The BEST Midi Keyboard for FL Studio! Novation FLkey 61 Review

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What's the best midi controller or midi keyboard for FL Studio? In this video, I'll do a review of the Novation FLkey 61. The Novation FLkey midi keyboards are the first midi keyboards specifically made for FL Studio users. They offer full integration with FL Studio, allowing you to control almost anything without taking your hands off the keyboard. This on approach can really help speed up your workflow, and save you a lot of time. I found that recording, quantizing, dumping the score log, undoing/redoing etc was much faster when using this method than the traditional way.
These midi controllers come in four different sizes. The smallest is the Flkey mini, then there's the flkey 37, flkey 49 and flkey 61, for those who need a full-sized keyboard. In other words, something for everyone.
These are the first midi keyboards made specifically for FL Studio. They offer all the features you'd want in a midi keyboard in this price range. They also offer good build quality. The keys in particular are better than many other budget midi keyboards. With the best FL Studio integration of any midi keyboard out there, affordable price and good build quality, it's hard not to recommend the new FLkey line to anyone who uses FL studio.
Note: In the newest firmware update it is now possible to turn off the lights by holding shift and settings for two seconds.
Buy the Novation FLkey here:
(Global Amazon links)
FLkey mini: geni.us/flkey-mini
FLkey 37: geni.us/flkey-37
FLkey 49: geni.us/flkey-49
FLkey 61: geni.us/flkey-61
Buy the Novation FLkey from Sweetwater (USA):
Flkey Mini: sweetwater.sjv.io/eKZAaX
FLkey 37: sweetwater.sjv.io/q4XrJ5
FLkey 49: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyN11e
FLkey 61: sweetwater.sjv.io/Jzy5ER
How to map midi controllers in FL Studio: • How To Map Midi Contro...
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RECOMMENDED STUDIO GEAR:
(Amazon links below)
AUDIO INTERFACE:
☑️ Focusrite Scarlett Solo: geni.us/scarlettsolo-3rd-gen
☑️ Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen): geni.us/scarlett-4i4
REFERENCE HEADPHONES:
☑️ AKG 612 PRO: geni.us/akg-k612pro
☑️ Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: geni.us/DT-990-pro
BUDGET MONITORS:
☑️ 5": Yamaha HS5: geni.us/Yamaha-HS5
☑️ 7": ADAM Audio: geni.us/Adam-Audio-T7V
☑️ 8": Yamaha HS8: geni.us/Yamaha-HS8
PROFESSIONAL MONITORS:
☑️ 7": ADAM Audio A7V: geni.us/ADAM-A7V
SUBWOOFER:
☑️ KRK 10S2 V2: geni.us/krk-10s2v2
MICROPHONE:
☑️ Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone: geni.us/at2020microphone
☑️ Vocal recording booth/stand for microphone: geni.us/mic_shield_kit
XLR CABLES:
☑️ TISINO 35 ft Balanced XLR cable for mic: geni.us/xlr3ftoxlr3m
☑️ Monoprice 6 ft Balanced XLR Cable for monitors: geni.us/monoprice104761
SHORTCUT KEYBOARD:
☑️ Backlit FL Studio Shortcut Keyboard: geni.us/flstudio-keyboard
☑️Get The Complete Idiot's Guide To Music Theory Here: geni.us/idiotsguidemusictheory
PROFESSIONAL ACOUSTIC TREATMENT:
☑️ GIK Acoustic panels: www.gikacoustics.com/
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
#flstudio #flkey #review
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✔️ VST & Effect Plugins:
pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=5d4...
✔️ Premium Loops And Sample Packs:
www.loopmasters.com/?a_aid=5d...
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00:00 introduction
00:25 Novation FLkey 61 unboxing
00:42 Input/outputs
00:52 Full FL Studio Integration
01:08 Control FL Studio from the midi keyboard itself
01:19 How to record into the step sequencer with ovation FLkey
01:46 How to change what's being controlled
02:03 Upgraded transport controls
02:14 Enhanced workflow when recording midi with flkey
02:43 Flkey 49 and FLkey 61 knobs and faders
03:32 build quality
03:59 Nektar Impact LX49+ vs FLkey 61 key dampening comparison
04:31 Novation Flkey cons
05:00 Novation FLkey pros
❤️ Support this channel on Patreon:
/ firewalkmusic
❤️ Support us with a one-time PayPal donation:
www.paypal.me/firewalkmusic
🎹 Do you need professional feedback on your music? Or perhaps mastering? Check out my gigs on Fiverr: www.fiverr.com/firewalk
Releasing a song? Save money on DistroKid by using my discount link: distrokid.com/vip/firewalk
Follow FireWalk on social media:
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/ djfirewalk
/ firewalk_music
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📧 Business inquiries:
firewalk.official@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 60

