll need a bigger keyboard for this. But I can't play piano anyway, so that's not a concern. It's extremely useful for inputting drums, melodies, bass, synths, and those types of things.

The Korg M1Le software synth that is included was rather a dissappointment - there are not many sound programmes available, and only 1 instance of the M1Le can be used at a time as a VST plugin - almost no use at all. I had to purchase the Korg Legacy Collection - DIGITAL ADDITION to obtain the full M1, and also the Wavestation and a plugin effects suite. This is actually available at a reduced price if you already own the M1Le, which comes with the K25.

Demos of other software are included, such as Reason 3. I found the demos a little annoying, as they only showed me what I HADN'T got - some more functional software synths would have been of more interest to me, like a less restriced M1Le!

All in all, the K25 is a very functional, very portable MIDI controller keyboard. Ask yourself if you really need a big keyboard - if you don't, then get the K25.

Edirol new releases for 2007 available now!
The new Edirol products introduced at NAMM 2007 are now available from our web site.
NAMM 2007: Korg Introduces the next generation of Mobile Recorders
Future-proof digital recording is here With the pristine fidelity and ultimate flexibility of 1-bit technology, the new, surprisingly affordable MR-1 and MR-1000 Recorders ensure that your location recordings and final masters are never obsolete.
Part 3: Section 1: MIDI controllers
Long live software instruments! Gone are the days when you needed a stack of keyboards to create tunes, as everything can now be done inside your computer at the click of a mouse. However, do you really want to be playing all of that software with a mouse? Wouldn’t you rather be doing it all with a proper piano type keyboard? Eh? So doesn’t that mean a return to piles of keyboard again, the very thing that software replaced? No! All you need is one keyboard to control every soft instrument you own! So you’d better make sure it’s a good one, right? Yes, and fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint, there are loads of different sorts to choose from so we will discuss all of them here. And if you already own a keyboard but need extra control, don’t worry, because in Section 2 we’ll be looking at some keyboardless controllers that will enhance your desktop music making no end…

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