If you ask anyone with studio recording experience about what the most important part of the equipment is, the answer would surprise you. While most people see a condenser microphone and a high-quality audio interface as the two essentials without which you are not able to create music, it is the MIDI controller with that allows precise editing and high-resolution electronic sounds.
If you are just beginning and you are not familiar with this device, there is nothing to worry about as we will give you a great guide and some insight into why it is such a great investment. Although MIDI keyboards and controllers were invented back in the 1980s, it took a few more decades before these began to become used in a more mainstream way. Today, almost any professional studio has at least one MIDI keyboard.
The importance of these is quite clear, but the big question remains — how can you tell the difference between a good one and a bad one? It all comes down to a few critical features and your personal needs. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the list of the best MIDI controller offers as well as the buyer’s guide and frequently asked questions which will give you better insight in what the fuss is all about.
Best MIDI Controller Reviews
Comparison Chart
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included
Alesis V49 – 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs and Buttons, Plus a Professional Software Suite Included
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note MIDI Keyboard
Being quite experienced with MIDI keyboards, there is one thing that we can tell you – the brand name matters, and Novation is a trusted company that has been in the market for quite a few years. The 25-Note Mini will cover both basic and more complex music creating needs.
Product Highlights
It is always a pleasure to review compact products that have only a few flaws which are all easy to fix. While the Novation Mini 25-Note does not have the same capacity as what a 49-key or a 61-key MIDI keyboard would, it still serves great to fit the needs of a garage band. The keyboard itself comes with 16-drum pads through which you will be able to create expressive beats and clips. All are backlit which makes this product even more attractive.
Apart from that, there are 8 assignable knobs that are of great use when it comes to control and navigation. As with every other Novation keyboard, this one is made for those who enjoy using the Ableton Live Lite. Along with that, it comes with a Novation Bass Station and V Station, allowing you to maximize the use of virtual instruments in your tracks. Not to forget the 4GB of Loopmasters samples. The keyboard itself is compatible with both Mac and Windows and you can run it on the latest OS versions.
Still, you need to be aware that this keyboard is not made to last under heavy-duty conditions as it is quite small and perfect for average studio use. The keys and knobs are quite flimsy, but you are lucky as there is a 2-year warranty that covers all built-in defects. Overall, this product can be seen as an excellent buy for any beginner or a musician that doesn’t need all the top-notch features.
What’s to like about the Novation Launchkey Mini
Taking a look at this product it is hard to say no to it. Although it is not too sturdy, you are still looking at an innovative design that will allow great performance under the right circumstances – 25 keys, 16 velocity drum pads, and 8 knobs are all that you need to create good music.
What’s not to like about the Novation Launchkey Mini5-Note MIDI Keyboard
It does come with a 2-year warranty, but it doesn’t cover any issues apart from built-in defects which is a problem as the keys and knobs are quite flimsy and could fall off after heavier use.
PROS
- check16 drum pads
- checkNovation Bass and V Station
- check4GB Loopmasters samples
CONS
- Flimsy
- Not for heavy use
Nektar 49-Key Impact GX49 Controller
While it is the 25-Key MIDI keyboards that are more common on the market, the Nektar Gx49 is a great example that the more keys it has, the better it can be. This all depends on your needs, but the Nektar 49-Key Impact is a great choice for any experienced musician.
Product Highlights
The Nektar Impact GX49 doesn’t have a classic MIDI design and to be honest, it reminds us of a regular piano keyboard. That is probably due to the fact that it lacks knobs or drum pads. On the other hand, it comes with a number of other features including 49-keys, a pitch band, modulation wheels as well as 14 assignable buttons with their purpose.
Although this is not an ordinary MIDI controller, it offers great velocity and will allow you to experience the whole music range. You can effectively increase and lower the octaves for a few levels with the LED light following relevant adjustments and notifying you on the given settings. While the modulation wheels are perfect for live performances, this can be of great help when it comes to regular mixing and editing too.
The big question is with which devices is this keyboard compatible. It will work with almost any Android, iOS, or Windows PC device up to the latest updates including Windows 8, Mac 10.9, and Linux. With this in mind, it is as simple as connecting it via a USB cable.
On the other hand, the best software you can run it on is the Nektar DAW program with which you can maximize the use of all 14 buttons and send off the relevant MIDI messages. There is also a Bitwig 8-Track included which is a great thing to get beginners started. The only visible con is that the keys are kind of stiff. Still, for the price given, you are looking at one of the top MIDI controller offers on the market.
