So often these days, home recording is a one-man-job. Because as technology improves, and more things can be “ faked” with virtual instruments and software modeling Jobs that used-to require an entire team of people Can now be done with just you, a simple and your trusty old MIDI controller.
Of course, some controllers are MUCH better than others Which is why in today’s post, we’ll look at 8 of the Best MIDI Controllers on the market to see just how they compare. Let’s begin 1. Alesis Q For basic home studios, that only want something something small, versatile, and easy-to-use The first MIDI controller I’ll recommend is the Alesis Q. Despite its super-low price, it has everything you’d expect from a keyboard controller, including: • USB bus power • pitch and mod wheels • sustain pedal input • Both USB-MIDI and traditional 5-pin MIDI out While it may not have the fancy features we’ll see in some the later models If you don’t use that stuff anyway, it’ll only get in your way.
So if you’d rather keep it simple, you’ll love the Alesis Q. Click below to see the prices and reviews for each size: • 25 Key – (///) • 49 Key – (///) • 88 Key – (//) Up next 2. Akai Professional MPD18 Besides keyboard controllers, the “other” common type of MIDI device you’ll find is the pad controller. Psn Cards No Survey No 2015 on this page. Made popular by the original Akai MPC’s from back in the 90’s These pads have since become standards for making drum beats, and controlling almost any type of percussion-based virtual instruments.
While the early MPC’s where intended as full “ Music Production Centers“ The one I’ll show you today: the Akai Professional MPD18is more of a stripped-down “pad-only” version that offers: • 16 velocity/pressure sensitive pads • 3 sound banks/48 total sounds • Plug-n-play USB connectivity So for a cheap and simple option to pound-out some beats, I highly recommend the MPD18. • Click to see current price – () Up next 3. M Audio Oxygen Rather than needing separate controllers for both keyboard and percussion Many people now use these new “hybrid” designs, which combine both functions into a single unit.
I just aquired an Akai MPK mini and although it comes with some nice software to. Good software to use with Akai MPK Mini? The fl studio mpk mini. AKAI MPK25 or AKAI MPK mini? I would use it with FL Studio or Reason. There's some software you can opt to download if you want to.
And many versions, such as the M-Audio Oxygen, even feature DAW control/plugin control as well, with a collection of knobs and sliders. If you’re like most musicians and you hate programming MIDIthe M-Audio Oxygen is also great because it auto-maps to all major DAW’s. And while most controllers these days have that feature as well, there are very few that have iOS connectivity for iPads, iPhones, and iPods. But the M-Audio Oxygen does. Check it out • 25 Key – (///) • 49 Key – (///) • 61 Key – (///) Up next 4. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII While MIDI controllers typically come in multiple sizes to accommodate different users There are some controllers designed specifically for the “mobile-musician” Like the Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII, which crams a wealth of great features onto a device so small, it fits your backpack.
In addition to the standard tools, the MPK Mini also offers: • a unique onboard arpeggiator for synth users • a one-of-a-kind thumbstick that combines both pitch and mod functions onto a single control and comes with the following software: • Akai Pro MPC Essentials • SONiVOX Wobble • Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech As you can see, the MPK Mini offers huge value for an incredibly low price. Check it out • Click to compare prices – (///) Up next 5. Korg NanoKey2/NanoPad2 Unlike the MPK Mini, which combines keys and pads onto one device The Korg NanoKEY2 and NanoPAD2 are actually two separate devices designed to work in-tandem Or in-combination with the “” model in this series: the Korg NanoKONTROL2. If you like small, you really can’t do much better than this “Nano Series” of controllers, which sit perfectly, right in front of your laptop. Mx Player Pro Apk For Android 4.1.2. To save even more space, the NanoKEY2 also has a sustain button, eliminating the need for a separate foot pedal.