Beatmaker with a small desk
Wants to enter drum patterns and other parts without giving up too much workspace. Compare the pads, keys and controller dimensions.
Who is a MIDI controller for backing tracks suitable for?
Bassline and chord player
Mostly plays backing parts on keys and weighs up the range they need against a compact device.
Producer who works with a DAW
Wants to build and control backing tracks in their existing music software. Check that the controller and any required settings are compatible with your DAW.
What should you look for when buying a MIDI controller?
First decide how you want to enter rhythms and played parts. Then check the audio output, available space and DAW compatibility.
| What to consider | What to look for | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Silent listening and workspace | Route the audio output to your headphones via your computer or audio interface, and measure the space available on your desk. | If I want to make backing tracks without playing sound through speakers, I also consider how much space the device takes up. Around 31% of consumers prioritise silent monitoring and workspace. |
| Entering drum patterns | Check how many pads there are and whether your DAW can assign drum sounds to them. | If I want to play rhythms directly on pads, I check that my drum software can receive that input. Around 25% of consumers give entering rhythms top priority. |
| Keyboard range | Compare the number and size of the keys with the parts you want to play; check the dimensions of each model, too. | If I want to play bass, melodies and chords on keys, I weigh up the range against the space on my desk. Around 25% of consumers prioritise keyboard range. |
| Controls and software | Check support for your DAW version and operating system, any scripts, and the contents and system requirements of software bundles. | If I already use a DAW and want to control its features from the controller, I check in advance what configuration is required. Around 19% of consumers give DAW and software control top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a MIDI controller makes sound on its own
MIDI contains control data, not audio. Novation Support explains that music software can use this data to trigger a sound.
Check which software instrument you’re using and set your computer or interface’s audio output to your headphones.
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Focusing only on the number of keys
For rhythms, pads and compatible DAW controls may be important, while a larger keyboard also needs to fit on your desk.
First decide whether you mainly want to enter rhythms, played parts or both. Then measure the available space and compare the dimensions of the exact version you’re considering.
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Assuming the bundled software will work straight away
Software bundles can have their own system requirements, and some features may not be available in every setup.
Before buying, check the current bundle, your operating system and DAW version, and the required plug-in format.
Brands to compare
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 37 is designed for anyone looking for keys, pads and DAW controls in one controller.
- Novation lists 37 mini keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and eight encoders.
- These features don’t tell you whether the device will fit on your desk or work with your specific DAW version, so check both in advance.
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 combines compact note and rhythm input with controls for software instruments.
- Arturia specifies 25 keys, two banks of eight pads, USB power and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm.
- For deeper DAW integration, Arturia describes separate scripts and setup steps. Check that these are compatible with your software version.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini IV is aimed at compact music production, with pads, transport controls and software instruments.
- Akai lists mechanical pitch and modulation wheels, MPC pads and USB-C.
- The included Studio Instrument Collection has its own system requirements. Akai currently states that AAX support for Pro Tools is not available.
M-Audio
The Oxygen Pro Mini combines 32 mini keys with controls for functions including transport and mixer duties.
- M-Audio describes the device as USB-powered and lists transport and fader controls.
- To use the DAW integration described, you’ll need to select the right configuration in your DAW.
Korg
The microKEY2-37 is a straightforward USB-powered option for anyone who mainly wants to enter notes on keys.
- Korg specifies 37 mini keys, USB Type-B and a width of 565 mm.
- The official list of controls doesn’t mention drum pads. So check whether you’d rather programme rhythms in your DAW, and whether the device will fit on your desk.
Joybuy products for backing tracks and MIDI control
This selection features 61-key keyboards and digital pianos with MIDI functions, for anyone who wants to play backing parts through music software and have more keys to work with.
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Electronic keyboard with 61 keys and MIDI controller function
Worth comparing if you want to control backing parts via MIDI and are looking for a 61-key keyboard.
The product name mentions a recording function, built-in speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
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MLS-931 digital piano with 61 keys
Worth considering if you’re comparing keyboards that, according to the product name, can connect to music software via USB-MIDI.
The product name mentions weighted keys, a headphone socket, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms and an LCD screen.
Frequently asked questions about MIDI controllers for backing tracks
Can I hear sound through headphones using only a MIDI controller?
No, a MIDI controller doesn’t send sound by itself. Choose a software instrument in your music software and route your computer or interface’s audio output to your headphones, as Novation Support explains.
Why don’t the controls operate my DAW straight away?
A recognised MIDI device won’t automatically have a compatible control profile. Check the manual and the required DAW settings or scripts for your model and software version; Arturia describes these steps for the MiniLab 3.
What are my rights when buying a MIDI controller online?
Online purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions may apply; check the terms for the specific purchase. According to the Dutch government, the seller is your point of contact for the statutory guarantee if a product is faulty. In the Netherlands, there isn’t a fixed statutory guarantee period of two years for every product.
Does a CE logo mean a MIDI controller has been independently approved?
No. According to the European Commission, the manufacturer uses the CE marking to declare that the product meets the relevant EU product rules; there is no central EU body that issues CE approval. CE marking is only required when specific harmonised rules say it is, so check which rules apply to the particular version.