The Native Instruments M32 is a micro-sized keyboard controller that has been making waves in the music production world for its compactness, functionality, and affordability. This mini keyboard may be small, but it comes packed with many exciting features that make it more than just a typical MIDI controller. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the specifics of the M32, discussing its design, features, performances, and how it compares with other similar products in the market. Whether you’re a pro in the music scenes or just a passionate novice, this review will provide all the information you need to know about the Native Instruments M32.
Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
Opening up the box, the Native Instruments M32 immediately grabs your attention with its sleek design. It comes well packed, ensuring its safe delivery and immediately shows the care and attention to detail Native Instruments has put into its production.
The M32 is a compact, well-built MIDI keyboard made with portable music production in mind. It’s solidly constructed with a plastic shell and a smooth matte finish. The black keys against the complementary base color give it a professional look that will surely add an aesthetic touch to any studio setup.
The keys are all full size, despite the compact format of the controller, and feel remarkably “complete” to the touch. They are semi-weighted and whilst compact, don’t feel squashed. This makes the M32 not only easy to transport but also pleasant to play.
The drum pads and faders on the right side all feel sturdy and well-made. The M32 features 8 touch-sensitive control knobs, and also offers dedicated buttons for functions like octave up and down, mute, solo, and play.
As you unbox the MIDI keyboard, you can see a USB cable tucked neatly at the side of the box. This eliminates the need for any additional power source, so with just a laptop and the M32, you’re ready to make music wherever you go.
Having the device in your hands, it is clear that Native Instruments M32 is a high-quality keyboard controller, straight out of the box. It combines features from its larger counterparts while shedding unnecessary bulk, making it the perfect setup for the traveling producer.
While it might seem petite, don’t be fooled. Its compact packaging houses a great deal of features designed to cater to the demanding needs of modern music producers. All in all, unboxing the Native Instruments M32 gives you the first taste of what seems to be an efficient, powerful, and professional equipment.
| Product Name | Amazon Link |
|---|---|
| Native Instruments Komplete Controller Keyboard | Find more info on Amazon here! |
| Decksaver Kontrol M32 Cover DSLE PC M32 | Find more info on Amazon here! |
Key Features and Functionality
The Native Instruments M32 is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller that offers smooth operation and a wide range of features for music production. Below are its standout features and functionalities:
-
32-Key Keyboard: Despite its compact size, the M32 boasts a 32-key, velocity-sensitive keyboard. This gives users ample input options and offers a fine balance between portability and functionality.
-
Touch-Sensitive Strips: The M32 features eight touch-sensitive control knobs and two touch strips that provide even more dynamic control. The strips can also be used for pitch and modulation adjustments bringing a great deal of expressiveness to performances.
-
NKS Support: The M32 is NKS-ready, meaning it’s compatible with all NKS-certified plug-ins. This expands the controller’s sonic palette immensely, allowing producers and performers to tap into a wide array of instruments, effects, and presets with hands-on control.
-
Integration with MASCHINE and KOMPLETE: The M32 integrates seamlessly with Native Instruments’ MASCHINE and KOMPLETE software bundles, blending hardware and software into an intuitive music production environment.
-
Dedicated Transport Controls: The M32 also includes dedicated transport controls for recording, track navigation, loop control and the like, which are particularly practical for on-the-fly recording situations.
-
Plug-and-play USB Connectivity: With its USB connectivity, the M32 offers plug-and-play simplicity. Just connect it to your computer, and you’re set to start creating music. No need for any external power supply.
-
KOMPLETE Start Bundle Included: Bundled with the M32 is KOMPLETE Start, Native Instruments’ collection of free software, effects, and samples. This provides a gigantic library of sounds to start making music right away.
-
Compact and Portable Design: Weighing in at just over a kilogram and measuring less than 50cm in width, this MIDI keyboard controller is designed for the mobile musician and desktop producer. Its durable and compact design makes it easy to use both at home and on the go.
In conclusion, the Native Instruments M32 is a highly versatile MIDI keyboard controller that offers a myriad of features to enhance your music production capability. From its comprehensive control set to its software integration, it is designed with the modern producer in mind.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Native Instruments M32 is known for its impressive sound quality and performance. This compact and highly portable keyboard MIDI controller delivers pristine sound and seamless integration with your music production software. It boasts the professionally graded keys from the world-renowned Native Instrument’s Komplete Kontrol series.
Native Instruments has crammed an impressive amount of functionality into the compact M32. It hosts 32 velocity-sensitive, synth-action mini keys. These keys might be smaller than standard, but they don’t compromise on the playing experience. They feel expressive, responsive and accurate. They do an excellent job of capturing the nuances of your performance, no matter how intricate your parts might be.
Performance-wise, the M32 shines in its versatility and ease of use. It works perfectly with all major DAWs and comes with a bundle of software – including Ableton Live 10 Lite and Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol, Maschine Essentials, Monark, and Reaktor Prism – that sets you up with everything you need to start making music immediately.
The eight touch-sensitive control knobs provide you with total control over your software synths and MIDI-controllable effects. Navigating through these has a smooth, intuitive feel and the incremental LED indicators around the knobs provide clear visual reference of your parameters.
The touch strip offers a different type of control, it can bend pitch, modulate sounds, and even emulate strumming on a stringed instrument. This shows Native Instruments’ creative approach in expanding the potential of MIDI controllers.
The M32 also comes with a built-in OLED display, providing an instant visual feedback for all your settings. This, combined with the backlit buttons and control knobs, means you can use the M32 in any lighting conditions. It makes it easy to tweak settings on the fly, without disrupting your workflow.
Despite the compact size, the M32 doesn’t compromise on sound quality and performance. It’s a versatile tool for both studio production and live performances, offering clear, crisp sound, and ergonomic design. This lightweight controller is the perfect companion for musicians, performers, and producers on the go.
Connectivity and Integration
The Native Instruments M32 comes fully set for seamless connection to any setup. It features a versatile USB 2.0 port that provides a swift plug-and-play experience. Simply connect the M32 to your Mac or PC via the USB port, and you are ready to start creating music. The integration is smooth and effortless, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced music production enthusiasts.
One other notable aspect that positions the M32 high on the integration table is its compatibility with a wide range of digital audio workstations (DAWs). It works seamlessly with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and Garageband, among many others. No matter which DAW you prefer, you can easily map out the M32’s controls, enabling you to work efficiently and intuitively.
A key part of the M32’s interconnectivity is its compatibility with Native Instruments software. The M32 comes with a significant bundle of software, which includes Ableton Live Lite 10, NI Monark, NI Reaktor Prism, and NI Komplete Kontrol software. This enhances your music production experience by providing an extensive range of tools and sounds at your disposal.
The M32 also supports NKS (Native Kontrol Standard), an extended plug-in format that allows for astounding integration with NI software and other third-party plug-ins. This makes it easy to access and control your favorite VST instruments and effects directly from the M32.
Overall, the connectivity and integration settings of the Native Instruments M32 keyboard are designed to offer a fuss-free, adaptable, and enriching music production experience. It’s clear that great effort has been made to cater to the needs of music producers, and the result is an incredibly practical and flexible controller keyboard that fits perfectly into any music creation setup.
Pros and Cons
When it comes to the Native Instruments M32, there are several pros and cons that stand out, predominantly due to its usability, portability, and interface.
Pros
-
Compact Size: The M32’s compact size makes it a perfect on-the-go companion for musicians and producers. It’s ultra-portable and doesn’t compromise on features, making it a top choice for mobile music production.
-
NKS Integration: The implementation of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) means that the M32 integrates seamlessly with other Native Instrument software. This feature drastically streamlines the production process.
-
Aesthetically Pleasing: The M32 is well-designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The layout is intuitive and user-friendly, making it appealing not only in physical presence but also in usability.
-
Quality Keybed: Despite its small size, the M32 doesn’t sacrifice on quality. The keybed is semi-weighted and highly responsive, providing users with a superior playing experience.
-
Value for Money: Given its range of high-end features, the M32 provides excellent value for its price. It’s an affordable piece of equipment that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Cons
- Limited Number of Keys: With only 32 keys, the M32 might be limiting for some users, particularly those used to a full range keyboard.
2.Black of Audio Interface: The M32 does not come with a built-in audio interface. Users will need to account for this and possibly purchase an additional piece of gear to complete their setup.
-
Software Compatibility – While the M32 works seamlessly with Native Instruments software, compatibility with other Digital Audio Workstation software might not be as smooth.
