Who is this for?

Laptop producer with limited desk space

Wants to play and record arpeggios using a compact controller that takes up little room on the studio desk.

Producer who also connects synthesisers

Wants arpeggios and sequences to work with a DAW and standalone synthesisers; the physical connections you need will influence your choice.

Keyboard player who arranges in a DAW

Wants to play parts across a wider keyboard range as well as arpeggios, and control software features directly from the keyboard.

What should you look for?

Compact controller with arpeggiator

Best for: working mainly with a computer and having limited desk space. The Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys and an arpeggiator, according to Novation.

Trade-off: you get a smaller playing range than with a larger keyboard; check how your DAW records the notes it generates.

Larger keyboard for DAW control

Best for: playing parts across more keys and controlling software from the keyboard. Arturia specifies that the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has 49 velocity-sensitive keys and an arpeggiator.

Trade-off: allow for the desk space you’ll need and check which DAW features work with your software version.

Sequencing controller for standalone synths

Best for: creating arpeggios or sequencing several hardware instruments. The Arturia KeyStep Pro combines sequencer tracks with MIDI, CV and USB connections.

Trade-off: check that the connections and sync options suit your equipment; these hardware features are less relevant if you only use virtual instruments.

What to consider What to look for Who should prioritise this?
MIDI recording and sync Test whether your DAW saves the MIDI notes you want, and check the clock and recording settings. If I want to edit arpeggios later, my DAW needs to capture the right notes; around 33% of consumers rank editable MIDI recording as their top priority.
Space and keyboard range Compare the number of keys and the dimensions with the space available on your desk. I want to keep my workspace compact, but I may have to sacrifice playing range; around 27% of consumers give limited workspace the highest priority.
Connecting to hardware synths Check MIDI DIN, CV/Gate, USB and the clock inputs on your equipment. If I want standalone synthesisers to work together, the connections and sync need to suit my equipment; around 20% of consumers put hardware connectivity first.
Playing range and DAW controls Check the number of keys, which controls your DAW supports and how much space is available. I want to play longer parts and control software features from the keyboard; around 20% of consumers particularly value playing range and hands-on DAW control.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller records sound on its own

    MIDI notes and audible audio are different parts of the recording chain. A MIDI clip contains note and controller information; an instrument turns that information into sound.

    Before buying, map out the signal path from the controller to the instrument, and then to monitoring or audio recording.

  • Assuming every generation has the same connections

    Akai lists a MIDI output and more extensive arpeggiator features for the MPK Mini IV, but not for the MPK Mini MK3. The two models are therefore not interchangeable.

    Check the full model name and the connections on the version you’re considering.

    Connecting to standalone hardware may require an extra interface or a different controller.

  • Assuming a working arpeggiator means your DAW will record editable notes

    The notes you hear and the notes your DAW records depend on your routing and recording settings.

    Make a short test recording and check which notes actually appear in the MIDI clip.

  • Choosing a small keyboard without considering its playing range

    The Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has 49 keys and measures 790 × 240 × 70 mm, according to Arturia.

    Measure your workspace and think about the parts you want to play before weighing up compactness against keyboard range.

Brands to compare

Novation

A good option for computer-based DAW workflows and compact controllers with an arpeggiator.

  • Novation says the Launchkey MK4 has an Arp Pattern mode that lets you edit an arpeggiator pattern using the pads.
  • The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys; keyboard range and DAW features vary by model and software.

Arturia

A good option for keyboards with DAW controls and controllers designed for sequencing and connecting standalone synthesisers.

  • Arturia specifies that the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 has 49 keys, an arpeggiator and a MIDI DIN output.
  • KeyStep models focus differently on hardware connections and sequencing; features of one model don’t automatically apply to the whole range.

Akai Professional

A good option for compact keyboards with pads; check the generation carefully with these models.

  • Akai lists external clock sync for models including the MPK Mini MK3.
  • According to Akai, unlike the MK3, the MPK Mini IV has a MIDI output and more extensive arpeggiator features.

Joybuy products for recording arpeggios

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will my DAW record the sound I hear or editable MIDI notes?

MIDI recording saves note and controller information; an instrument turns that information into sound. Decide in advance whether you want to edit a MIDI clip or record the sound of a synthesiser, and test the arpeggiator routing in your own DAW.

How do I sync the arpeggiator on an MPK Mini MK3 with my DAW?

According to Akai, set the controller clock to ‘External’ for this model, enable MIDI sync on the relevant DAW output and start the DAW before you play.

What should I check if my controller isn’t sending notes?

Check the USB or MIDI cable, whether your computer recognises the controller and whether you’ve selected the right MIDI port. Arturia also recommends trying a direct USB connection and checking your settings or mappings when troubleshooting.

What warranty applies when a consumer buys a product in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, and you can contact the seller if there’s a fault. The Netherlands does not have a fixed statutory two-year warranty for every product; the expected lifespan and the circumstances are taken into account.

Does every MIDI controller need a CE marking?

According to the European Union, CE marking is only required when applicable harmonised EU rules say it is. The marking is not a general quality assessment; whether it’s required for a specific product depends on the rules that apply to it.