These typically include pads to tap out beats, along with a set of rotary knobs to control things like volume and pitch. While available keyboard MIDI controller options include 88-key models that cover the same octave range as a full-size piano, most music makers prefer working with compact, 25-key models that can fit on a desktop. Those commands then control various aspects of virtual musical instruments that run as plug-ins within the DAW software, playing a piano note soft or loud, for example, or triggering a drum beat. The controller sends commands to the computer over a USB connection. Aside from the controller, all you need to get started is a DAW (digital audio workstation) software application such as Ableton Live, Apple GarageBand, or Image Line's FL Studio. Who should buy a keyboard MIDI controllerĪmateurs who want to create their own electronic, rap, and dance music tracks on a computer will benefit from a keyboard MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller. As a keyboard player who regularly uses MIDI controllers as part of his live performance rig, Kitchen brought an invaluable hands-on perspective to the evaluation. I'm also a drummer and electronic-music maker, so I have extensive familiarity with the tools of the trade, including recording interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other gear for desktop studio environments.įor help with the testing phase for this guide, I enlisted Denis Kitchen, a software developer and musician with experience performing and recording with synthesizers and MIDI controllers dating back to the 1980s. I have two decades of experience reviewing AV products, and currently I am a contributing technical editor at Sound & Vision magazine and a regular contributor to the SoundStage network of websites. Also, the built-in arpeggiator is fun and easy to use, letting you trigger and shape complex synthesizer melodies on the fly. And although the stiff keyboard action makes this model a lesser option for live performance, we found that the thumb-controlled pitch-bend and modulation joystick worked well. The Akai's generously sized pads have a good feel and allow for a decent range of expressiveness when you're finger-drumming. We recommend the Akai MPK Mini MKII to anyone seeking a compact, portable input device for making beats and triggering samples. The Nektar is the only controller of the bunch that doesn't offer out-of-the-box compatibility with the popular computer music software Ableton Live, but you can still configure it to work with that program. Of all the controllers we tested, the Impact LX25+ proved the best option for live performance-the full-size keys had good action and responsiveness, and the rubber-coated pitch-bend and modulation wheels had a solid feel. This model also provides buttons to remotely control music-making software on your computer. The Nektar Impact LX25+ makes a good choice for anyone who might be put off by the Arturia's small size, mini keys, and lack of onboard controls to configure its settings. While customizing the controller's MIDI functions requires use of a separate app, the MiniLab MkII comes preconfigured to work with most popular computer music-making software, and it's bundled with Arturia's excellent Analog Lab Lite and UVI Grand Piano virtual instrument plug-ins. The keyboard and pads, though small, are highly responsive and can produce natural sounds from software plug-in instruments right out of the box. The Arturia MiniLab MkII has the feel of a professional instrument. Arturia's controller is compact enough to fit in a backpack but has solid build quality and an uncluttered design that both beginners and experienced musicians will appreciate. Read the full guide to MIDI keyboard controller for beginners.Īfter 30 hours of research and hands-on testing, we think the Arturia MiniLab MkII is the best all-around 25-key MIDI keyboard controller for most people looking for an easy, cost-effective way to get into creating electronic music with computers. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |