The Novation FLKey Mini is a device that has redefined portable music production and performance. This compact but mighty MIDI keyboard controller is quickly becoming a must-have gadget for music professionals and enthusiasts alike, enriching music production with its variety of features and user-friendly interface. This article delves into a detailed review of the Novation FLKey Mini, exploring its functionalities, pros, cons, and real-world application, providing insights to help you decide if this is the right tool to enhance your music creation process.
Contents
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon receipt of the Novation FLKEY Mini, you immediately notice its compact and sleek design. The packaging itself is sturdy and well-designed, providing adequate protection during delivery. Once you break the seal and start unboxing, your first impression is likely to be how surprisingly light yet robust the device feels.
It’s impressively small and portable. Despite its small footprint, it houses 25 mini piano-style keys, 16 pads, and 8 knobs. Each component is well-placed, ensuring intuitive operation from the get-go. The keys are velocity-sensitive allowing you to play your compositions expressively. The pads feel responsive and will certainly satisfy users who need to program drums or trigger samples.
What’s more, the FLKEY Mini includes impressive features such as the arpeggiator, fixed chord mode and the powerful capacitive pitch and modulation touch sliders. Despite its size and price point, Novation didn’t skimp on features when designing the FLKEY Mini.
After unboxing, the set up was super straightforward. You simply plug it into your computer via the provided USB cable, it’s a true plug-and-play device which requires no extra steps apart from registering the product on Novation’s website, which is necessary to activate bundled software.
Overall, the unboxing experience and first impression of the Novation FLKEY Mini is a positive one. It’s clear that this little MIDI controller is packed with features and has been designed with both the beginner and more experienced music producer in mind.
| Product Name | Amazon Link |
|---|---|
| Novation FLkey Compact Keyboard Studio | Find more info on Amazon here! |
| Novation 25 Key Keyboard Controller Sustain | Find more info on Amazon here! |
Key Features and Functionality
The Novation FLkey Mini is packed with robust features that enhance its functionality and set it apart from other MIDI keyboards in the market.
Portable and Compact Design
One of the most remarkable features of the FLkey Mini is its compact and portable design. It’s lightweight and small, making it ideal for musicians and producers on the go.
16 Velocity-sensitive Pads
The device features 16 velocity-sensitive pads that enable dynamic drum and sample triggers. These sensitive and reactive pads allow for an expressive performance, making your beats appear more nuanced and detailed.
Eight Rotary Knobs
The Novation FLkey Mini also comes with eight rotary knobs that can be used for adjusting levels and tweaking parameters. These knobs are easy to control and add flexibility to your performances.
Assignable Controls
The utility of this MIDI controller is enhanced by its assignable controls. Depending on your production or performance needs, you can assign the buttons, knobs, and touch strips to control various parameters. This gives you full artistic reign over your music.
Integration with Popular DAWs
The Novation FLkey Mini seamlessly integrates with popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. Functionally, this means you can control your software with physical knobs and buttons, facilitating a tactile music production experience.
Included Software and Virtual Instruments
Apart from its noteworthy hardware features, the Novation FLkey Mini also impresses in terms of software. It comes with a collection of free software and virtual instruments which can be a great starting point for beginners or a welcome addition to any producer’s toolkit.
USB Powered
Another compelling feature of this controller is that it’s USB-powered. This means you won’t have to worry about having another power adapter lying around. Simply plug the FLkey Mini into your laptop or computer, and you’re ready to start making music.
In short, the Novation FLkey Mini is a compact yet versatile MIDI controller. It’s packed with features that can facilitate your music production process and enhance your creative performance.
Sound Quality and Performance
The Novation FLKey Mini impresses with its sound quality and overall performance. Despite its size, this compact MIDI keyboard controller is capable of delivering big sound, making it perfect for both professional musicians and beginners alike.
The most important aspect to mention when talking about sound quality is the keyboard’s four touch-sensitive knobs, which let you tweak your sound to perfection in real time. Plus, with the device’s 16 velocity-sensitive performance pads, you’re able to craft your music with a personal touch, mimicking the nuances of a live instrument.
