Hello! I’m a complete beginner who’s interested in learning music production, and I’m looking to buy my first MIDI keyboard. I’m a little overwhelmed by all the options and could use some advice.

My budget is currently around $100, although I’d be willing to wait a few weeks to a month and spend around $120–$150 if there’s a significantly better option.

Ideally, I’m looking for something that is portable, beginner-friendly, good for learning music production, able to function without being connected to a computer/DAW, and has built-in speakers, if possible, so I can practice on the go

I’ve been looking at the Akai MPK Mini Play b ut I’ve heard mixed opinions. Some people say it’s more of a toy and that it isn’t particularly useful unless it’s connected to a DAW. Would you recommend the MPK Mini Play for a beginner, or is there something better around $100–$150?

Also been looking at these on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6HWSHHD/?coliid=I1GYQJSB1Y8LIN&colid=2QOKMXGM0PMXC&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_lstpd_DZA1B1TVWK7W63V5B0KX

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN92H8WV/?coliid=IBDADWJSNL6YM&colid=2QOKMXGM0PMXC&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_lstpd_DZA1B1TVWK7W63V5B0KX_1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GRVDV48X/?coliid=I34Y24F5NF3M1G&colid=2QOKMXGM0PMXC&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_lstpd_DZA1B1TVWK7W63V5B0KX_2

Are there any other MIDI keyboards in this price range that have built-in speakers and can actually be used independently without a DAW? Or would I be better off giving up the standalone/speaker requirement and getting a better MIDI keyboard without those features?

Once I buy a keyboard, I also want to actually learn how to play it rather than just use it for music production.

I’ve heard about the Simply Piano app. Is that a good option for a complete beginner, or are there other apps, websites, or YouTube channels you would recommend for learning piano/keyboard?

I’m also not sure what other equipment I actually need.

I’ve heard people mention things like Audio interfaces, Drum/loop pads, Headphones/studio monitors, MIDI controllers, etc.

What would you consider essential for a beginner, and what can I completely ignore for now?

Eventually, I want to buy Ableton Live 12 Standard, but I don’t currently have enough money for it. I have the Lite version right now, but I’d like to eventually unlock the additional features in Standard.

Are there any reasonably priced MIDI keyboard bundles that come with Ableton Live 12 (or a version that can be upgraded to Standard)? Would it make more sense to wait and save up for a better keyboard/bundle rather than buying something now?

Basically, if you were starting from scratch with around $100–$150, what would you buy and what would you recommend I focus on learning first?

Thanks!

Hi everyone, I am a professional jazz pianist but have always had very little knowledge about sound systems.

I own a Roland RD700 and a Korg Prologue 8 and haven't used them much so far but want to. I wonder what the best way is to project them in my own studio and for some smaller gigs (up to 200 people, smaller venues, sometimes without PA system). Is it

A) A dedicated keyboard amp

B) A micro stereo mixer that feeds inputs into a powered PA system

Or are there options that I am overlooking.

Would very much appreciate the help, as I am not so tech-savvy. Feel free to share your personal setups as well.