How Do I Choose the Best MIDI Controller for my Plug-Ins?
New to MIDI controllers? This article will explain the basics and help you find the best MIDI controller for your home studio. Whether you're creating with software synthesizers, tapping in drum beats, or simply want hands-on control for your plug-in processors and effects, here's what you need to know to choose the right MIDI controller the first time.
What Kind of MIDI Controller Do I Need?
We'll be looking at two basic types of MIDI controllers: keyboard controllers, and control surfaces. A keyboard controller has piano-style keys for playing instruments, as well as additional controls like knobs and sliders. A control surface has no piano keys, completely focusing on other controls like buttons, knobs and sliders. If you want to play your instruments in realtime, you'll obviously want a keyboard controller. But if you're a producer that only wants to write automation and tweak parameters, a control surface is a more space-efficient choice.
What Should I Look for in a MIDI Controller?
When you're shopping for a MIDI controller, here are some of the most important things to understand and look out for. Two MIDI controllers that look similar can have one difference that greatly impacts what you can do with it, so keep these tips in mind.
Keys
Not all keyboard MIDI controllers are created equal. Here are the different types of keybeds you'll encounter.
- Weighted keys: A weighted keybed mimics the resistance and weight of a real piano, giving pianists a familiar feel and response.
- Synth action keys: Synth action keys are not weighted like those above, and have a fast feel that is ideal for playing synth leads.
- Aftertouch: Keys sense pressure changes after striking the key, creating a MIDI message that can be used to modulate a filter, for example.
- MPE: MIDI Polyphonic Expression keybeds can send four different MIDI messages per note (velocity, aftertouch, vertical movement, and horizontal movement) for maximum expressive capability.
Pads
Some MIDI controllers feature performance pads for tapping in drum rhythms. While you can also do this with piano keys, performance pads feel more natural and accurate for creating drum tracks.
MIDI In/Out
You won't need 5-pin MIDI In and MIDI Out ports if you're only connecting to your computer to control software via USB. If you'd like to connect other MIDI gear like synths and effects, you can connect them with the 5-pin MIDI ports while also controlling your software via USB.
Arpeggiator / Step Sequencer
Some MIDI controllers offer a built-in step sequencer or arpeggiator to trigger your synths. While you can also do this in software, having them built into your controller makes for a more streamlined production flow and makes your controller feel more like a real instrument.
Software Editor
The best way to re-map your MIDI controller or customize it for your needs is with its companion editor software. Before investing in a controller, check out the manufacturer's website for more info on their editor software, and check out some user reviews. If you're deciding between two similar controllers, the software editing experience can help you decide which is best for you.
Best MIDI Controllers for Home Studio
Whether you're a classically trained pianist, a synth fanatic, or an aspiring bedroom producer, here are the best MIDI controllers to expand your creative capabilities.
Best MIDI Controllers for Piano Players
If you're skilled on a real piano, the two most important things will be the number of keys and weighted hammer action. Most players will prefer the full-size experience of an 88-key controller like the Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 controller keyboard. It has weighted hammer action for the feel of a real piano, plus performance pads and customizable knobs and sliders for comprehensive control over your software.
If you need to save space while maintaining the real-piano feel, a 73-key controller like the Studiologic SL73 Studio is your best bet. A 73-key controller saves significant space compared to an 88-key controller, while only losing one octave of playable keyboard. If you're most comfortable on a real piano, a 73-key controller is probably the smallest you would still want to work with.
Best MIDI Controllers for Synth Players
Contrary to piano players, synth players do not want weighted keys, instead preferring the fast and consistent feel of synth action keys. And because you don't need the full playable range of a piano, you can save some space too with a 61-key or 49-key controller. The Novation Launchkey 61 MK4 and Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 are two of the best options in this size that we've seen in quite some time. You get a ton of customizable controls, comprehensive editor software, and built-in sequencing that makes them feel more like standalone instruments than MIDI controllers.
Best MIDI Controller for Desktop Music Production
Even if you don't have a lot of space for a MIDI controller keyboard, you can still get in on the action with a compact 25-key controller like the Nektar Impact LX25. It's packed with customizable controls, with impressive performance features including a dedicated "DAW Looper" that allows you to create loops directly from your MIDI controller. The Impact LX25 even comes with dozens of sounds and instruments to get you started.