-
No Aftertouch – Another minor disadvantage is the lack of aftertouch. It’s an expected feature in most MIDI keyboards today, and its absence is somewhat noticeable.
-
Build Quality – While overall design is sleek and modern, some users reported that the M32 feels slightly lightweight and not as sturdy or robust as some other models on the market.
Comparisons with Other Products
The Native Instruments M32 stands out in the market not only because of its quality but also due to unique features that set it apart from the competition.
Compared to the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, another popular keyboard in the same price range, the M32 adopts a full-sized key design as opposed to the mini keys on the MPK mini. This feature may be attractive to those who are used to traditional keyboards and pianos.
Another competitor, the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3, also uses mini keys and has 16 RGB pads, same with Akai MPK Mini MKII. These pads are a significant feature for beat makers and drum programmers. However, M32 offers touch-sensitive knobs which may be more intuitive for those involved heavily in tweaking and sound designing.
Compared to the Arturia KeyStep, another portable MIDI controller, M32 is more integrated with Native Instrument’s software bundle, making it a good choice for those already using or intending to use Native Instruments software ecosystem.
Just like M32, Alesis V25 also has full-sized keys, but Alesis provides 8 pads. So drummers might prefer Alesis V25. However, the M32, with its dedicated navigation buttons and dual-purpose encoder knob for browsing, tweaking parameters, provides a much smoother workflow.
Lastly, while comparing with Nektar Impact LX25+, it should be mentioned that although both have integration with most of the major DAWs, the workflow and integration with the Native Instruments software of M32 is significantly smoother.
In conclusion, the Native Instruments M32 offers solid competition in its price range and stands out with its full-sized keys and software integration. Depending on personal preferences and requirements, one might find the M32 to be a perfect fit for their music production setup.
Price Point and Value for Money
The Native Instruments M32 is priced at an entry-level range, making it highly affordable for budding producers and professionals alike looking to add to their setup. Compared to other MIDI keyboard controllers in the market with similar features, its price truly stands out as providing exceptional value for money.
The M32 boasts of premium features that are typically found in high-end MIDI controllers, such as its synth-action custom NI keybed, 8 touch-sensitive control knobs, and full integration with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, among others.
In addition to the hardware, buying the M32 gets you a collection of powerful music making tools and softwares from Native Instruments such as the MONARK, MACHINE Essentials, and KOMPLETE Start, thus further enhancing the overall value of the M32.
With its compact design and robust build quality, the M32 proves to be a good investment offering durability in addition to functionality. Therefore, considering its price point and given all that it offers, both in terms of hardware and software bundle, the M32 definitely provides excellent value for money.
The M32 is also portable, allowing users to create music on-the-go, thus enhancing versatility and convenience in usage. This makes it not just affordable, but also a great choice for producers or DJs frequently on the road or for those with space constraints at their setup.
For anyone in the market for a new MIDI keyboard controller, the Native Instruments M32 offers cost-efficiency without compromising on quality or functionality, a trait that is rare to find in this price range.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Native Instruments M32 is an extraordinary MIDI keyboard controller that offers impressive capabilities in a compact and highly portable package. Its well-thought-out design caters perfectly to the needs of music producers who are frequently on the move or those working in limited spaces.
The M32 might be small in size, but it is significant in performance. Featuring 32 velocity-sensitive keys, the M32 is capable of delivering nuanced expression and control. The keys are satisfyingly responsive, offering a comfortable playing experience that rivals larger, more expensive controllers.
In addition, its tight integration with the Native Instruments software ecosystem is a considerable advantage. Users can easily navigate through sound libraries and tweak parameters directly from the device using the encoder knobs and OLED display, thereby enhancing your workflow efficiency.
However, some users might find the small keys less pleasing if they’re used to full-size keys. Also, the pitch and mod touch strips, albeit innovative, might not resonate well with those preferring traditional pitch wheels.
Therefore, the Native Instruments M32 is undeniably an excellent choice for musicians and music producers who need a compact yet powerful controller. Despite some limitations, its performance capabilities, portability, and comprehensive software bundle offer exciting value that you rarely find in controllers of this price bracket. If you’re a fan of Native Instruments’ products or you’re looking for convenience and performance in a small package, the M32 should be on your shortlist.
Remember, in the end, the suitability of this device entirely depends on your specific requirements and individual preferences. So, consider the features it offers and see if these align with your needs before making the final decision.