Samson Graphite M25 Mini USB MIDI Controller Review

Hello there! Today, I wanted to share with you my experience using the Samson Graphite M25 MIDI Controller. As someone who loves music and creating my own beats, finding the right MIDI controller has been essential for my creative process. After using the Samson Graphite M25, I can honestly say that it is an great choice for anyone looking for a compact and efficient MIDI controller.

Firstly, the Samson Graphite M25 is incredibly compact, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. It's the perfect size to fit in your backpack, making it easy to transport to and from the studio. Despite its small size, the M25 still has all the essential features you need for creating music. It has 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys for creating melodies and basslines. The keys feel great to play and respond well to different levels of pressure, allowing you to create dynamic and expressive performances.

***After having the keyboard for about 5 years now I have had 3 keys quit working on it however.***

In addition to the keys, the M25 also has four backlit drum pads that are perfect for triggering samples and loops. These pads are responsive and have a great feel to them, making them perfect for finger drumming. There are also four assignable knobs and four assignable buttons that you can use to control various parameters in your software of choice. These knobs and buttons are a great addition to the M25, giving you even more control over your music.

The M25 is also incredibly easy to set up and use. It's class-compliant, which means that it doesn't require any drivers to work with your computer. Simply plug it in, and you're ready to go. Depending on where you purchase the keyboard it can come with a range of software, including Ableton Live Lite and a collection of virtual instruments and effects from Sonivox. This software is a great starting point for anyone who does not already have a DAW.

Key Features

• 25-key velocity-sensitive mini keyboard
• Ultra-portable design, perfect for home studios and on-the-go applications
• Programmable master encoder, eight MIDI assignable knobs and transport controls for hands-on control over your DAW and virtual instruments
• Four velocity-sensitive trigger pads (two banks each) with aftertouch for drum sounds and samples
• Control Change mode sets trigger pads to send control change messages
• Program mode sends program change information
• Four customizable Preset options
• Dedicated Octave and Sustain buttons, Pitch Bend and Modulation strips
• Mini USB port
• iPad and USB bus powered
• Includes mini USB to USB cable

Overall, I'd say that the Samson Graphite M25 MIDI Controller hits the low end of middle of the road quality. It's compact, easy to use, and has all the essential features you need for creating music but does feel cheaply made. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced producer, the M25 is a great MIDI controller to add to your setup if you simply need something to control your DAW that doesn't take up a lot of space and has drum pads and keys.