A MIDI controller is quickly becoming one of the most important tools that musicians have at their disposal. There are dozens of ways you can put this versatile instrument to work in the studio. It can be used to compose and record songs, or used during the editing process to add effects.
Because of this, a flood of MIDI controllers has come onto the market. So, how can you tell which ones are worth your time and which ones you are better off avoiding? Here are some of the elements to consider.
Features
One of the most important areas to focus on is the type of features that will come with the MIDI controller. For example, you might want to choose a model that comes with pads. These can be programmed to add a sound effect. Often, they are used for percussion, adding drum noises. But this doesn’t have to be the case. But you can customize these sounds. Typically, there will be eight pads.
You might also want to look for a controller that has lots of ways to customize the sound, through buttons and dials. For example, you can hold a sound for longer by using the sustain button. You might also be able to turn the volume up and down or adjust the octaves.
When paired with a strong Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), you will have plenty of control, so you can get the music to sound exactly the way you want it to. This guide walks you through the basics of using a DAW.
While getting a feature-rich model can often be an advantage, it’s best to think about your situation. Some people intend to do complex work with their MIDI controllers, using them to make advanced compositions. In this case, getting plenty of features will be an advantage.
But some artists prefer to take a minimalist approach. They just want to use the MIDI controller like a keyboard. In this case, you might be best with a basic model, allowing you to spend more money on other equipment.
Size
There are various MIDI controller sizes that you can use. If you are limited on size, you might want to get a 25-key option. This won’t take up much space in a home studio while remaining a powerful tool. However, if you have a bigger space, you might want to get a 52-key option. This will function in a similar way to a traditional piano.
Type of Keys
It’s worth considering the type of keys that you will be using. For example, some will be pressure-sensitive. The more force you apply, the louder the noise they produce will be. They respond similarly to a traditional piano. By holding the key, you will be able to keep the note going.
It’s also a good idea to think about the size of the keys. You can use a full-size keyboard. As the name suggests, the keys will be the same size as they are on a piano. But if you are short on space, you might want to get a MIDI that has mini keys.
These can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you have bigger fingers. Below’s video walks you through how to get your keyboard configured so you can start playing. After this, you will be able to replicate any musical instrument.
Quality of Construction.
Finally, it’s important to get a MIDI controller that has been built to last. There are a few things to look for in this area. First, pick something that has good customer reviews. It’s also important to look at the warranty period. Most of the time, the warranty will last for a year, though some machines will come with a three-year warranty period.
Conclusion
The versatility of the MIDI keyboard has seen them take the music world by storm. With so many MIDIs out there, it’s important to find one that fits your budget and your needs. Hopefully, these tips have made this mission a little easier.
If you want some more advice, read these reviews of MIDI controllers for FL studio. So, get your MIDI and start making music from the comfort of your home.
Best Seller List of MIDI Controllers:
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat & Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- 1500 plus Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production – Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
- Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance. Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller
- Advanced Connectivity - Connect to different sound sources with CV/Gate and MIDI I/O. Control modular gear, sound modules, synthesizers, and more to bring new sound sources into your music production
- Record and Compose Without a Computer - Connect to your production station and use the built-in 64-step sequencer featuring one track for drums and one for melodies or chords, with up to 8 notes each
- Control Your DAW - Transport section for intuitive hardware control of your DAW. Arm and start recordings, stop playback, rewind or fast-forward for easy navigation of large sessions and projects
- Handle Any Style Or Genre - 8 premium RGB MPC Pads with responsive feel and durable construction for dynamic performance and music creation. Use the Chords and Scales modes to simplify and enhance your performance
- Complete Control – Ableton Live Clip Launching MIDI Controller, perfect for creative looping, mixing, home studio and live performing. Connect to Ableton Live and control all your studio equipment
- Ableton Live Lite Included - An industry-leading DAW for PC & Mac. Capture ideas, live performances, record, mix and unleash your creativity. APC Mini MK2 is pre-mapped for 1-to-1 integration with Ableton 11.2.7 onwards
- Bright 8x8 RGB Pad Matrix - 64 RGB pads for launching clips in Ableton Live providing visual color feedback. Trigger everything from Loops, Vocals, and melodic samples for instant creativity
- 9 Assignable Faders - With 8 assignable faders + 1 master fader instantly map to Ableton Live's mixer for hands-on mix control of volume, pan, or devices. Use Device mode to control Ableton macros
- Drum and Note Modes -The Drum sample mode features seamless integration with Ableton Drum Rack. With the inbuilt "Smart Scale View", Note mode enables you to visually play melodies effortlessly
- ✔️POWERFUL - 25 key MIDI controller keyboard comes with USB cable and Cubase LE software download code, perfect for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production.
- ✔️WIRELESS - Optionally powered by USB or by 3 AA batteries(not included). Not only USB-MIDI capability, BT5.0 can build wireless connection to the DAWs on iPad/iPhone/iPod touch/Mac, no driver, no wire nor OTG required anymore, covenient for making music outside studio.
- ✔️FUN - Unique joystick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, fun and comfortable for use. 8 Q-Link knobs support to customize the mode and channel, easy for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more.