  • @FireWalkMusic
    @FireWalkMusic5 ай бұрын

    Buy the Novation FLkey here: (Global Amazon links) FLkey mini: geni.us/flkey-mini FLkey 37: geni.us/flkey-37 FLkey 49: geni.us/flkey-49 FLkey 61: geni.us/flkey-61 Buy the Novation FLkey from Sweetwater (USA): Flkey Mini: sweetwater.sjv.io/eKZAaX FLkey 37: sweetwater.sjv.io/q4XrJ5 FLkey 49: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyN11e FLkey 61: sweetwater.sjv.io/Jzy5ER Releasing a song? Save money on DistroKid by using my discount link: distrokid.com/vip/firewalk 🎹 Do you need professional feedback on your music? Or perhaps mastering? Check out my gigs on Fiverr: www.fiverr.com/firewalk

  • @HellFireno88

    @HellFireno88

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks

  • @NovationHelp
    @NovationHelp4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time to create this, it's great to see that you're a fan. You may be interested to know that in the v1.1.1 update, we added the ability to switch on/off the Pads and LEDs when not in use. You just need to press and hold 'Shift' and 'Settings' for 2 seconds.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    4 ай бұрын

    You're welcome! Overall, I'm very pleased with this keyboard and I think it's one of the best choices for anyone who uses FL Studio and looking to buy a MIDI keyboard in this price range. Someone mentioned this in the comments about a week ago, so I went ahead and updated the firmware on mine, and it works. This little "hack" is now included in the video description. :) Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of this when I made the video.

  • @VenVile

    @VenVile

    4 ай бұрын

    😮 This is a very thoughtful feature! Thanks!

  • @Frikoppie

    @Frikoppie

    3 ай бұрын

    I'll just ask you directly, is it a full analog position sensing keyboard? Coz velocity is easily derived from position.

  • @Frikoppie

    @Frikoppie

    3 ай бұрын

    I highly recommend you consider the Razer Huntsman v3 and Steelseries Apex Pro mechanisms. I could say more (I'm a geometer/physicist/coder, etc), but I don't want to rant too much now. Oh and my initials are actually F(G)L.

  • @freakdog
    @freakdog5 ай бұрын

    The quantise is awesome! Nice keyboard!

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    Indeed! I find it super useful! 😀

  • @RookSoto
    @RookSoto5 ай бұрын

    I have (and love) the mini. Wasn't sure about getting the 61 until this video. Thanks!

  • @RuhkcusTV

    @RuhkcusTV

    5 ай бұрын

    is there a way to update the firmware on it? and have you done so before?

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    The mini is great for anyone with limited space, or who wants to take it along when traveling for example. The 61 is ideal for people who like a full-sized keyboard and like to use both hands for example. :) The larger ones also have more faders, buttons etc than the mini.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    @@RuhkcusTV You can update it here: support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360002211360-Updating-firmware-using-Novation-Components I recommend using the web version (the standalone version didn't work for me): components.novationmusic.com/ Make sure that FL Studio is closed when doing this. If another program is using the midi then it will fail to update the firmware.

  • @konstantinosl2839
    @konstantinosl28394 ай бұрын

    Very helpful video,thank you FireWalk!