Another standout feature that improves both, the sound quality and usability, is the highly versatile 25-mini-key playing surface that instantaneously responds to your touch, making your performances lively and expressive. It doesn’t matter whether you’re producing fast-paced techno music or a slow, soulful ballad — the FLKey Mini will be capable of keeping up.
As for performance, the integrated USB port ensures seamless connection to your computer, thereby resulting in low latency. This means you can play your keys or pads and hear the sound instantly, with no discernible delay. Reliable, fast, and responsive, the Novation FLKey Mini sets the standard for what a MIDI keyboard of this size can offer.
Besides the top-notch sound quality, Novation has complemented this outstanding performance with thoughtful design features. For example, the incorporation of pitch bend, modulation, and octave control buttons allow you to fully harness the power of your DAW’s synths and virtual instruments, thereby offering a wider range of performance opportunities.
In summary, boasting a robust and solid built design, the Novation FLKey Mini provides a comprehensive and efficient toolset for sound building, ensuring top-quality performance every time you use it. It is user-friendly and intuitive, making music creation a breeze, no matter what level you’re at. The device’s superior sound quality, combined with its smooth and responsive performance, makes it an absolute gem in the world of compact MIDI keyboard controllers.
Connectivity and Integration
The exceptional connectivity of the Novation FLKEY Mini makes it a convenient choice for a wide range of users. It’s equipped with MIDI OUT and USB ports, providing a variety of options for connecting to different devices. Modern music producers who use multiple devices in their workflow will find the flexibility of the Novation FLKEY Mini to be a tremendous asset.
When it comes to integration, the Novation FLKEY Mini is truly outstanding. It is fully compatible with most major Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio, to name a few. This seamless integration provides users with the ability to control their digital music production software directly from the keyboard. This multi-functionality offers users a more efficient and intuitive way to create music.
Notably, the Novation FLKEY Mini also integrates well with iOS devices using an optional camera connection kit. This feature enables musicians to produce music on-the-go using iOS music apps. This way, even when you are away from your studio, you can still continue to produce and record music using an iPad or iPhone, further enhancing the portable aspect of the Novation FLKEY Mini.
Additionally, the Novation Components software further enhances its integration capabilities. This browser-based software allows you to customize the MIDI mappings, configure the control settings, and even store your setups on the cloud. This means that no matter where you are, you can access your personalized setup and produce music according to your workflow.
In summary, the connectivity and integration features of the Novation FLKEY Mini are top-notch. Whether you’re a beginner, an on-the-go producer, or a professional looking to streamline your setup, these features provide ample opportunities to enhance your music production process.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Portability: The Novation FLKEY mini is ultra-portable and lightweight, making it a perfect option for musicians on the go.
- Seamless integration: This device seamlessly integrates with many digital audio workstations including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio and others.
- Functionality: Despite its size, this MIDI controller is versatile and packed with features such as pitch bend and modulation touch strip, velocity-sensitive keys, and assignable knobs.
- Durable build: The unit is sturdy and feels durable, which allows it to withstand the rigors of constant transportation.
- Affordable: Another major plus is its affordability, making it accessible to hobbyists and beginners alike who might have a tight budget.
Cons:
- Limited keys: It features 25 mini keys. For some musicians, especially those used to a full-size keyboard, this could feel restricting.
- No aftertouch: The keyboard does not have an aftertouch feature, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
- Lacks a Display: The Novation FLKEY mini does not have its own display. This could make it less intuitive to program and adjust settings without a computer.
- Requires a learning curve: The controller’s vast array of capabilities and features, might require time to fully understand and use effectively.
- Power supply concerns: Some users have stated that the device does not always power up properly when connected to certain USB ports, which can be frustrating.
Comparisons with Other Products
Novation FLkey Mini certainly holds its own when compared to other similar products in the market. Let’s see how it compares with other popular models in terms of portability, functionality, and price.
