Top 10 midi keyboards

Midi keyboards came into our life relatively recently, but they have already won the recognition of thousands of musicians. Agree, not every person can afford to buy a high-quality synthesizer, electric guitar and drum set. And only one midi-controller is able to replace all these instruments during recording or performance. Many famous composers create entire albums using only keys. In the right hands, this device can work wonders. Consider the most popular models that have received high praise and positive feedback from professionals.

Best MIDI Keyboards for Beginners

With the help of a midi device, even a novice musician will be able to record a melody. Of course, he is unlikely to need all sorts of "twists", joysticks and other additional controls. You can do with the standard keys. But they must be made qualitatively, respond to the speed and force of pressing.

3 Roland A-49

Those who have the skills to play the piano, should look at this midi-device. The keys here are made with high quality, they are full-sized and rounded at the edges. Thanks to the weighted mechanics, they are pressed with effort, as on a real tool. Aftertouch is very soft, there is no excessive noise and knocks. For easy control, buttons for adjusting the tone and a joystick modulator are provided. There is also an optical control system with which you can simulate a pedal.

Beginners may have problems connecting the instrument to the computer. If the drivers are not installed by yourself, you will have to install them manually. To do this, use the instructions and the software disk. They are included in the package. The keyboard is compatible with all versions of Mac and Windows.

2 Samson Carbon 49

This keyboard is suitable for those who are just learning to play. It has four octaves, it is enough for playing and recording simple melodies. To expand the range, just pressing the Octave button is enough. Semi-weighted keys have a high sensitivity to the force of pressing. The device is compatible with iPad, it can be charged from the tablet without connecting to a computer.

This tool is recommended to buy for beginners. With it, you can easily learn to play, record songs on your computer. A separate advantage is an intuitive interface, there is nothing superfluous. Advanced users will be interested in the Modulation and Pitch Bend wheels. The kit includes software Native Instruments, which includes more than 1000 different sounds and samples. With it, you can create a full-fledged arrangement or instrumental melody.

1 M-Audio Keystation Mini 32

M-Audio is one of the most popular musical instrument companies.They have midi keyboards in different price categories, so everyone can afford such a purchase. Keystation Mini is very light and compact, suitable for a performance or home studio. If you attend sound producing or sound engineering courses, you can take this model with you to class.

The controller can be customized to the individual execution style. It has not only keys, but also assignable knobs. It is also possible to connect Keystation to iPad. If we talk about the shortcomings of this model, some users complain about too small and soft keys. They are easily pressed, there is no resemblance to the usual piano or synthesizer. But you can get used to it over time.

Best MIDI Keyboards for Professionals

Instruments for professional musicians do not necessarily have to be expensive and difficult to understand. They feature an extra set of features. Particular attention is paid to manufacturers of such midi-controllers pads and other controls. The package often includes software for more precise adjustment of each regulator.

4 Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

This controller was created for those who do not like to be distracted while making music. Many controls are automatically configured here so that you can easily navigate through the project. There is also a Chord mode in which you can create chords by pressing a single key. This addition will help speed up the recording process and help out during a speech. Indeed, because of the haste and excitement, chords are often not sufficiently clear and even.

The package includes software DAW Command Center. With it, you can easily and quickly adjust the buttons and faders. There are other programs that come with the controller: Analog Lab, Ableton, UVI Grand Piano model D. If you want to save, you can buy the exact same model, but with fewer keys. It will be enough for a small performance or recording of tunes.

3 Novation Impulse 61

This model is more like a full-fledged tool than a regular controller. The semi-weighted keyboard has an aftertouch function. In the manufacturing process used a unique technology High Rate Scan. It scans the tool 10,000 times per second. Thanks to this, the knobs and keys instantly react to every movement. The performance will be as expressive as possible, you can convey all the feelings and emotions in your melody.