- ✔️DYNAMIC - 25 waterfall keys and 9 backlit drum pads are velocity-sensitive and customize assignable, enabling expressive and dynamic sound. OLED Display places instant visual feedback of DAW mode selection, parameter changes, CC and so much more.
- ✔️SMART - Built-in arpeggiator makes it easy to change rhythm, beat, pattern and octave. OTC+ and OTC- buttons enable access to the full keyboard range. COPY and PASTE can easily duplicate the drum pad's setting. 1/4" sustain interface supports adding an universal sustain pedal to enrich the sounds.
- 32 mini-keys velocity sensitive keyboard
- Pitch, modulation, octave, transpose function
- Sustain interface (Not include sustain pedal)
- USB B-type to connect computer (include USB cable)
- Plug and play with Windows, Mac devices
- GO WITH YOUR FLOW: MiniLab 3 is an easy keyboard controller that adapts to your needs, your style and your workflow, so you can make music just the way you like it. It lets you control instruments, mute tracks, punch in your 8 pad drums, and adjust your 4 faders with a flow so fluid you’ll forget you had a mouse. Hook it up, discover fresh sounds, enjoy premium velocity-sensitive keys, and get hands-on with your music like never before!
- PERFORMANCE-READY PORTABILITY: Portable yet robust, MiniLab 3 is light enough for your backpack, it connects seamlessly to your computer, and is ready to unleash your creativity in seconds. Perfect for recording, performing, or jamming with friends no matter where you are! It even features exclusive integration with major DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason, Bitwig, FL Studio), so you can control your project entirely with MiniLab 3 and get totally immersed in your music production flow.
- ALL THE ESSENTIAL CONTROLS IN A COMPACT CONTROLLER: MiniLab 3 is USB powered with 25 note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard, 2 banks of 8 high quality pads with RGB backlighting, 8 rotary encoders, 4 sliders, Mini display & clickable browsing knob, Built-in Arpeggiator, Hold and Chord modes, 2 touch sensors for pitch bend and modulation wheel, USB-C Port, MIDI Out. Great for beginners, it also fits for pros, and allows you to tweak every aspect of your mix in an instant.
- WITH SOFTWARE INCLUDED: MiniLab 3's offers all the creative software you need. Get thousands of world-class presets spanning dozens of timeless instruments (Analog Lab V); make great-sounding tracks in full (Ableton Live Lite); experience the power of a Concert Grand Model D (UVI Model D); enjoy balanced piano tone (NI The Gentleman). It also includes a 2-month subscription to Loopcloud, and a subscription to Melodics.
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: MiniLab 3 is a controller that you can count on, with extensive testing, high-quality components, and a smart design that's built to last. Eco-designed with at least 50% recycled material, it comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can get creative safely in the knowledge that it can go the distance.
- Low-profile, 25-key USB-MIDI keyboard, ideal for use with laptop and netbook computers
- Advanced-design keyed offers improved accuracy and velocity-sensitive keys
- Sustain button – ideal for entering piano parts!
- 9 MIDI control groups: 9 knobs + 9 sliders + 9 buttons.
- 6 transport buttons: Rew, Play, FF, Loop, Stop, Rec.
- and Play USB 2.0 cable, no need of driver installation.
- Comes with editor software.
- 4 programmable memory banks.
- ✔️POWERFUL - 25 key MIDI controller keyboard comes with USB cable and Cubase LE software download code, perfect for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production.
- ✔️WIRELESS - Optionally powered by USB or by 3 AA batteries(not included). Not only USB-MIDI capability, BT5.0 can build wireless connection to the DAWs on iPad/iPhone/iPod touch/Mac, no driver, no wire nor OTG required anymore, covenient for making music outside studio.
- ✔️FUN - Unique joystick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, fun and comfortable for use. 8 Q-Link knobs support to customize the mode and channel, easy for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more.
- ✔️DYNAMIC - 25 waterfall keys and 9 backlit drum pads are velocity-sensitive and customize assignable, enabling expressive and dynamic sound. OLED Display places instant visual feedback of DAW mode selection, parameter changes, CC and so much more.
- ✔️SMART - Built-in arpeggiator makes it easy to change rhythm, beat, pattern and octave. OTC+ and OTC- buttons enable access to the full keyboard range. COPY and PASTE can easily duplicate the drum pad's setting. 1/4" sustain interface supports adding an universal sustain pedal to enrich the sounds.
- Beat Maker Essential - 13" pad controller for music production with 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads for triggering samples, loops, virtual instruments, and more
- Hands-On Control - 8 assignable Q-Link knobs for seamless mapping to DAW parameters, software instruments, and insert effect plugins for tactile control and precise mixing
- Customized Production - 4 programmable preset slots for instant recall of mappings for DAWs, virtual instruments, effects and more. Create, edit, load and manage all your presets from the computer
- Portable Design, Robust Build - Lightweight beat maker that adopts the sturdy build of standalone MPCs. The slim-line design stows easily in a laptop bag for hands-on production capability everywhere
- Versatile Performance - The Laptop Pad Controller is perfect for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators on the go. The sleek design fits right in alongside your studio equipment
Last update on 2024-04-29
