Who is this choice relevant to?

Two-handed chord player

Wants to play bass notes and chord tones at the same time, so weighs direct keyboard range against the space available on the desk.

User of a shared music room

Takes the controller between lessons or puts it away, and is looking for the right balance between a compact size and room to play.

Producer who wants to adjust sounds live

Wants to sustain chords and control parameters while playing; the controller, software and sound source need to work together.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the playing space you need and where the controller will sit. Then check the signal chain and the features you want to use while playing.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Keyboard range and playing space Try your usual chord voicings on the desired number and size of keys. Measure the space available for the exact model. I want to reach bass notes and chord tones at the same time without constantly changing position; around 31% of consumers put keyboard range first.
Sound source and connection Check which computer, software, external sound module and audio output are available in the room. Compare these connections with those on the controller. I want to know how to get audible sound from the keys before the lesson; around 31% of consumers mainly need a working signal chain.
Sustain and sound control Check whether the model has a hold function or pedal input, and whether its controls operate the features you want in your software. I want to sustain chords and adjust the sound while playing; around 23% of consumers put sustain and sound control first.
Portability and storage Compare the dimensions and weight of the exact model with the bag, cupboard and workspace you use. I need to take the controller with me or put it away after use, so I can accept a smaller immediate keyboard range; around 15% of consumers put portability first.

How to avoid common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a standalone keyboard that makes sound

    MIDI messages describe things such as notes and velocity, but they don’t produce audible ambient sounds on their own.

    Map out the whole signal chain before you buy: controller, software instrument or external sound source, and audio output to speakers or headphones, for example.

    Depending on your setup, you may also need suitable software, a sound source or audio output.

  • Looking only at the number of keys

    A larger keyboard takes up more space; on a smaller one, widely spaced chord notes may mean changing octaves more often.

    Play your own chord voicings on the key size you’re considering, then compare the overall dimensions with the space available for playing and storage.

  • Assuming models from the same brand have the same features

    The model generation can make a difference to features and connections. For example, Akai distinguishes the MPK Mini IV from the Mini MK3 in areas including chord mode, USB type and MIDI output.

    Check the full model name and generation, and compare its connections with the equipment in the music room.

    If a connection isn’t compatible with the equipment available, you may need an additional connection solution.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 range includes a 49-key model and the more compact Mini 37, catering to different playing and space requirements.

  • Novation lists chord modes and 16 pads for both of these models. The Launchkey 49 MK4 also has nine faders, according to Novation.
  • The Mini 37 has mini keys; also check that its controls work with the software you use.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers a larger keyboard, while the MiniLab 3 is designed for a more compact setup.

  • Arturia lists a hold function, pedal input and 5-pin MIDI output for both models.
  • The MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys, compared with 49 keys on the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. These models therefore offer different immediate keyboard ranges.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a compact option if chord modes and pads matter more to you than a wide keyboard.

  • Akai Professional lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the MPK Mini IV.
  • A 25-key layout offers less immediate range for two-handed chord voicings. Check the model generation and connections.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key option with an assignable feature that lets you trigger a chord with one key.

  • M-Audio describes Smart Chord as a feature that lets you customise a chord structure.
  • Triggering a chord with one key isn’t the same as playing any voicing you want with both hands. Also check your DAW configuration.

Native Instruments

The KOMPLETE KONTROL A49 is particularly relevant if you use KOMPLETE or NKS instruments in the music room.

  • Native Instruments lists 49 keys and pre-mapped controls for KOMPLETE and NKS plug-ins, as well as Smart Play chords.
  • Those pre-mapped controls matter less if you use other instruments, so check your software setup.

Related products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will I hear sound if I connect only a MIDI controller?

No. MIDI messages alone don’t produce audible sound. Use a configured software instrument or a suitable external sound source, and connect it to an audio output. Check what’s available in the music room beforehand.

How can I sustain an ambient chord?

According to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and MiniLab 3 have a hold function and a pedal input. Check which function is available on the model you choose, and test how it works with the software instrument.

Will the knobs work straight away with the software in the music room?

That depends on the controller and software configuration. Arturia lists specific DAW scripts for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3; M-Audio says the Oxygen Pro 49 may need to be configured both on the controller and in the software. Check which software and version you’ll be using.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For a distance purchase from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, according to the Dutch government, but exceptions and the type of seller matter. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the terms of the agreement. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory guarantee period that applies to all products in the Netherlands; if a product is faulty, the seller is the point of contact.

Can I share recordings featuring other people’s music from the music room?

Not simply because the recording was made in an educational setting. The Dutch government says that a private copy for personal use must not be shared. Check which rights or permissions apply to your specific project.