Choose a keyboard based on how you want to play in bass lines: a wider playable range matters for playing phrases, while a more compact model takes up less desk space. A standard MIDI controller doesn’t make any sound on its own; you’ll need a software instrument and audio output routed to your headphones. Listening through headphones doesn’t tell you whether the keys themselves are quiet.
You want to play in bass notes without hearing them through speakers. For that, you’ll need a software instrument and the audio output set up; a MIDI controller sends control data, not sound. Novation Support and Ableton explain this signal path.
You want to play and edit bass lines directly, so you’re comparing the key range, velocity sensitivity and any octave controls on the exact model. Arturia and Novation describe these features for their respective models.
You want to enter notes with limited workspace, so you’re weighing up a compact keyboard against a wider playable range and extra controls. Arturia lists the dimensions of the MiniLab 3.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening without speakers | Check that your DAW plays a software instrument and routes the audio to your headphones; MIDI itself contains no sound (Novation Support and Ableton). | If I want to play in my home studio without sound coming through speakers, I look at the whole listening setup. Around 33% of consumers put listening without speakers first. |
| Bass notes and playable range | Compare the playable key range and octave controls on the exact models. Arturia lists 25 keys for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37. | If I want to play phrases without constantly changing octaves, I look at how many keys I can reach straight away. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the playable range for bass phrases. |
| Desk space | Measure the available space and compare it with the model’s dimensions. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm. | When there’s little room left beside my controller, I want to know whether the keyboard will fit on my desk. Around 20% of consumers put available desk space at the top of their list. |
| DAW controls and pads | Check compatibility with your DAW and software version. Novation lists eight encoders and 16 velocity-sensitive pads for the Launchkey Mini 37. | If I also want to use controls or pads, I check that they suit the way I work and the software I use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise DAW controls or pads. |
A standard MIDI controller sends MIDI data; the sound comes from a software instrument and is routed through your computer or audio device’s output.
Before buying, check the whole setup: controller, computer or sound source, software instrument and headphone output.
Listening through headphones doesn’t automatically stop keys or pads from making physical noise. The available information doesn’t provide comparable measurements of this noise for the models mentioned.
If mechanical noise is also a concern in your home studio, try the exact model in similar conditions before relying on it.
For the MiniLab 3, Arturia describes separate integration steps and version requirements for certain DAWs.
Check the integration instructions for the exact model, your DAW and the version you’re using.
The MiniLab 3 has 25 keys; according to Arturia, the MiniLab 37 has 37 slim keys for anyone who wants more keys within easy reach.
According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 37 combines 37 mini keys with DAW controls and pads.
The MPK Mini MK3 combines a compact keyboard with pads, making it a good option if you want to enter rhythmic parts as well as bass notes.
According to Korg, the nanoKEY Studio combines a 25-key keyboard with pads and buttons, and offers USB or Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 is designed to control instruments and effects within the Native Instruments software environment.
This Joybuy pick is a 61-key keyboard with MIDI functionality, for anyone who wants to play in bass lines on keys.
No image available
The 61 keys offer a wide playable range for bass lines; the listed USB-MIDI connection can send notes to software.
The product description lists a headphone socket and built-in speakers. Check whether the speakers switch off when you plug in headphones.
No, a standard MIDI controller doesn’t make any sound on its own. MIDI data controls the software; set up a software instrument and route the audio to your headphones, as described by Novation Support and Ableton.
Check that the MIDI track contains a software instrument and is receiving the correct MIDI input. Set monitoring to ‘In’ or ‘Auto’ and arm the track for recording; also check the audio output, as described by Ableton.
No, pads are mainly useful if you also want to enter rhythms or samples. If you only play bass lines on keys, start by assessing the keyboard and the controls you actually want to use.
For many eligible distance purchases from a business, you have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions apply; this is stated by the Dutch government. You also have statutory rights if a product is faulty. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands, and the retailer is your point of contact if something goes wrong.
