Everybody approaches music creation differently. Working with hardware or software, MIDI is one of the languages that enables communication between your devices.
It is the versatility of MIDI that makes it beautiful. What matters is what your configuration is. Do you want expressive control over your virtual instruments? Someone performing live and wants to instantly start samples?
Perhaps you’re looking for an organic approach to automate programming. These are only a few basic applications for MIDI controllers; the technology is quite flexible. It enables you to assemble elaborate live looping rigs, link together intricate synth networks, or even control DMX lights in time with your playing.
Including a MIDI controller can encourage fresh creative approaches and free artists from the laborious point-and-click of a keyboard and mouse. It seems more natural to many, and creating music without the distractions of a screen has merit.
Where to start? That genuinely relies on your requirements. There is bound to be something that fits the bill, from keyboards and drum pads to bespoke modular systems. Here are five of the top MIDI controllers to get you started making music live and in the studio.
Alesis V49 II
Choosing a comparatively inexpensive MIDI controller usually makes the most sense if you’re just starting out in music creation. With 49 full-size keys, four knobs and four buttons that you may use anyway you like, the Alesis V49 MKII will enable you to include a hardware controller into your setup without going over budget. For further more expressive playing, there are mod and pitch-bend wheels.
Though the V49’s sleek, sharp style wins points here, many inexpensive controllers rarely seem stylish. Given its little lower price, the Alesis Nektar SE49 is another choice worth considering if you can live without the knobs and buttons.
This controller features 49 keys, 4 knobs and buttons, pitch bend, and mod wheels; it costs about $90.
Also Read Our Article On “Mastering the Mix: Tips for Balancing Audio Levels in Your Tracks“
ARTURIA KeyStep Pro
Being a “polyphonic sequencing controller keyboard,” Arturia’s KeyStep Pro is a formidable instrument. Though the sequencer is the true show stealer, the 37 thin velocity-sensitive keys are incredibly playable.
Four CV, Gate, and Mod outputs along with eight specific drum gates allow for the control of both external hardware and software instruments from the four distinct sequencer tracks.
In the end, this adaptable MIDI controller is a great central hub for DAW-less and laptop configurations. As is to be expected from Arturia, the KeyStep Pro’s premium construction materials and vibrant accents make it appear stunning as well.
37 keys, 5 encoders, and an OLED display are all included in the under $400 price. Eight drum gate outputs and four track sequencers are other features.
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3
Should you be experimenting with the concept of a grid-based MIDI controller, the Launchpad Pro might be a great option. Every one of the 64 RGB-lit pads is velocity-sensitive for expressive playing.
Strong connection with Live and Logic, together with convenient transport and editing controls to keep you in the flow, characterize the Launchpad Pro. It can be used to play samples and virtual instruments or to switch to a conventional drum grid or keys mode to control Session View or Live Loops. Built-in are a four-track, 32-step sequencer and a Custom Modes feature that let you map it to any MIDI-compatible devices or software.
This costs around $400. And it has three different modes.
AKAI MPD226
It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of Akai’s fabled MPC samplers. The MPD reinvents the 16-pad grid in MIDI controller shape for those looking for a little of that traditional approach. Although there are versions that meet every demand, the MPD226 provides a good compromise between cost and performance.
With the assignable faders, knobs, and buttons, users can mod and alter in addition to 16 new and enhanced “Thick Fat” illuminated pads. Furthermore packed in are classic MPC functions like 16 Level, MPC Swing, and Note Repeat. The MPD226 interfaces perfectly with Akai’s complete MPC2 DAW as well as the free MPC Beats program.
This is really reasonably priced; it will cost you less than $150. Four controls and knobs and sixteen illuminated pads are features of it.
Grid by Intech Studios
Another name behind customized MIDI controllers is the Hungarian company Intech Studio. You will be magnetically snapping together a selection of square modules, which is how the name came about. One key feature of the platform is that you may start with a single module and grow your system as you see appropriate. Presently, there are six models with various knob, fader, jog wheel, and button combinations.
Following layout approval, you can use the Editor software to modify the features of your Grid, ranging from assigning basic MIDI CC changes to writing complex Lua scripts. A Knot USB MIDI host device from Intech is included, so you can simply control your preferred hardware.
Like the AKAI MPD226 it is priced similarly; you can acquire it for about $110 and $200. Jog wheels and all the knobs and buttons are there. Here magnets are used to join the modules.
Finally, with so many possibilities to meet various requirements and tastes, MIDI controllers are a flexible and necessary tool for contemporary music creation.
Everybody can find a MIDI controller, from the reasonably priced Alesis V49 MKII with its full-size keys and assignable knobs and buttons to the upscale Arturia KeyStep Pro with its polyphonic sequencing capabilities and stylish design.
While the Akai MPD226 combines the history of the MPC samplers with a contemporary MIDI controller, the Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 provides a grid-based approach with velocity-sensitive pads and configurable settings.
Last but not least, the Grid by Intech Studio provides a special and bespoke solution with its magnetic modules and modular architecture. Whatever your level of experience as a producer, a MIDI controller may simplify your process and open up new creative opportunities.