The best MIDI keyboard controllers are becoming more and more popular today, seeing that technology continues to improve and musicians everywhere are slowly beginning the migration process of switching to a digital setup (or at least a hybrid with both analog and digital setups). I know people who still abide by analog-only equipment for mixing and mastering, but still use their MIDI controller frequently for various production in their studio. We’re huge fans of keyboards and although we still love real synthesizers and drum machines, you just can’t beat the cost-effectiveness and overall usefulness of a keyboard that is custom depending on which virtual instrument you’re using, creating an endless amount of possibilities for sounds and effects.
May 24, 2017 - Head below for our 2017 picks of the best MIDI keyboards for Mac users. However, not only do you get a solid USB/MIDI keyboard controller,.
Let’s review the top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today — both for those who want the best of the best or are on a budget and want the most affordable. How to choose your MIDI keyboard controller First thing’s first. You need to take a few valuable questions into consideration when you’re choosing your MIDI keyboard controller. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before taking a look at what’s out there:. What is your budget? This is the most important question to ask.
There are numerous choices for any price range, from under $100 to $500 or more. Typically, the higher the key count (which is next in importance below), the higher the price.
You’ll also see some extra software included in packages which sometimes increases the price tag, so keep that in mind as well. How many keys would you like your controller to be? There are numerous options, such as: mini-compact 25, 32, 37, 49 (the most popular), 61, or even 88 (the highest — the equivalent to a real piano). Who know those want 88 to truly replicate the look and feel of a real piano, while others who travel a lot, use laptops, or merely don’t mind go with the 25-key option. It all depends on the person. What type of key-make would you like? Whether it’s synth-action, semi-weighted, full-weighted or equipped with aftertouch, it all comes down to preference.
Here’s a quick run down of the different makes of keys typically found in MIDI keyboards:. Synth action: Most of the popular MIDI keyboards come with “synth action” keys, meaning they’re made of plastic and use springs (instead of actual weights) to return the key to its original stance once you’re pressed and released it. The feel is a bit quicker and lighter than other weighted models. For music types and who likes to use them, it’s pretty broad– they work with most genres and really just depends on the person and how they like to play. Semi-weighted: These aren’t made of plastic and springs, but instead combine the spring-loaded build with a built-in light weight for each key. It’s a bit in the middle for when you press it (as compared to the lower end and quickness of synth action, while up next with weighted are heaviest).
Fully-weighted: Most digital pianos have weighted keys because it attempts to truly emulate what it feels like playing the piano. It isn’t completely like playing the real thing, but you’re super close. It’s rare to find a MIDI keyboard with weighted keys, but the more expensive models do have them.
Is portability important to you? If so, you need to keep the overall size into consideration. As stated previously, 25-key and other “mini MIDI keyboards” are ideal for traveling, but we’ve transported our 49-key numerous times, especially for performing live. Do you want your controller to have MIDI pads? A lot of keyboards coming out nowadays include ‘drum pads’ (although not just for drums, other sounds can be assigned to them, too), typically within the 8-16 count range with 3-4 possible banks. If you want a (almost) built-in to your MIDI keyboard as well, this is your best bet to consolidate.
Are any other functions desired? Such as knobs, faders, buttons, mod and pitch bend wheels, or various other performance controls. These are all pluses, but not necessarily musts. Try to keep in mind the way you work, what kind of music you make, or which extra features you see worth the extra money. Does the software bundle included with the keyboards matter to you?
Some come with hefty programs, such as full on, while others some FX or VST’s (sounds to use with your MIDI keyboard) while others do not. Fore more information on this aspect of shopping, we recommend reading Sweetwater’s article. Or if you want an alternative to MIDI, read our or articles.
The top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers Some say MIDI keyboards are one of the most important pieces of when building a studio. Below is our list of top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today. Most of these come in different key counts, provide various additional functions as well as include pads and some decent software bundles. Sift through them and see which fits your budget and overall preferences.
If you need some sounds to go with your controller, remember to check out our post. This is one of our favorites and at the moment top pick for the best MIDI keyboard controller available today. Makes us scratch our heads in confusion with how a controller of this caliber can have such a solid build, include pads and other external functions at almost half the price of its competitors. The Impulse is one of the best MIDI keyboards in the market today and we’ve listed it at #1 for a reason: build, key pad make, etc and budget ratio is almost-perfect. The only downside would be the lack of software bundle, but nowadays a lot of companies are trying to use the inclusion of DAWs and VST’s (ones they make for that matter) to justify an ‘upgrade’ or merely a higher price for the controllers. The Impulse does come with Ableton Live Lite and two pretty good VST’s. It isn’t necessarily as good of a build as Akai but it gets the job done very well.