  • @kevintran9321
    @kevintran93215 ай бұрын

    Great review! Might get myself the flkey mini at some point.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @thomasfroland762
    @thomasfroland7624 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this!

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    4 ай бұрын

    You're welcome 🙂

  • @c1966m
    @c1966m5 ай бұрын

    Good to hear you review Firewalk. I recently got the FL Keys 37 and sent it back, as an experienced FL user it slowed me down, the opposite of what I thought, found the whole thing convoluted. For example assigning a parameter, you have to press shift/ custom, them move the knob you want to assign to instead of just simply moving the knob. Or when you have a lot of channels in the rack and mixer, using the FL key to scroll through to change levels or pan just takes so much longer than simply doing it with the mouse. But yep the keys were really nice, much better than my Alesis Q49, In my mind It's designed to use FL with the channel rack a lot, yep - "making beats" like you say if that's what the user wants great. I also think for someone new to FL that needs a controller they'd probably find it really fun and useful. As you mention I found the screen useless, if you're left handed your hands constantly over the tiny screen, it should be raised at an angle. All in all I was constantly looking first at the FL keys, then looking at the screen, instead of just looking at the screen and whizzing around getting stuff done with the mouse super quick. Hopefully that'll help someone.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    You're welcome. I've seen some people working really fast on the FLkey, but I kind of agree that it's not immediately intuitive for everyone, and I too work kind of slow on it still. I suppose some people are more "hands-on" than others. It will certainly take some getting used to, but once you get into the workflow I'm certain it will speed up workflow tremendously, especially if you like to work in the step sequencer a lot. Probably particularly useful for people who prefer making their own beats. I must say that I really enjoy the enhanced transport controls on this thing. Makes it much faster to record something, undo, try again, dump the score log, and quantize. Just that alone is kind of worth going for this in my opinion. :) And of course, the keys, which are no doubt among the best I've seen in this price range. :)

  • @ddeafner
    @ddeafner26 күн бұрын

    I just got the 49 key version and I love how well integrated it is within FL Studio. Compared to using my previous AKAI MPK49, its way easier!

  • @HellFireno88
    @HellFireno885 ай бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    You're welcome 😀

  • @JostSchwider
    @JostSchwider5 ай бұрын

    Thanx a lot! 👍💚

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    You're welcome 😀

  • @kinglions23
    @kinglions235 ай бұрын

    Sup, first let me say I love ur videos bruh, My thing is how can they create a midi keyboard (any) but this 1 specifically for fl with without a !!! LOOP !!! Button, it's one of the main things I look for in a midi keyboard is Transport keys, They almost did it right, and the kicker is novation made a keyboard before that has a loop button, it's ridiculous. Keep doing your thing with the videos, You keep me refreshed & informed on things I didn't know or forgot about FL & producing , I really do appreciate your hard work.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks! Glad to hear that you enjoy the videos! :) By loop, do you mean the song/pattern mode? or the loop recording mode? Transport controls typically can't be overridden by custom global links in FL Studio, but it might be possible to set this up as a custom mode in the FLkey itself. You can go to components.novationmusic.com/flkey/ and see if there's anything there. I haven't looked much into this myself yet, to be honest.

  • @kinglions23

    @kinglions23

    5 ай бұрын

    @@FireWalkMusic I'm talking about the Loop recording, I had a loop button on my m-audio axiom 49, but the keyboard stopped working on me. I was really happy when they introduced the FL key specifically for fl, imagine my disappointment.. when I didn't see a loop button. lol.. but' o well, I'll take your advice yet again & look more into custom modes in FLkeys , Thanks again for the info, but this time thanks for responding & helping me specifically.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    @@kinglions23 You're welcome 😀

  • @tobiastho9639
    @tobiastho96394 ай бұрын

    I can recommend getting an USB with on/off switch. There are plenty options...