When compared to the Akai MPK Mini MkII, one of the most immediate differences is the presence of velocity-sensitive keys on Novation FLkey Mini, which gives it an advantage in dynamic playing feel. Additionally, the FLkey Mini provides Pro Tools First and Ableton Live Lite, software usually found in more premium models which is a major plus. Their sizes are similar, but the Novation keyboard feels more compact due to the efficient placement of controls.
The Arturia MiniLab MkII is another strong competitor. Both have similar sizes and offer velocity-sensitive keys. While Arturia has 16 encoders in comparison to Novation’s eight, Novation makes up for this with its pads which can serve multiple functions including triggering drum sounds and controlling loop functions. In terms of software, Novation still leads, offering both Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First.
Comparing the Novation FLkey Mini to the Alesis V Mini, the Alesis does not include as many drum pads, and its keys are not velocity-sensitive, giving Novation a clear advantage for users looking for more expressive and dynamic play. However, the Alesis is slightly cheaper, which may make it a more attractive option for those on a budget.
Finally, comparing it to the Nektar SE25, both offer highly portable designs, while Novation has more features, including eight control knobs, and sixteen multifunction performance pads.
Overall, Novation FLkey Mini offers a good balance between portability, functionality, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for music enthusiasts and professionals seeking a mini MIDI controller. Users get a high degree of control and a generous software bundle usually seen in more expensive models, making it an attractive option amidst strong competition.
Price Point and Value for Money
Novation’s FLKey Mini is an impressive piece of hardware that comes at a surprisingly affordable price. Given its extensive features and high-quality build, it provides excellent value for money. One of its key selling points is its portability. Despite its small size, the FLKey Mini offers robust functionality that is on par with many larger, more expensive MIDI controllers.
At its price point, one might expect the Mini to skimp on features or build quality. However, Novation has done an excellent job of delivering professional-quality tools at a consumer-friendly price. Its solid construction and sleek design make it feel durable and premium, belying its budget-friendly cost.
The FLKey Mini provides users with all the basics one would expect from a MIDI controller, such as velocity-sensitive keys and assignable knobs, but it also comes with additional features such as a comprehensive software bundle. This suite includes popular DAWs like Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, and more, offering significant added value at no extra cost.
In the world of music production, where equipment costs can quickly become prohibitive, Novation’s FLKey Mini stands out by delivering a professional-grade experience without breaking the bank. It’s an offering that hits the sweet spot between affordability and quality, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced musicians on a budget.
While some users might have particular preferences for a specific feature set, in terms of overall value for money, it’s hard to beat the Novation FLKey Mini. For its price point, it delivers a range of features and a user experience that are usually found in a much higher price bracket, proving once again that fantastic value doesn’t always equate to a hefty price tag.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In conclusion, the Novation FLkey Mini is an impressive and compact MIDI controller ideal for beginners and professionals alike, particularly those who are frequently on the go. With its portable size and the ability to integrate easily with different DAWs like Ableton Live and FL Studio, it serves as a versatile tool for a myriad of music production and live performance applications.
The FLkey Mini doesn’t compromise on quality despite it’s smaller, more compact size. It features 25-mini key synth action and 16 velocity-sensitive pads. The 8 knobs provide versatile control over your sounds, and the added bonus of pitch and modulation strips make it adaptable to a wide range of musical endeavors, providing a high level of control for such a small device.
One minor drawback is that the keys may feel a little small and cramped for those with larger hands. Yet, this is a small compromise to make for its affordability and portability. Also, a novice user might find the lack of a display a bit challenging as it complicates adjustments of parameters.
Despite these minor setbacks, the Novation FLkey Mini still stands as a solid choice for a portable MIDI keyboard controller. It offers excellent value for its price, with its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and seamless integration with various software.
Professional music makers needing a compact, travel-friendly controller, or beginners looking for an affordable yet robust MIDI controller will both find the Novation FLkey Mini to be an advantageous tool in their musical inventories.
Therefore, we strongly recommend the Novation FLkey Mini to any music enthusiast looking for a versatile, quality, and portable MIDI keyboard controller within a budget-friendly range. It is a brilliant piece of gear that exceeds expectations and certainly gives you a bang for your buck.