Best MIDI Control Surface for Non-Players
Looking for lots of customizable knobs, buttons and sliders to control your software synths and plug-in processors? If you don't want piano keys or performance pads, the Novation Launch Control XL 3 was made just for you. High-quality rotary encoders and sliders give you maximum control over your software synths, and the dedicated transport controls make it a powerful DAW controller too.
If you want an even more compact option, the Novation Launch Control 3 removes the faders and some knobs to bring you maximum software control with a minimal footprint.
MIDI Controller FAQs
Q: Will this MIDI controller work with my DAW software?
A: Yes. Any MIDI controller will work with your DAW software (that's what's great about MIDI!). Your controller may have presets available for your specific DAW software (check the manufacturer's website), or you can use your DAW's "MIDI Learn" function to map your knobs and sliders to software parameters.
Q: Can I use it with my phone or iPad?
A: Yes. Both iOS and Android natively support MIDI controllers. You'll need to use the Apple Camera Connection Kit (iOS) or a USB OTG adapter (Android) to connect your controller via USB.
Q: My MIDI controller only has 25 keys. Can I only play 25 notes?
A: No. You can play all possible notes with any MIDI controller. Locate your MIDI controller's transpose buttons to shift the playable note range up or down by one octave.
Q: What's the difference between weighted and synth action keyboards?
A: A keyboard with weighted action is designed to emulate the feel of a real piano, giving the keys added weight and momentum that is familiar to pianists. Synth action gives keys a faster, on-or-off feel that is similar to an organ's keybed.
Q: What is aftertouch and do I need it?
A: A MIDI keyboard controller with aftertouch allows you to push down on a key after playing it to apply modulation, for example controlling filter cutoff. You don't need it, but aftertouch gives you an added layer of expression for more expressive performance and sound design.
Q: What is MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) and do I need it?
A: A MIDI controller with MPE can send four different kinds of control signal for each note: velocity, aftertouch, vertical movement, and horizontal movement. Most MIDI controllers only send velocity, while some offer velocity and aftertouch. MPE is only necessary if you want the maximum amount of realtime control over your sounds, for example applying vibrato to a single note of a chord while also bending the pitch of a different note.
Q: Why is there a delay when I press a key on my MIDI controller?
A: It's called latency, and it's a delay introduced by your DAW software and instrument plug-ins. To fix it, go into your DAW settings and look for the audio buffer size. 128 samples will make the delay barely noticeable. Lower settings will be even better but will require more processing power.
Q: Does a MIDI controller make sound on its own?
A: No. A MIDI controller only generates control signals for other instruments.
Q: How do I map the knobs and sliders on my controller to things in my DAW software?
A: Use your DAW software's MIDI Learn mode, select the virtual fader, knob, or button you want to control, and then move the knob or fader on your controller that you want to use. Most MIDI controllers have presets for popular DAW software, so check the manufacturer's website for more information.
Ditch the Mouse for a Real MIDI Controller
Investing in a MIDI controller will greatly enhance your production capabilities in your studio. Being able to reach out and turn physical knobs makes any software synth feel much more like a real instrument. And whether you're a dedicated pianist, a synth fanatic, or an in-demand producer, one of the MIDI controllers listed above will give you a whole new way to interact with your music.
Want to Add a Powerful Hardware Synthesizer to Your Studio Toolkit? Check Out the Best Ways to Add a Hardware Synth to Your Setup!
- Introduction
- What Kind of MIDI Controller Do I Need?
- What Should I Look for in a MIDI Controller?
- Keys
- Pads
- MIDI In/Out
- Arpeggiator / Step Sequencer
- Software Editor
- Best MIDI Controllers for Home Studio
- Best MIDI Controllers for Piano Players
- Best MIDI Controllers for Synth Players
- Best MIDI Controller for Desktop Music Production
- Best MIDI Control Surface for Non-Players
- MIDI Controller FAQs
- Ditch the Mouse for a Real MIDI Controller
