Taetro’s Tiny MIDI Marvel: The Wavy Monkey

Enter the Wavy Monkey, a Bluetooth MIDI keyboard that’s smaller than a bag of Cheetos but might just rock your world. Taetro kicks off with a note that he’s under no strings to praise the Monkey – it’s all about genuine curiosity and the sweet price point under $70. With some seductive octave changes and MIDI channel swaps, the little keyboard already shows it’s more than just a novelty item. Change channels, and it’s like flipping through radio stations back in the day – different jams, same device. Monkey’s beginnings might be humble, but it’s got the ambition of a beginner DJ about to make the leap.

Now, what truly makes the Monkey a beast is the slew of features Taetro unpacks. When he hits that shift button, it’s like opening Pandora’s box of sound. With a hold and an arpeggiator, the crafty musician in all of us gets a chance to shine – you know, that wild jam session vibe even if you’re just in your living room. Those presets? A quick shift and it’s like changing the face on a mood ring – this device is a straight-up chameleon. Then there’s the double and stutter modes, injecting a playful backbeat into your tracks that’s practically infectious. Tempo changes on this thing are like flipping a mixtape for a new ride. BPM adjustments turn this budget beast into a rhythm-controlling demon.

The Monkey doesn’t just stop at beats – Taetro shows off its looper, a feature that might seem unlikely in such a small package. Recording loops and getting those beats on lock feels like a game, even if it’s got the depth of a kiddie pool. Yet, despite its simplicity, it invites creative exploration, making your DAW work feel a bit more hands-on. But, hey, all good things come with caveats. Want to nail those rhythms without moving the darn thing all over your desk? You better hold on tight, ’cause otherwise it’ll slide like a patty on a greasy grill. It’s all Bluetooth, so peripherals better have the right wave signals unless you’re willing to bulk it up with extra gear. But for the price and size, it’s fighting above its weight like an alley cat with a cause.