Anyone know anything about those music maker machine things?

[TableTopppp]

Caveat that I’m not quite sure what I’m talking about but I think I may have seen these things where you press colored light up buttons and can then make up tunes, with looping or repeating beats etc.

If they deffo exist I think my DC would love one but I don’t know where to start.

Does anyone know what I’m talking about? Can you recommend something?

bonus points if it’s a standalone thing (ie doesn’t need to be plugged in to DJ equipment or computer or anything.

Thank you!

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9472495

Is it this?

Is DC a young child or older teen? Search ‘midi controller’ on Google for the non-toy version

Sorry should’ve said it’s for a teen! Who already plays the piano…

More like this?

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4490245 They have more expensive versions in stock too

@TableTopppp What sort of budget are you looking at?

I'm wondering whether a Yamaha digital keyboard might be a bit more the thing if your teen already plays piano. Do they want to start composing?

A Suzuki omnichord?

Like a midi pad controller?

https://amzn.eu/d/2X1tVkg

Trust me!

Yes!! That’s the kind of thing!

They're not typically stand-alone, they're designed to run through a computer with DJ software (or a DAW Digital Audio Workstation technically) alongside other audio input and output equipment. An actual midi pad controller like the one I linked is a piece of DJ equipment that usually requires software like Ableton or Cubase and a decent computer to run it on.

Or you're look at spending a fairly pretty penny for something like the Ableton Move which is standalone and can be used out of the box but costs about £430 last I checked. Or the Ableton Push Standalone which is a bit eye watering £1300. It's a very good piece of kit if your child is genuinely interested in getting into the music making/DJ scene, but they are professional equipment. This isn't a cheap hobby to get into unfortunately!

As a midi pad controller is something designed to be used with a computer, the standalone ones are pricey AF because they have to have the computer built into them, basically.

Novation do some really good starter midi pads that come in under £100 and usually come with starter software in the box, so you won't have to pay through the nose for a software subscription and most basic laptops will run it.

That’s really helpful thank you @JudgeBread. Let’s see what appears on the Xmas list!

Hi JudgeBread… I don’t suppose you have a link for me to follow?
I have an idea that my family member might be interested.

Thank you 🙏🏻

What about a Boss 505 Loop station? I just got one second hand for £300. You would also need a microphone and cables etc.

Not sure which one you're after but:

Here's the Move
Here's the Push
And here's Novation who have loads of great starter gear and also do refurbished kit at a very reasonable discount