All controls are easily configured manually using the Automap software. It’s enough to do it once, and your productivity will increase several times. You no longer have to search for the functions you need on the screen for a long time; you can simply twist the desired pen or press a button. The MIDI keyboard works perfectly with Ableton, but it can be difficult to work with FL Studio. Also, the disadvantages of users include a small number of pads (there are only 8).

2 Novation Launchkey Mini

This midi-controller could be seen even by those who have never done music. His colorful pads attract attention, especially well they look in the atmosphere of a dark club. That is why Novation Launchkey is perfect for gigs. But the keyboard has other advantages. It is very light and compact. The pads are soft, easy to press and react to the speed of pressing. Thanks to their sensitivity, it is possible to fully convey the dynamics of the melody.

The device is compatible with all popular programs: Ableton, Reason, FL Studio, ProTools and Cubase. Among the shortcomings, users highlight the small size of the keys, the lack of wheels to change the tone and modulation. There is also no special software for editing settings. But many musicians do without these functions, so for them it will not be a disadvantage.

1 M-Audio Oxygen 49

Oxygen is a budget series of midi controllers from M-Audio. It is difficult to find a better model in this price range. The controller is equipped with not only 49 semi-weighted keys, but also additional controls. There are 9 assignable sliders, 8 knobs, transport and function buttons. During the performance, you will need a modulation and pitch shift wheel. If you install the DirectLink program, you can configure any buttons and controls in semi-automatic mode. Such a function is only in M-Audio Oxygen.

The tool does not require the installation of additional drivers. You can start working on them immediately after connecting to a Windows or Mac system. To transfer data and power the device, only a USB cable is required. The only drawback of this model is the dense pads. At first you have to press them hard to achieve the desired volume.

Best MIDI Keyboards for Home Studio

Tools for home studio differ in an expanded set of functions and higher cost, compared with conventional keys. Ideally, you need to buy several synthesizers and midi-controllers for different purposes. Also do not forget about monitors, amplifiers, headphones and microphones. The walls of the room will have to sheathe special material to provide sound insulation.

3 Akai APC Key 25

It is not necessary to buy a fancy midi-keyboard for 4-6 octaves for a home studio. In many cases, you can do with a compact tool with 25 keys, for example, like this Akai model. Over the entire surface of the console there are buttons with backlight, knobs and other controls. Due to this, the controller is both functional and compact. All buttons are already assigned, but you can change the settings if necessary.

The keyboard is suitable not only for recording in a home studio, but also for performance. It fits easily into a laptop bag. Using the matrix of illuminated buttons, you can run clips and patterns in the desired order. This is a great time saver. The only drawback of Akai users consider small unweighted keys. To experienced pianists, they may seem too soft and uncomfortable. Because of this, the instrument is more suitable for electronic musicians.

2 Novation 25SL Mk II

Manufacturers proudly call this model a new generation controller. Immediately struck by the numerous pens, buttons and joystick. All controls are highlighted, and the information is displayed on a 144-bit display. Thanks to this, you can fully surrender to the creative process without looking at the computer screen. Also included is Automap for quick and accurate adjustment of the regulators.

The tool is more suitable for musicians who have some experience with midi-devices. Software may seem too complicated for beginners. But professionals remain delighted after working with Novation. The only disadvantage is that they are too hard pads. We have to make an effort to get the desired sound.

1 Akai MPK249

This keyboard is best revealed when working with it in Ableton. This combination opens up unlimited opportunities for creativity. There are 16 backlit pads, 8 faders and as many control buttons. All information is displayed on a bright LCD screen, so you will easily adjust the controls to your liking.Keys with synthesizer mechanics and aftertouch function instantly react to every movement of a musician. There is also a built-in arpeggiator. With it, you can quickly create and record song arrangements.

It is possible to connect the keys to any device based on iOS. In this case, the controller will go into low power mode. The disadvantages include the relatively high cost and large weight of the tool. It is inconvenient to take it with you to a performance, but for a home studio Akai it is ideal.

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M-audio

Samson

Roland

Novation

Arturia

Akai

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