Free Deals and Offers

Best MIDI Controller | Buying Guide : Things to consider while buying a MIDI Controller

There are many types of MIDI controllers in the market.

MIDI Controller Keyboard

The most popular type of MIDI controller is the keyboard MIDI controller.They look like an electronic keyboard but they are really just controllers. They only work when you plug them to a computer and load an instrument sample to play on.

Some MIDI controllers come with extra features like the extra pads usually used for triggering drum samples. You might even find MIDI controller keyboards that has faders and knobs on it, which are usually used to control the volume and panning knobs in your DAW. They offer an ‘analog’ touch when you’re producing music on your computer, without having you to reach for the mouse all the time. The more expensive controllers usually also comes with pressure sensitive keys, giving you the ability to play more expressively; you could use the pressure sensitive keys to control volume of your instrument patches.

When buying the MIDI controller keyboard, try to find one that has great touch. Some MIDI controllers can feel a little stiff and plasticy, which can be annoying for particular musicians.

This form of MIDI controller is the most versatile and value for money. Even with just a MIDI controller that comes with only keys, you could still program lots of music lines such as bass, strings, synths and even drums. Just hammer away on the keys!

How Many Keys Do I Need?

This really depends on two factors. First, what is your playing style? If you mainly play lead, bass and drum lines, you can do off with a 25-key MIDI controller without much problem. If you’re a pianist and think you’ll be programming piano riffs and lush string patterns, you’ll want to look at longer MIDI controllers.

Secondly, will you be traveling with your MIDI controller? Having an 88-key MIDI controller is nice but if you won’t be able to travel with it. So the number of keys really depends on your usage and activity. Whether 25, 32, 49, 61, 76 or 88 keys depends on where and what you’ll be mainly using your MIDI controller for.

Type Of Keyboard Action

As mentioned earlier, I explained that the touch of a keyboard controller is crucial. You’re going to be using the controller for sometime in the studio and also live. Logically, you have to feel comfortable playing on the keyboard.

When buying a keyboard controller, always look out for the type of action they have. There are few types of keyboard actions you can expect to find on a MIDI controller.

Hammer Action Keyboards

Hammer action keyboards are designed to feel like an acoustic piano. Most hammer action keyboards are 76-key or 88-key, just like the acoustic piano. If you’re a pianist there is mistaking to go for the hammer action keyboards. You’ll be able to play a piano more expressively on this of keyboards. Playing and programming drums with the hammer action keyboard however can be a little tougher and your fingers will definitely get tired faster.

Semi-weighted Action

Semi-weighted action are the type of touch you find in most keyboards. They are built with spring-loaded keys with a little weighted feeling to it. This type of keyboard action is most common and many musicians should feel at home with it. Expression and control with most instruments on this type of keyboard action is possible.

Synth Action Touch

Synth action is somewhat even more lighter than the semi-weighted action keyboards. You’ll typically find this on synths keyboards where they keys are very light. Synth action touch appeals to many electronic musicians or guitarists who do not play the piano and would love to play synth and drum patches.

Percussion/Drum Pad MIDI Controllers

Some producers prefer pressing and drumming on MIDI pads. Though pads are normally used for drum patches, through the years there have been many creative approaches where hitting a pad triggers a stab or sound sample. Drum pad MIDI controllers can be very useful for a live performance as well.

Personally I don’t see the drum pad as a big addition to the studio. Most producers are using percussion MIDI controllers as a secondary tool for programming drum lines or to give themselves more versatility to creativity.

When buying a percussion MIDI controller with pads, always look to see if they have large enough pads that enable your fingers to play on. It goes without saying that the pads needs to very responsive and playable.

It also helps to see if you are able to program the pads to different layouts or different sounds on your DAW. This is important as most of us has a different playing style when it comes to percussion MIDI controllers. Some prefer to use it play fast drums lines while others prefer to use it to trigger sound samples they sliced up in their DAW.

Mobile MIDI Controllers

You then have the mobile MIDI controllers which are like keyboard MIDI controllers, only with their keys smaller in size, smaller than the size of a key on a keyboard. These type of MIDI controllers are made to be mobile or as an addition to your MIDI setup.

I wouldn’t advise using mobile MIDI controllers as your main controller. They come in all sizes, usually with smaller keys or a smaller/thinner build. Great for laying down ideas but I would never imagine finishing a score with one of these controllers.

Guitar & Wind MIDI Controllers

Guitar & wind MIDI controllers would be rarest category of MIDI controllers mentioned in this post, if they are being used at all. There are companies such as ACPAD who are developing a wireless MIDI controller for the acoustic guitar and it seems quite promising.

As for wind MIDI controllers, they are normally built in the form of a saxophone shape. You can choose different modes of playing the wind controller and have your MIDI data sent into your DAW just like any MIDI controllers would. Wind controllers aren’t popular but they appeal to musicians & producers who have strong background playing wind or brass instruments.

Different types of MIDI controller may suit different types of music producers and their working styles. But there are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing one.

First, how much more productive would you be with a MIDI controller? Some controllers may try to attract you with its many features. But be honest with yourself. Do you actually use them? For me, I only always use the keys – that’s it. So I look for MIDI controllers with great key touch.

Second, how easy is its integration with your chosen DAW? I know many producers who spend more time troubleshooting their controllers than actually making music.

Third, are they made to last you a few years? Do they break after a few uses or get its technology (functions) phased off after only a few months?

We break down a few broad ways you can begin narrowing your search for the perfect controller that fits your needs.

Budget

Some controllers run up into the multi-thousand dollar mark. However, it’s not difficult to find a high-quality controller that will fit both your needs and your budget for much less than that.

You’ll also often pay more for brand recognition. While there are numerous choices on the market, going with a brand known for reliability and quality products can save you money in the long run. Going with a cheaper, more cheaply-produced options may not last as long as a robust controller. This holds true in a controller’s appearance as well; make your decision based on the technology within, rather than how cool or fancy the controller’s outward appearance is.

In addition, pay close attention to the built-in features. Don’t pay more for a controller that has features and options you may not ever use. Also, make sure to read the fine print. Most modern MIDI controllers are compatible with popular DAWs. However, some are specifically designed to work with a specific DAW such as the Ableton Push. Moreover, going with a specialized controller gives you the advantage of saving time on mapping the controls to the dedicated software.

Keyboard Keys

You’ll most commonly find MIDI controllers with key counts sitting at 25, 49, 61, or even 88 keys. There are also mini controller options with less than 25 keys.

Many artists go with a 49-key option because it is large enough to play with both hands. It’s also important to take the space you have in your home and the type of music you’re creating into account as well. If you’re looking for something portable, a smaller keyboard with 25 or 32 keys may be a better fit.

The specifics of the keys mean more to some producers than others as well. Heavier, weighted keys come at a higher price tag but can feel more comfortable for artists used to playing on a real piano. Most controllers come with plastic keys, which are lighter. It really depends on your personal preference.

Primary Use

Will you be using your controller mostly in your home studio or will you need something portable for live sets? Take note of the weight and overall size of the controller. As stated earlier, fewer keys will be better when it comes to travel-size controllers.

If you’re hauling around your controller, it can be worthwhile to go with a higher-end brand you know will last on the road and in transit. Choosing something robust is also where those weightier keys may outlast the lighter plastic ones.

Pads, Knobs, and Features

While keys are pretty standard, other niceties like drum pads, faders, and knobs can also be useful depending on what your workflow entails.

If your nose is buried in your computer screen, a simple keyboard may be all you need. However, if you prefer to work with your controller, then all the extra bells and whistles can help you stay in the zone.