  • @justin6point7
    @justin6point75 ай бұрын

    I want the 61 for the extended key range and faders on my desktop, but I wish it had a built in XY pad. I haven't messed with the stock Effector plugin much, but if it had a control surface, it would be nice to have a keyboard with a built in Kaoss Pad, so you can hold a key and XY modulate the parameters. I was thinking it might need something like a Korg nanoPad, but the nanoKontrol is awful for FL, so I don't know if I'd trust the nanoPad mapping any better. I like the idea of the quantize button for loop editing, but an arpeggiator would be way more functional for live performance.. guess I'll still use a 1998 Yamaha DJX-1 for that basic keyboard feature. A couple functions to add to a Pro version of the 61? Maybe Novation will make a MiniFaderBank and MiniXYControl to pair with the MiniKey for a trio of mobile mini controllers? There's optimism.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    You should send them an email and suggest it to them. Apparently, they listened to the community and released the larger 49 and 61 key versions. After getting some backlash regarding the lack of a dedicated power button on the back, apparently the newest firmware now makes it possible to hold shift and settings at the same time to turn off the lights. So they do seem to listen. :)

  • @Juliano_DJOL
    @Juliano_DJOL3 ай бұрын

    I think my mpk249 trumps this by a good amount and cld probably be found around the same price! I use it with Logic on a Mac and then use my older Nektar Impact in FL in PC.

  • @user-de4tq1bm9i
    @user-de4tq1bm9i23 күн бұрын

    Heisann igjen. Jeg sitter enda og ser på videoene dine og lærer mer om fl studio. Jeg har allerede ett piano stående som er 88 tangenters ikke midi keyboard. . Men jeg er helt enig med deg og heller kjøpe en 61 tangenters midi keyboard. Jeg vurderer sterkt og kjøpe en slik novation fordi det også støttes av fl studio. Ikke at jeg kommer til å bruke de knappene til trommer. Men det viktigste er vel bare for å kunne teste lyder og ta opp litt forskjellige ting på midi keyboardet i forskjellige rytmer :) Enda bedre er det hvis det går ann å putte keyboardet under bordet. Foreksempel kunne dra midi keyboardet ut når man vil og at det ikke stanger i føttene på bordet :) alt avhenger av størrelsen selvsagt :) Jeg liker også når midi keyboardet har litt mer trykk i seg og ikke bare blir billige fjæringer når man spiller på det. Btw. Håper du kan lage enda mer innhold angående EQ. Jeg har prøvd å kikke gjennom noen fl studio bøker men noen av de nevner ingenting om gain staging osv.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    23 күн бұрын

    Ja det er veldig skjelden man trenger 88. 61 er mer enn nok til to hender som regel. Dette er jo et keyboard i "budskjettklassen", men syntes det er en av de med bedre fjæring. Det er ofte veldig plastikk-aktig og veldig dårlig demping på de billigere varientene, men dette var helt ok. Transport kontrollene, undo, redo osv er faktisk veldig praktisk, spesielt i piano roll. :) Jeg har noen videoer om EQ generelt, og EQ av bass, kick osv. Har også en video om gain staging. Bare søk etter det på kanalen så dukker det nok opp. Har planer om å lage mer EQ relaterte videoer :)

  • @mikelawson9805
    @mikelawson98055 ай бұрын

    With the latest firmware update you can hold shift and settings together and it will turn all the lights off

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    That's awesome! I'll add that to the description. Thanks for the tip!

  • @wyshwood
    @wyshwood5 ай бұрын

    I assume the integration includes expression on the fader for playing virtual orchestral samples? Looks pretty good all round.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    I'm sure that's possible. I haven't had enough time to test it out much, beyond FL Studio itself and the native plugins yet, but I see you can also download custom modes and set it up with novation components. It is also possible to manually set up global links in FL Studio, which will work across different projects. I have a video about that here:kzread.info/dash/bejne/f6iXvJSYZqytZMY.htmlsi=DvJbyy78hB2PVYgB

  • @ottomanbeatsofficial
    @ottomanbeatsofficial3 ай бұрын

    How do you do your expressions with kontakt instruments? I have a oriental strings library, which has “heart of violins” expression (Crescendo Decrescendo). Linking Midi cc11 to the mod wheel is suppose to do the job, but the way fl studio is, it doesn’t work as it should. When i link the cc11 it just does the regular dynamics like how it would be with orchestral libraries. Even the image line employees from the forum admitted that what im trying to do isnt so simple & even if i get a expression pedal it wont work. They say its possible with patcher but thats another headache of its own.

