Evolution MK-449C versus Radium49

Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 3:30 pm

Hey all,

I am looking for a MIDI controller and I think I have decided on a 49 key model, but I cannot decide between the Evolution and the Radium.

I will use the controller with Reaktor 5 and record into FLStudio 6. Both controllers look appealing as I love the combination of wheels, sliders and knobs on both. The Evolution clearly has more assignable MIDI buttons and has a memory bank to store patches, but I am not sure if the Radium has a memory bank. I also like the backlit LCD screen on the Evolution.

Since I cannot find either in my area I am forced to order online and cannot see or feel the unit beforehand. I realize this is largely a matter of personal taste, but if anybody has used these controllers, how do the quality and feel compare? From just looking at pictures online it seems that the knobs and sliders on the Evolution look more robust and durable, but looks can be deceiving. Any input on the feel and playability of the keyboards would also be appreciated.

I would love to hear absolutely any input.

Thanks!

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:15 am

KingCrap-O wrote:

Hey all,

I am looking for a MIDI controller and I think I have decided on a 49 key model, but I cannot decide between the Evolution and the Radium.

I will use the controller with Reaktor 5 and record into FLStudio 6. Both controllers look appealing as I love the combination of wheels, sliders and knobs on both. The Evolution clearly has more assignable MIDI buttons and has a memory bank to store patches, but I am not sure if the Radium has a memory bank. I also like the backlit LCD screen on the Evolution.

Since I cannot find either in my area I am forced to order online and cannot see or feel the unit beforehand. I realize this is largely a matter of personal taste, but if anybody has used these controllers, how do the quality and feel compare? From just looking at pictures online it seems that the knobs and sliders on the Evolution look more robust and durable, but looks can be deceiving. Any input on the feel and playability of the keyboards would also be appreciated.

I would love to hear absolutely any input.

Thanks!

I've got the Evolution MK249. It's a really simple, straightforward device. It's been more durable than I thought it would be too. I originally bought it for my home studio to use with programs like Native Instruments B4 and Kontakt, but I've since used it live a few times with my laptop. With my setup I get a little latency, but that's not the controller's fault. Live, I'll use it with an EMU PK6, and the feeling between the keyboards is VERY noticable, the EMU feels a thousand times better to play. Originally, I thought the small pitch and mod wheel would be a problem, but it actually ended up working fine. I use the crap out of my mod wheel with B4 to change the Leslie speed.

I've had mine since 2002 and have moved three times since then. As I mentioned, I've also taken it to probably twenty or thirty live gigs. I don't have a case for it, and just toss it in the back with the gear. It cost me $100, so I'm not too worried about it, but it hasn't had a single problem yet.

This topic sponsored by: