Which MIDI keyboard is best for a home recording studio?
Thanks to new technologies, today’s music producers need just four things to create music. A computer/laptop, a DAW program, decent headphones, and a MIDI keyboard. Today we will focus on the last element. We will provide you with a brief overview of the MIDI keyboards market.
Using a MIDI keyboard, even a small model, you can experiment with sounds in various octaves. This will allow you to create new harmonies and sounds, even if you don’t know how to play the keyboard.
Even without any musical skills, you can still buy a MIDI keyboard and use in your own productions. Only by trying will you learn how to use all the functions of your keyboard.
Here are some tips on how to choose a keyboard for yourself. It’s best to start by setting your budget. However, do not give up if you don’t have a lot of money set aside. There are currently many options in a wide price range on the market.
You also have to decide on the number of keys. If you plan to produce typically bass music, you will not necessarily need a MIDI keyboard with 88 keys. On the other hand, if you want to create very melodic music or perform live, I suggest a model with 61 or even 88 keys.
Another aspect is the portability of the device. If you are often on the move or you do not have much space in your room/studio, it is best to look for a compact model.
Also, consider the weight of the keyboard. If you would like to have the feeling of playing a real piano then weighted keys will be the best choice for you. If it’s not so important, choose semi-weighted keys, which are a combination of a weighted keyboard with a synthesizer keyboard. This is also a cheaper option.
MIDI keyboards at various prices feature functions such as knobs, pads, adjustments, plugin support and high-resolution display screens.
Think carefully about the aspects listed above, find the functions you need and choose the best MIDI keyboard for you.
Here are 7 of our suggestions:
- Compatible with all DAW programs
- 25 pressure-sensitive keys
- 8 drum pads (two banks)
- USB power supply
- weight: 748 g
It can easily compete for the title of the best portable MIDI keyboard. You can take it with you anywhere you like and create new sounds.
One of its best features is the 4-way joystick, which is used for tone control and modulation.
Akai MPK mini MKII includes the following software: AIR Hybrid 3, Sonivox Wobble 2.0, Akai Pro MPC Essentials.
- 25 dynamic keys
- 8 high-quality touch-sensitive backlit colour pads
- 16 knobs (two with click function)
- 2 ribbon controllers
- 8 user settings
- Sustain pedal connector
- Octave up and Octave down switch
- USB powered
- Midi via USB – no drivers required
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Kensington lock connector
- Size: 35.5 x 22 x 5 cm
Includes dedicated Analog Lab 4 software which lets you play amazing synthesizers and also create your own sounds.
- 49 semi-weighted keys
- 16 pressure- and velocity-sensitive pads
- Compatible with all DAW programs
- USB power supply
- weight: 5.7 kg
One of the more popular MIDI keyboards, used by many live producers.
The set includes: Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition, Hybrid 3, Sonivox Twist 2.0, Akai Pro MPC Essentials.
4. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2
- 49 semi-weighted FATAR keys with aftertouch
- The Light Guide system indicating numerous parameters, consisting of multi-coloured LEDs
- 16 keyboard zones
- 8 knobs
- Ribbon controller
- Pitch and modulation knobs
- Compatible with all DAW programs
- USB power supply
- Weight: 5.5 kg
One of the best-designed MIDI keyboards. A great product, after all it is produced by Native Instruments.
It features the Native Map technology, which automatically maps all parameters of each of the KOMPLETE instruments to touch-sensitive controllers, and thanks to the Clear View displays each parameter is easy to read.
The keyboard is directly integrated with music production packages KOMPLETE 10 and KOMPLETE 10 Ultimate (also compatible with version 9).
- 49 dynamic keys with aftertouch
- Customizable XY pad for controlling HID and various parameters in virtual instruments
- 16 assignable, dynamic pads for triggering beats, playing clips and more
- 8 assignable 360-degree knobs, 9 configurable buttons, 9 configurable sliders for manipulating the DAW program, virtual instruments, and plugins
- Pitch and modulation knobs
- Compatible with all DAW programs
- USB power supply
- Weight: 4.5 kg
M-Audio Code 49 is a very efficient keyboard created for producers at various levels. The keyboard has a fully configurable XY pad. Not many MIDI keyboards on the market have such a function.
It is perfect for live performances and jamming.
The set includes Ableton Live Lite, full versions of the award-winning AIR Music Technology virtual instruments: Loom and Hybrid 3.0, which will provide you with unlimited access to the best creative tools.
6. Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
- 49 sensitive dynamic keys, 4 octaves
- 16 illuminated and pressure-sensitive drum pads
- 2 pressure encoders, 11 encoders
- 9 sliders
- Pitch and modulation knobs
- Compatible with most DAW programs: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Studio One
- USB power supply
- Weight: 6.5 kg
Arturia KEYLAB 49 Essential has a housing made of high-quality aluminium and wood.
All aspects of Arturia KeyLab Essential have been carefully selected to provide the best possible experience when creating music and performing.
The set includes: Analog Lab with 5000 synthesizer sounds, Ableton Live Lite, UVI Grand Piano.
- Touch 5D technology - instead of a traditional keyboard
- 24 Keywave, two octave playing surface
- Compatible with DAW programs: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Garageband, Bitwig
- Connects to other blocks using DNA connectors
- USB power supply, battery
- Weight: 710g
- The award-winning Seaboard interface
ROLI Seaboard Block is compact, had extensive possibilities and can easily be expanded by additional modules.
Its new technology allows to modulate the key, vibrato and volume just by moving your finger sideways and sliding it on the keyboard.
The set includes: NOISE, Equator Player, BLOCKS Dashboard.
This was our brief overview of MIDI keyboards. Remember, the most important features to pay attention to when buying a keyboard are:
- Your budget
- The number of keys
- The weight of the keys
- Customizable MIDI controllers
- Virtual Instrument Player
- Keyboard with aftertouch
- Free DAW programs and plugins
- Drum pads, knobs, faders
If you cannot connect the expression pedal to your instrument, try EX2M - expression pedal to MIDI adapter. This is another knob moved under the pedal! You can control the VST plug‑in settings in real‑time without using your hands. You can also connect the autonomous MIDI Expression Pedal EX3 via a standard 5-din connector directly to your instrument or via USB to your computer.
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