Who is this relevant to?

Bassist with limited desk space

Usually writes short bass parts alongside a laptop and wants to know how much room the keyboard takes up. Novation and Arturia’s compact models offer different key layouts to compare.

Producer who also makes beats

Wants to control pads, clips or software parameters while recording bass lines. Novation, Arturia and Akai offer models with different physical controls; check which features work with your DAW.

Player recording longer parts

Wants to weigh up the keyboard range against the space a controller takes up on a desk in a student bedroom. According to M-Audio, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini has 32 mini keys.

What should you look for?

When choosing a MIDI controller for bass lines in a student bedroom, the main considerations are your playing range, available desk space, DAW controls and the rest of your audio setup.

What to consider What to look for Who should prioritise this?
Playing bass lines Compare the number and size of the keys, and see whether you find the octave controls comfortable to use for your bass parts. If I want to record longer phrases without changing octaves often, I prioritise playing range over the smallest size. Around 29% of consumers make entering bass lines their top priority.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, including room for cables. Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as measuring 339 × 177 mm; Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 dimensions of 355 × 220 mm. At a shared desk, I first want to know whether the controller will fit next to my laptop, and I’m happy to accept a smaller range of keys if necessary. Around 29% of consumers prioritise available desk space.
DAW controls Check which features are available for your exact model and DAW version, and whether the pads or controls support the actions you use most often. The Novation manual distinguishes between shared and DAW-specific controls. If I want to switch less between my controller and computer while arranging, I first check which DAW features I really need. Around 24% of consumers give DAW controls top priority.
Making sound Check which instrument software or other sound source you’ll use, where the sound will play and whether the software is compatible with your computer. I want to know straight after connecting the controller how I’ll hear the bass part and which software I’ll need. Around 18% of consumers prioritise having a complete audio setup.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI keyboard produces bass sounds on its own

    According to Novation, MIDI contains control data, not sound, so a controller on its own won’t let you hear your bass part.

    Before buying, check which instrument software or other sound source you’ll use and how the sound will play through your setup.

  • Assuming more pads or faders will automatically make things easier

    Features vary by model, and some controls depend on your DAW. Extra controls won’t help your workflow if they don’t support the actions you use.

    Make a note of the actions you perform most often, then check that the exact model is compatible with your DAW and offers the controls you need.

  • Confusing an older MPK Mini with the MPK Mini IV

    Akai highlights differences between the MPK Mini IV and MK3, including the wheels, USB connection and MIDI output.

    Check the full model name and connections of the version you’re considering; don’t rely on the MPK Mini name alone.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines compact keys with pads and controls for music software. The FLkey Mini 25 MK2 is designed for use with FL Studio.

  • According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 has 25 mini keys, 16 pads and 8 encoders.
  • FLkey features such as Channel Rack control are most useful if you work with FL Studio. Check support for your model and DAW version.

Arturia

The MicroLab mk3 focuses on a compact keyboard layout, while the MiniLab 3 also offers more physical controls.

  • Arturia lists the MicroLab mk3 as having a two-octave keyboard and touch strips. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia lists features including faders, pads and a five-pin MIDI output.
  • According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 measures 355 × 220 mm. These dimensions won’t tell you how comfortable the keys will feel to play.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is worth comparing if physical pitch and modulation wheels or beat-making controls are important to you.

  • Akai lists physical pitch and modulation wheels, transport controls, and USB-C and MIDI connections for the MPK Mini IV.
  • According to Akai, the included software requires a compatible computer setup. Check software compatibility with your computer separately.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth comparing if you’re looking for a wider keyboard range in a compact controller.

  • M-Audio describes the model as a controller with 32 mini keys and automatic mapping of DAW controls.
  • Automatic mapping doesn’t mean every feature will work with your DAW without setup; check which DAW you need to select and configure.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce bass sounds on its own?

No. MIDI control data doesn’t contain sound. Novation explains that with the Launchkey, you need an instrument in your music software and must set up the audio output. For another model, check its own connections and features.

Why don’t the pads or buttons work as expected straight away?

How they work can depend on the model, the selected mode and your DAW. Novation’s Launchkey manual distinguishes between shared and DAW-specific features, so check the settings for your model and software.

Is the manufacturer’s warranty the only warranty when buying in the Netherlands?

No. As well as any retailer or manufacturer’s warranty, you may have a statutory guarantee. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the retailer must put things right if a product doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect when used normally. There’s no fixed time limit that applies equally to every product.

How can you dispose of a discarded electrical controller in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy a new, similar appliance, you can return your old one to the retailer free of charge. This also applies to online purchases. Your local council’s collection service is another option.