Who is a MIDI controller for recording arpeggios for?

DAW recorder

You create electronic parts on a computer and want to play them in, record them and edit them afterwards. First check whether your DAW can create the arpeggios you want; Ableton, for example, describes its arpeggiator as a MIDI effect.

Student on the move

You take your controller to a shared music room, where desk space may be limited. Compare the number and size of the keys with the parts you play; Novation and Akai Professional specify different key sizes for their models.

Hardware programmer

You also want to control a synthesiser or modular equipment. Compare the connections and synchronisation on the exact model with the inputs on your equipment; Akai Professional, Arturia and Korg describe different connection options for each model.

What should you look for in a MIDI controller for recording arpeggios?

Start with the recording you want to make: decide whether the arpeggio will be generated in your DAW or on the controller, then choose a key size and connections to suit your playing space and equipment.

What to consider What should you check? Who should prioritise this?
Editable MIDI recording Test the MIDI input, arpeggiator, clock and recording in the DAW you use. If I want to edit generated notes later, I want to find them on the right MIDI track. Around 36% of consumers prioritise editable MIDI recording.
Portability and desk space Compare the key size and dimensions with your bag and available workspace. If I take my controller between lessons and work at a small desk, a suitable size matters. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portability.
Connecting to external equipment Compare the MIDI, Sync or CV inputs on your equipment with the controller’s connections. If I also want to control an external synthesiser, the connection needs to work with the equipment in the room. Around 21% of consumers prioritise external hardware.
Key range and expression Compare 25, 37, 49 or 61 keys with the parts you play, and check the features of the exact model. If I play parts across a wider range, I want to change octaves less often. Around 14% of consumers prioritise playing range or expressive playing.

Common mistakes when choosing a MIDI controller

  • Expecting the controller to produce sound by itself

    A MIDI controller sends performance data to software or other equipment; that’s not the same as recording audible sound.

    Before buying, work out the signal path from the keys to a software instrument or external sound source, and then to the audio output.

    Factor in a computer, sound software or another sound source, and an audio output if you don’t already have them.

  • Assuming an audible arpeggio will be recorded as editable notes

    Whether generated notes are recorded also depends on MIDI routing and software settings.

    Make a short test recording in your own DAW and check which notes have been captured on the MIDI track.

  • Choosing extra hardware connections without checking your equipment

    USB, MIDI DIN, Sync and CV/Gate are used for different types of connection; whether they’re useful depends on the equipment you want to control.

    Note down the inputs and outputs available, then compare them with the documentation for the exact controller model.

    A suitable hardware setup may require connection cables; extra features add little if you don’t use them.

Brands to consider for recording arpeggios

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 is worth considering if you want to combine a built-in arpeggiator with DAW and pad controls.

  • According to Novation, the Launchkey 37 MK4 has 37 full-size keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and an arpeggiator.
  • MIDI port and clock settings depend on the DAW you use. These features don’t necessarily apply to older Launchkey generations.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is designed for compact pattern creation, with mini keys and extra connection options.

  • Akai Professional lists 37 mini keys, a built-in arpeggiator, a two-track sequencer and MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock for this model.
  • The extra features are most useful if you’ll use them; consider the smaller key size separately.

Arturia

The KeyStep 37 mk2 is an option if you’re looking for a compact keyboard with an arpeggiator that can control a DAW and external hardware.

  • Arturia specifies 37 Slimkeys, an arpeggiator, a sequencer, USB-C, MIDI DIN, Sync I/O and CV/Gate for the KeyStep 37 mk2.
  • Check the generation carefully: these specifications don’t automatically apply to every KeyStep.

Korg

Keystage is designed for those who value 49 or 61 keys, expressive playing and a built-in arpeggiator more than a mini keyboard.

  • Korg lists polyphonic aftertouch, an arpeggiator and MIDI IN/OUT for the Keystage-49 and -61.
  • The stated width is 814 mm for the Keystage-49 and 979 mm for the Keystage-61; measure your available workspace before choosing a version.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact option if USB power, DAW controls and portability matter to you.

  • M-Audio describes the Oxygen Pro Mini as a controller with 32 mini keys and automatically mapped DAW controls.
  • According to M-Audio, the model is class-compliant, but you’ll still need to choose the right DAW configuration. Check the computer and software available in the music room.

MIDI controller with a wider key range

This Joybuy product selection is for anyone looking for a larger keyboard for MIDI control and a broader playing range.

61-key black MIDI controller keyboard

61-key black MIDI controller keyboard

The 61 keys could suit you if you’re looking for a wider playing range; check that the controls and connections work with your computer and music room.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions about MIDI controllers and recording arpeggios

Do I need a controller with a built-in arpeggiator?

Not if you can create the pattern you want in your DAW. Ableton, for example, documents an arpeggiator as a MIDI effect; if you want to control the pattern on the controller itself, compare the features of the exact model.

Why can’t I hear anything when I connect the MIDI keyboard?

A MIDI keyboard sends performance data to software or other equipment; it isn’t automatically a sound source. You’ll also need to set up a software instrument or external sound source and an audio output. Looplabs Academy describes MIDI keyboards as controls for music software.

How can I stop an arpeggio from going out of time with my recording?

Check the selected MIDI input and clock setting in your DAW, then make a test recording. Novation describes settings for sending and starting MIDI Clock with Launchkey in Studio One; the steps depend on the software and version you’re using.

Do I need to install drivers or software on a shared computer?

That depends on the model and the features you want to use. M-Audio says the Oxygen Pro is class-compliant for MIDI use, but also describes a DAW configuration. Check which ports are available beforehand and whether you can set up the software on the computer in the room.

What cooling-off period and rights apply when buying online in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government says that online purchases from businesses generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to legal exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the required standards; according to the Dutch government, there’s no fixed statutory warranty period that applies to all products. If a product is faulty, contact the seller.