It’s won our and a few others as well. Key counts available: Main features:. Ultra-responsive semi-weighted keys.
Keys include aftertouch. Assignable options: 8 knobs, 9 faders, 9 buttons (25-key has less). Automap software for easy MIDI control with major DAWs. USB powered. Expression and sustain pedal inputs. MIDI in and out ports. Comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station synth and Loopmasters sample pack The original MPK series of MIDI keyboards by Akai Professional took the market by storm and quickly became one of the favorites in terms of MIDI music equipment.
They’ve come out with a brand new upgrade of their beloved keyboards and they’re very solid in terms of stability and overall assignable functions, not to mention a rather hefty software bundle. Aside from the mini, all key count models come with, and MPC Essentials software (an almost-worthy DAW — we’d still recommend grabbing a more reliable software). Their key make is some of the most solid we’ve felt thus far and the drum pads are RGB backlit and velocity-sensitive — they know what they’re doing. You have a lot of options in terms of key-count and price, ranging from a mini 25-key to a full on 61 key. A bit more expensive than the Novation keyboard but if you’re looking for a better software bundle, an arpeggiator and an overall better build, grab an MPK2.
It’s one of the best MIDI keyboards out there and the user reviews don’t lie. Update: They’ve just come out with their new, so we’re going to see how they stand the test of some time first before we replace it with their MPK2 series. Key counts available: Read our reviews: Main features:. Full-size, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch (all except mini). 16 RGB lit, velocity-sensitive drum pads (4 possible banks for a total of 64 combinations). High-resolution LCD screen.
8 assignable faders, buttons and control knobs. Octave controls. Pitch bend and mod wheels. Relatively solid software bundle We love this keyboard by because of it’s lower retail price for those on a budget.
It’s absolutely perfect for those who don’t need pads or other fancy controls — it keeps it simple with only keys, a pitch and mod wheel and a few other functions. Even more, M-Audio has continuously upgraded the Keystation as time goes on. We had the II roll out a few years ago, and now the MK3 on board with even better stability and features.
Just the essentials at a very affordable price. We personally don’t use knobs and faders, and really don’t touch our pads much. We’re into just keys for a MIDI keyboard, but when we do perform live, tend to break out our other keyboard (MPK2) for that. So this is better for home studios who don’t need a bunch of random buttons but instead simply a nice keyboard to play some MIDI data on.
The key make is solid for the price and is synth-action (a bit more springy than semi and full-weighted, which I like) and comes with a nice software bundle of AIR Music Tech Mini Grand, AIR Music Tech Velvet, AIR Xpand!2, and surprisingly, Pro Tools (M-Audio Edition), as well as Ableton Live Lite. They’ve also made this one iOS compatible with a connection kit (sold separately), so if you make tunes on your Apple device this would be nice as well. Key counts available: Main features:. Full-size (except the mini), synth-action keys. Velocity-sensitive keys. Pitch bend and mod wheels.
Transport controls. Sustain pedal input.
Comes with SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble Here’s the latest heavy-hitter from the beloved Native Instruments, and when we first heard about the release we were ecstatic. Before you let the price tag steer you away, check out the specs and overall intention of this MIDI keyboard.
We first and foremost only recommend grabbing this if you use N.I.’s popular because it is literally made for that piece of software. As in, each button and side nifty feature is meant to pair up with the VST on your computer. Don’t get us wrong — you can still very well use this model with other VST’s; however, it may not be worth the money and you would be safer grabbing another high-end MIDI keyboard that has pads and faders, or merely a cheaper price to save you some money. Key counts available: Read our reviews: Main features:. Keys: Semi-weighted Fatar keybed (Except the S88, which is fully-weighted with hammer-action Fatar).
Aftertouch on all models. Exceptional, rugged build. Easy-to-browse buttons via Komplete. Automatic parameter mapping.
Nifty ‘Light Guide’ lights up specific keys for chords. Two (2) multi-purpose touch strips. Arpeggiator.
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Scale mapping The Launchkey is one of our favorites. It’s a step down from our all-time best Impulse previously spoken about, so we recommend going with this if you want to save a hundred dollars or so. The drum pads are a bit smaller than the Akai or Oxygen (which bugged us at first but we ultimately were able to get used to it), but it does have assignable faders and buttons (no knobs), as well as pitch bend and mod wheels. Overall build and stability are great as expected from Novation (not as good as Akai but still solid) and it comes with Novation V-Station and Bass Station VST (PC and Mac), as well as their Novation apps for the iPad, so it’s a huge plus if you use iOS for music (seems to be getting more popular lately). This also won our award.
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