If you're looking for a larger controller, we heartily recommend Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol S-Series, and in particular the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk 2 (opens in new tab). The Arturia KeyStep Pro (opens in new tab) is also an excellent compact controller which can connect simultaneously to DAWs, hardware synths and even modular gear. Put simply, it has everything you’ll need: decent quality keys, endless rotary knobs, and eight sought-after MPC-style pads for creating beats. Next up, we also recommend the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 (opens in new tab). It has instant support for Ableton Live, and handy creative tools like an arpeggiator and chord memory function. In the compact corner, because of the sheer number of features crammed into such a light, small footprint, our first recommendation is the Novation LaunchKey Mini Mk3 (opens in new tab). MIDI controller keyboards tend to fall into size categories: compact, portable devices with 25 keys larger, desk-based options with 49 or more keys and then 88-note keyboards aimed at ‘pro’ players. If you need more guidance, head to the buying advice section at the bottom of the page. Our price comparison widgets have found the best deals online right now, too. Next up, we detail our top MIDI keyboard picks, after which we have more in-depth reviews of each of the models in our buyer’s guide to help you find the right one. And if you are a trained keyboard player, you might want to consider an 88-note model with weighted keys – we have also included some of these in our guide. It might well be a little more rugged, too something to consider if you want to take it on the road. You can get a perfectly decent cheap MIDI keyboard for way less than $/£100 if you shop around, but up your spend even slightly and you'll get your hands on a higher quality model with more features and higher specs. Many of the best MIDI keyboards also come with mapping templates for the most popular DAWs - Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, etc - making it easy to get up and running and start producing music right out of the box. And talking of software, most MIDI keyboards include good value software bundles, and we have listed the highlights with each keyboard. Most options we recommend here also come with additional features such as knobs, pads, buttons and faders to boost creativity and give you even more control over your software. You can opt for a compact, portable MIDI keyboard that fits comfortably in a laptop bag, or you can go all-in with a full-size 88-note model with weighted hammer-action keys. There are plenty of models to choose from. They are mostly used to let you play and record with your DAW's software instruments and any VST synth plugins you might have installed. They can be plugged directly into your computer or laptop via USB - or, in some cases, operate wirelessly over Bluetooth or connect to iOS devices to control apps. Let’s get to work! Opening MainStage 3, I begin with the Keyboard Minimalist layout.MIDI controller keyboards not only enable you to play and record tunes into your computer, they also let you control software - and in some cases, other studio hardware - so have become one of the most essential items for the modern music producer. Sadly, the company ceased to exist but the good news is, Apple bought the rights to it and it is part of MainStage 3, which you can purchase in the App Store for only $29.99. Recognizing this years ago, a company called Redmatica came out with a terrific application to do precisely that, named AutoSampler. Also, if the instrument was created by a company that no longer exists or no longer supports the product. You may well want to capture some of your favorite articulations in third party libraries you buy as EXS24 instruments for composing when you don’t need all that the library brings to the table. But because it is actually part of Logic’s code, it is remarkably CPU efficient and sounds great. It isn’t multi-timbral and it does not have the scripting capabilities that some of the others have so the number of library developers who still develop for it is small. Logic Pro’s venerable sampler, the EXS24, has lost some of its glamor over the years compared to third party engines like Kontakt, Engine, Play and others.
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