What’s to like about the Nektar 49-Key Impact GX49 Controller
This product stands at great value as the 14 MIDI buttons and the easy octave switching makes up for the lack of drum pads or knobs with which you would be able to control and navigate high-resolution sound. Along with that, the design is quite simple and sturdy, meaning that this product can endure any heavier use.
What’s not to like about the Nektar 49-Key Impact GX49 Controller
On the other hand, the keys are quite stiff, which may be a bit odd for people that are used to Alesis MIDI keyboards. Apart from that, this keyboard doesn’t include drum pads but as it comes with 14 buttons and modulation wheels, that shouldn’t be a concern.
PROS
- check14 MIDI buttons
- checkBitwig 8-Track
- checkSimple and elegant
CONS
- Stiff keys
- No drum pads
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKIII
The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKIII is the perfect upgrade to its predecessor as, once again, this brand proves that there is a reason it is among the best sellers on the market.
Product Highlights
If you have been in the music industry for some time, you have surely seen the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKI. While it was a good product, there were a few things it lacked. The Akai company has managed to correct everything by adding more knobs and pads, and improving the velocity and learning curve.
Firstly, there are 25-sensitive keys that are quite loose and you don’t need to apply much pressure in order for these to react. Along with that, the 4-way thumb stick will allow you to adjust the resolution and get all the benefits of the built-in arpeggiator. Talking about the innovative features, it comes with 8 Q-link knobs and the same number of pads which will allow you to create and master incredible beats. We are talking about a plug and play MIDI controller and with a USB 2.0 port and a fast extension cable connecting this device will be quite simple.
When it comes to the software that this controller uses, you will be able to download the Akai Professional on their website and get free access to Hybrid 3 and Vip 3.1, which will work great whenever you need the support of virtual instruments in your tracks. Still, the product is not as sturdy as given the price, the material of the 25-keys that are included should be better. Apart from that, there is nothing much that this great value product lacks.
What’s to like about the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKIII
We like that Akai has successfully corrected most of the mistakes that they made with their first product. Now, there are 8 knobs as well as 8 pads that will allow you to achieve full control over the complex melodic range.
What’s not to like about the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKIII
Due to the fact that this one is pricier than the above mentioned two controllers, it has to be made out of better material. While no one is saying that it will fall apart after a few uses, the keys are quite loose which may be a problem for people that will be using the controller for more than a few hours each day.
PROS
- check8 Q-Link knobs, 8 pads
- checkHigh velocity
- check4-way thumb stick
CONS
- Flimsy
- Not for heavy use
Alesis V49 MIDI Controller
One of the most respected brands in the MIDI industry is Alesis and there is a good reason for that — with this 49-key controller, they show their expertise in making innovative and attractive keyboards that are simple yet powerful.
Product Highlights
This MIDI controller is very similar to its younger brother, the Alesis V25. Of course, we can’t neglect the fact that this one has almost double the number of keys, and thus provides a wider range of editing options. Apart from the high-velocity keys, it comes with four adjustable knobs and four assignable buttons which will all help you manipulate and adjust high-resolution sounds. Without these, you wouldn’t be able to cover the full melodic range.
Along with this, there are eight drum pads that add to the innovative and attractive look and improve your chances of creating great beats. As always, the software that you are using alongside a keyboard is the critical feature — here we are talking about a V49 Editor Software as well as Xpand! 2 that is going to cover you with an array of virtual instruments.
As for the devices that it can work with, the V49 can run on any Mac up to 10.9 as well as PC up to Windows 8, and connecting it only requires a regular USB cable. The keys are quite smooth, and the keyboard itself is lightweight which makes it a perfect choice if you are always on the go. Still, the pads could be more sensitive, and while these don’t look like it, the keys are cheaply made, which means that an upgrade in this area would be of huge benefit.
What’s to like about the Alesis V49 MIDI Controller
It is impossible to doubt the quality of Alesis MIDI keyboards. Once again, they managed to create a powerful and compact keyboard that can be used both by experts and beginners. The V49 Editor Software, as well as the Xpand!2, are both appreciated when it comes to studio editing and mixing. Along with the assignable knobs and buttons, you are going to get a full experience, and an opportunity to create great music.
What’s not to like about the Alesis V49 MIDI Controller
As we have mentioned above, the pads have to be more sensitive. Apart from that, while the keys are smooth, they are quite loose as well which is not the ideal guarantee that this MIDI controller will be able to last through any heavy use.
PROS
- checkV49 Editor, Xpand!2
- check8 backlit pads
- checkOctave up and down buttons
CONS
- Flimsy keys
- Stiff pads
Arturia Keylab Essential 49
As the name of this product suggests, the Arturia Keylab Essential 49 is the perfect example of what a high-quality keyboard should look like.
