I’m going to switch my AK for a four. It’s due to space/spouse issue.
What KB controller plays best with A4?
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I know all the keys players will cringe, but I actually like playing with the key-buttons on the A4. It’s all just right there, both hands over all the buttons and knobs, so immediate. Love it.
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I use arturia keystep or roland a01 or little buttons on unit.
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Do you want to use it once a while ?
How many octaves ?
Regular keys ?
After touch ?
I really like my cheap and light Korg Taktile 49, light and quite complete with pads, touchpad, arp…
No aftertouch. There is a 25 keys version.
Personnally I can’t stand small keys, and less than 3 octaves.
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No spouse, more space…and freedom to buy a piano touch 88 keys ! 
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yes, me too
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ditto … perfect
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Get one with a few extra encoders you can dedicate to controlling the parameters you like and perhaps the cool thing might be to get something like a novation remote sl and set up the near-equivalent of the joystick … different layout but still having dual control of modwheel/breath and or pitch in various combinations … this way you can latch modulation which you can’t do so easily with the joystick
definitely get channel aftertouch and maybe even one which supports NRPN midi messaging to drive the fine resolution parameters on the A4 … this aspect may be tricky in practice (though it’s simple on a computer prog (e.g. Lemur/Max) to configure the message structure right)
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I’m really not a keyboard player, but I can on the a4 keys better than anywhere else I’ve tried. I’d love if it were a couple of octaves, but it fits perfectly at 1.
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Some small keyboards :
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There is, indeed, something really special about using the A4 keys. The vibe of playing it was an aspect I was looking forward to when approaching reclaiming an A4.
I just recently got a Korg MicroKeys. Bare minimum space and midi messages, but fits close enough where it’s not too far from anything else I could need to plug in or modify
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I would suggest a Korg Monologue or Novation BassStation. They are both very good monophonic analog synths that you could use as keyboard for the A4 as well. Not that much more expensive than just a controler.
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I really liked the Novation X-Station when I had it for controlling my A4 a while back. If you can find one in good nick then well worth thinking about.
On the point of using the A4’s buttons - it’s certainly got something about it. For me, it’s the best way of getting the most out of its 4 tracks. The AK just naturally makes me want to play poly which narrows my options with it.
Keep in mind that the AK is very small for a 3octave synth! I was really suprised how small the AK is when I put it in my studio. My Virus TI, Moog Little Phatty and Pro2 are much bigger even though the have the same amount of full size keys. I think that the space you save if you replace the AK with an A4 and a keyboard is minimal.
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Thanks for all the advice everyone – very helpful.
I also loved the A4 buttons when I tried then. – I just imagine there may be some occasion where I want a bigger KB/velocity/aftertouch.
I’m leaning towards the Arturia Keystep. I have a monologue but its midi ports are all synced up into my rig so it wouldn’t be very practical…
[quote=“andrewl, post:15, topic:39269”]
I have a monologue but its midi ports are all synced up into my rig so it wouldn’t be very practical…[/quote]
Are you sure you can’t improve your midi setup to use the Monologue ?
Ask to your spouse. 
(I have space/spouse issues too)
I use CME Xkey37.
It’s a bit unusual, but once you’re accustomed with the touch it’s ok.
Velocity, aftertouch, and easy MIDI channel switching so that you can use it with different gear without having to replug your cables…
Oh, and it’s the smallest and lightest 37 keys !
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Isn’t it the main space issue ?
So you already have changed AK for A4 !
AK + A4 is the best combo !
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A piano is “furniture” so it’s acceptable. I got my A4 yesterday. I’m still too attached to the AKeys to sell it.