  • @RuhkcusTV
    @RuhkcusTV5 ай бұрын

    did you have to update the firmware on it before using it? hearing that the smallest model crashes sometimes and stops working in FL unless its unplugged and re plugged in.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    No, I haven't updated the firmware. Just plugged it in, and it worked nicely right away. 😊

  • @RuhkcusTV

    @RuhkcusTV

    5 ай бұрын

    @@FireWalkMusic which firmware version does it show on your unit when you boot it up? wondering if they are shipping with different/newer FW as l have yet to find a simplistic way to update the firmware

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    @@RuhkcusTV Have you tried this? support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360002211360-Updating-firmware-using-Novation-Components I just updated mine to version 1.1.1 using the web version. For some reason, the standalone version didn't work. It found my flkey 61, but I couldn't press the channel rack button to confirm, so it wouldn't install, but the web version worked (I'm using Google Chrome)

  • @GigaTodd
    @GigaTodd5 ай бұрын

    ❤❤❤

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @GigaTodd

    @GigaTodd

    5 ай бұрын

    @@FireWalkMusic You're welcome.

  • @konstantinosl2839
    @konstantinosl28394 ай бұрын

    I use FLstudio for electronic music production,for the moment i'm using Traktor audio 6 as the main soundcard because i'm mixing music also with Traktor Pro 3 with dvs. I'm not using any live instruments for my production,do i need also to replace this soundcard with something like FocusRite Scarlett or not? Thank you in advance.

  • @tobiastho9639
    @tobiastho96394 ай бұрын

    Longer cables are coming with downsides too tho...

  • @Frikoppie
    @Frikoppie3 ай бұрын

    Razer Huntsman v3? Coz I mean, full analog, 0th derivative, position sensing. Velocity sensitivity is 2nd derivative. I've occasionally used a Korg 61 key thing, and tbh, while the feel is nice, the build quality and functionality is kinda...meh. Also, from my testing, it seems to only have truncated 3-4bit accuracy. Have a good day.

  • @Suchitttt
    @Suchitttt4 ай бұрын

    I have Fl key 49

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    4 ай бұрын

    💯👍

  • @djbitterdjb4625
    @djbitterdjb46254 ай бұрын

    I'm right-handed . Unfortunately - pads, triggers etc are placed - left. Why ?

  • @VOICEOFINSTANTDEATH
    @VOICEOFINSTANTDEATHАй бұрын

    aint no way i see this after getting one 😭

  • @luiswega
    @luiswega4 ай бұрын

    I just can't stand that old outdated blue display. Why can't they update it to a small black display. Btw the Nektar impact has better keys.

  • @FireWalkMusic

    @FireWalkMusic

    4 ай бұрын

    I agree the screen could have been better. They need to cut costs wherever they can to keep the price down, so I guess it's just something we'll have to live with when it comes to entry-level gear like this. I strongly disagree about the keys though. I have both and I must say that I much prefer the keys on the FLkey over the Nektar impact ones. They feel much softer and not as springy, and they don't make as much noise when you hit them. I suppose it's down to personal preference though. Some people will probably prefer harder keys while others prefer more dampening. :) Ideally, it would be best to go to a store and try a bunch of keyboards first, in order to get a sense of what's preferable. :)

  • @gemstonelabs1
    @gemstonelabs13 ай бұрын

    You missed the biggest problem with this keyboard. There are no led's in the transport controls. That's completely insane!. You still have to constantly look up at the monitor to verify that you're in 'record' mode, which defeats the entire purpose of the controller. It drives me crazy every single day.

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