Product Highlights
The Arturia Keylab company is nowhere near as famous as the Alesis, Korg, or Akai brands. Still, they have managed to come up with a MIDI keyboard that is of exclusive quality as it includes 49-velocity keys, along with 8 backlit drum pads, as well as a bunch of assignable knobs and buttons that will allow you to be on top of your assignment with virtually no effort.
Apart from being a great studio keyboard, it is adequate for live performing as well due to the two modulation wheels that it comes with. Frankly, there is nothing that this product truly lacks. There are certain customers that have claimed it is not sturdy enough, but as long as you don’t put it under harsh conditions, it will endure. Still, the customer service is quite low so be extra careful about your keyboard.
It comes with Analog Lab Software that includes over 5,000 synth sounds as well as Ableton Live Lite with which you will be able to create the sounds you have always wanted as it includes a number of virtual instruments. The software is free to install. Other than being kind of flimsy, there is nothing bad to say about it, as it is a great buy both for beginners and more experienced musicians.
What’s to like about the Arturia Keylab Essential 49
What’s not to like would be the better question. For quite an affordable price, you are getting a fully-equipped keyboard that has enough pads, knobs, and buttons to satisfy the needs of the most demanding recording session.
What’s not to like about the Arturia Keylab Essential 49
As we have mentioned above, it may not be the best for heavy duty sessions. Still, as long as you take good care of it and don’t get too rough with the buttons and pads, it should last you for quite a few years.
PROS
- check8 drum pads, knobs, buttons
- checkModulation wheels
- checkAbleton Live Lite, Analog Lab
CONS
- Flimsy
- Not for heavy use
Buyer’s Guide
As with any other product, the complexity of the buying process depends solely on you and your needs. While the market is huge, making the right decision depends on a number of factors and features that you need to consider. Without the right knowledge, chances are that you will not be able to get the best value. In order to make it easier, we decided to highlight the five most important features that you should consider when looking for the best MIDI controller.
Key Count
Key count determines the complexity of a certain MIDI controller. It all depends on how experienced you are with this type of device and what your particular needs are. Starting off with, a 25-key MIDI is always a good thing. On the other hand, moving to 49-key and 61-key is a matter of time and personal progress and comfort.
Keyboard Action Type
There are three main types of keyboards: the synth; the weighted, and the semi-weighted. Talking about these, a beginner is best off investing in a synth keyboard as it is easy to understand and learn to use. Plus, synth keyboard action is light and easy. For beginners, weighted keys may be prohibitive.
Faders, Buttons, and Knobs
Without a good set of assignable buttons and knobs, you shouldn’t be looking at a MIDI controller. These are all there to allow you better control and navigation over the full melodic range and high-resolution sounds.
I/O
Your best bet is to look for keyboards that have a USB port as connecting your MIDI to a PC using a USB cable is the easiest way to do it. Along with that, if your keyboard has a TS input that’s another great feature as you will be able to connect a sustain pedal to it.
Performance Pads
Last but not least, the pads play a critical role in forming a proper MIDI controller. Without these you shouldn’t expect to create good beats, which you will need if you would like to make the best tracks. Look for keyboards that have between 8 to 16 backlit pads.
F.A.Q.
What is a MIDI controller?
A MIDI controller is an essential part of any recording session and live performing equipment. It is a device that will allow you to edit, adjust, and create powerful and high resolution sounds through using assignable knobs, buttons, backlit pads, and synth keys.
What does a MIDI controller do?
While a MIDI controller doesn’t include speakers, it emits the sounds you create to the editing software and onto your device (whether it is a PC, iPhone, or an Android device).
What can you do with a MIDI controller?
You can do a variety of things, of which all are essential for a professional musician. From editing and creating music to using it as an audio interface for live performances, a MIDI keyboard can go a long way towards your successful career.
How to make a MIDI controller
Making a MIDI controller requires that you have the knowledge of the relevant components (including the case, buttons, faders, keys) that you need to have, as well as how to connect all the wires and create a USB port in order to connect it with a certain device. There are a number of tutorials on YouTube showing you the precise instructions on how to do it – our suggestion is to take a look at this one
How does a MIDI controller work?
A MIDI controller works through emitting a sound to your computer or another device that it is connected to. Using the pads, buttons, faders, wheels, and keys, you create a sound which is then sent off to the relevant editing software that you are using.
Final Verdict
There is no reason for the MIDI controller buying process to be a burden. On the contrary, it can be quite fun as long as you are aware of the points to consider. In our opinion, the best MIDI controller is the Alesis V49 as it is affordable, compact, and includes everything a Midi controller should for recording and live performing.