Who is this MIDI controller for?

Two-handed chord player

You want to play wide chord voicings without constantly changing octaves, and have room for a larger keyboard. Novation offers the Launchkey 49 MK4 and 61 MK4, with 49 and 61 keys respectively.

Live sound shaper

You want to sustain chords and control an instrument or effect while you play. Check that the pedal input, pedal and software controls work together for the model you’re considering.

Musician with external synthesisers

You use standalone sound modules or synthesisers and want to connect your controller to them. Arturia lists MIDI DIN and CV/Gate for the KeyStep 37 mk2; make sure the connections match your own equipment.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the sound source and connections in your rehearsal set-up. Then decide how many keys and which controls you’ll need while playing.

What to consider What to check before buying Who is it important for?
Range for chord voicings Compare the number and size of the keys with the voicings you play and the space available. 37, 49 and 61 keys don’t offer the same playing range at your fingertips. I want to play wide chord voicings with both hands without constantly changing octaves; around 26% of consumers prioritise having enough range to play.
Live sound control Check the pedal input, pedal compatibility and whether your instrument or software can use the controls. If I want to sustain chords while adjusting sound parameters, sustain and hands-on controls matter; around 21% of consumers prioritise live sound control.
Connection to your sound source Make a note of the inputs on your computer, synthesiser or sound module. Also check the power supply, cables and connection to your speakers. For a rehearsal using my existing equipment, I want to know which connections and power supply will work; around 21% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their set-up.
Space and transport Measure the space available and compare the dimensions of the exact model with the key range you want. If I often take my controller with me or have limited space, size is a major factor; around 16% of consumers put space and portability first.
DAW and instrument control Check which DAWs are supported, any version or mapping requirements, and the system requirements of the software you want to use. I want to control transport, presets and knobs in the software I already use; around 16% of consumers prioritise DAW and instrument control.

MIDI controller buying pitfalls

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a keyboard that makes sound on its own

    A MIDI note isn’t an audible studio signal in itself. The controller sends performance data to a compatible software or hardware sound source.

    Before buying, map out the route from the keys, through the sound source, to the speakers.

  • Focusing only on the number of keys

    A larger keyboard gives you more range at your fingertips, but its connections and software controls also affect whether it suits your rehearsal set-up.

    Compare the range you want with the connections and features you’ll actually use.

  • Assuming any sustain pedal will work

    Pedal compatibility varies by model. Arturia notes a compatibility issue between the KORG DS1H and the KeyLab Essential mk3.

    Check the recommendations for the exact controller and pedal models before using them together.

  • Assuming similar model names refer to the same version

    According to Akai, the MPK Mini IV differs from the older MPK Mini MK3. The bundled software may also have its own system requirements.

    Check the full model name and generation against the specifications of the version you’re considering.

Brands worth comparing

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 and 61 MK4 are options for anyone looking to combine a larger keyboard for chord playing with DAW control.

  • Novation lists chord and scale modes, pads and physical controls for these models.
  • According to Novation, the Launchkey 49 MK4 has USB-C, a MIDI output and a sustain input.
  • Check which controls work with your DAW and whether the keyboard will fit in your rehearsal space.

Arturia

The KeyStep 37 mk2 is designed for a compact hybrid set-up, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 combines a larger keyboard with software and DAW controls.

  • Arturia lists MIDI DIN, USB-C, CV/Gate and chord functions for the KeyStep 37 mk2.
  • For the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3, Arturia lists 49 keys, controls and a pedal input.
  • Don’t assume one model has the same connections as another. Also check pedal compatibility.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV and MPK Mini Plus are compact options with different numbers of keys and features.

  • Akai lists chord mode for the MPK Mini IV. According to Akai, the MPK Mini Plus has 37 mini keys, MIDI/CV/Gate and an internal sequencer.
  • Akai explicitly distinguishes the Mini IV from the older Mini MK3, so check the full model name and generation.
  • Check the system requirements of the bundled software for your computer.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key option for anyone looking for chord functions and DAW control.

  • According to M-Audio, Smart Chord plays a chord when you press a single key or pad. The manufacturer also describes controls with DAW mapping.
  • Choose the right set-up in your DAW and check in advance which controls work with it.

Native Instruments

The KOMPLETE KONTROL A49 is particularly relevant if you use KOMPLETE or NKS instruments.

  • Native Instruments lists 49 keys, Smart Play and pre-mapped controls for KOMPLETE and NKS plug-ins.
  • Check which integration features are available in the software you use.

MIDI controllers at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sound source as well as a MIDI controller?

Yes. The controllers discussed here need a compatible software or hardware sound source. Akai describes the MPK Mini Plus as a device that sends MIDI messages rather than making sound itself. Also check how the sound will reach the speakers in your rehearsal space.

Can I connect any sustain pedal?

No. First check whether the exact model has a pedal input and which pedal type or polarity it supports. For example, Arturia reports a compatibility issue between the KORG DS1H and the KeyLab Essential mk3.

Will the bundled music software work on my computer straight away?

Not necessarily. Check the operating system, software version and any installation or registration requirements in advance. Akai publishes separate system requirements for the software bundled with the MPK Mini IV.

What can I do in the Netherlands if a keyboard I’ve just bought is faulty?

Contact the seller. According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works properly. There is no fixed statutory warranty period for all products in the Netherlands; what’s reasonable also depends on the fault and how the product is used.

Do I always have 14 days to change my mind when buying online?

For eligible distance purchases from a business, you’ll generally have 14 days to change your mind. The Dutch government gives buying from a private individual as an example of a purchase that isn’t covered by distance-selling rules.