Who is a MIDI controller for?

Bassline maker with limited desk space

You want to play in notes alongside your usual home-working set-up, so you’re choosing mainly based on the keyboard size and the space you have available.

DAW producer who also works with beats

You want to combine bass parts with pads, clips or direct control of your music software. Check which features the controller supports in your DAW.

Music maker with an external synthesiser

You want to programme bass patterns and perhaps control hardware. The connections and any built-in sequencer are important factors to consider.

What should you look for when choosing?

Compact keyboard for software

Choose this if: you mainly play bass notes in a DAW and need the controller to fit alongside your work equipment.

Bear in mind: a smaller keyboard has a more limited range; the number of keys alone doesn’t tell you how comfortable it is to play.

Pads and DAW controls

Choose this if: as well as bass notes, you want to control clips, drums or music software functions from the controller.

Bear in mind: the controls are most useful when their mappings and software support suit your DAW.

Sequencer for hardware and patterns

Choose this if: you want to build bass patterns on the device or control an external synthesiser.

Bear in mind: check in advance that the controller’s outputs match your equipment’s inputs; these features may be unnecessary if you only use a software instrument.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay extra attention?
Keyboard and desk space Measure the available space and compare it with the model’s dimensions and key range. For example, Arturia lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for the MiniLab 3. If I’m playing basslines among my usual work equipment, I want to know whether the controller will fit on my desk and has enough keys. Around 33% of consumers prioritise space and the keyboard.
DAW control Check compatibility, any scripts and the required software version. For the MiniLab 3 integration described, Arturia specifies Ableton Live 11.2.5 or later. If I want to control DAW functions from the keyboard, I want to know which mappings work with my software. Around 25% of consumers prioritise DAW control.
Bass patterns and rhythm Compare pads with a built-in sequencer: they serve different purposes. Akai specifies a two-track sequencer and eight velocity-sensitive pads for the MPK Mini Plus. If I want to enter recurring bass or rhythm patterns, I look at how the model records them. Around 25% of consumers say programming patterns is their main reason for choosing one.
Connecting external equipment Compare the controller’s exact outputs with your synthesiser’s inputs. Arturia lists MIDI DIN and CV/Gate among the connections on the KeyStep 37 mk2; this doesn’t automatically apply to other models. If I want to connect an external synthesiser, I want to be sure the devices can connect directly. Around 17% of consumers prioritise hardware connectivity.

Common buying mistakes

  • Expecting the keyboard to produce bass sounds itself

    A MIDI controller usually sends data to software or other equipment rather than producing sound itself.

    Check what you’ll use to make the sound and what’s included with the exact model.

    You may need to assign features yourself or update your software.

  • Treating USB, MIDI DIN and CV/Gate as interchangeable connections

    Controllers and external instruments may use different types of connections; the word MIDI alone doesn’t tell you which physical connection will work.

    Compare the controller’s output with your synthesiser’s input and check which cable or interface you need.

    Relevant MIDI controller brands

    Arturia

    The MiniLab 3 is a compact keyboard for controlling software; the KeyStep 37 mk2 is a separate model with a sequencer and connections for a hybrid set-up.

    • Arturia specifies 25 keys and a 5-pin MIDI output for the MiniLab 3. For the KeyStep 37 mk2, Arturia lists 37 keys, a sequencer and CV/Gate.
    • These are different models. Check the DAW support for the model you’re considering, and don’t assume that features on one model are available on the other.

    Novation

    According to the manufacturer, the Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with pads and DAW controls.

    • Novation specifies 25 mini keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and eight encoders for this model.
    • Check whether the integration described suits your DAW; the manufacturer’s information isn’t an independent user test.

    Akai Professional

    According to Akai, the MPK Mini Plus combines keys, pads and a built-in sequencer; the MPK Mini IV is a separate compact model.

    • Akai specifies 37 mini keys and a two-track sequencer for the MPK Mini Plus.
    • Models and generations differ. Check the full model name and the features of the version you choose.

    M-Audio

    According to M-Audio, the Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact USB MIDI controller with software controls.

    • M-Audio specifies 32 mini keys and automatic mapping for this model.
    • Whether those controls suit the way you work depends on your software settings; check these for your DAW.

    Nektar

    The SE25 is worth considering if a small keyboard matters more to you than a wide range of controls.

    • Nektar specifies 25 mini keys and six control buttons for the SE25.
    • Compare the available controls with the pads or pattern features you want to use; this doesn’t establish how comfortable the keyboard is to play.

MIDI controllers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need anything else to hear a bass sound from a MIDI controller?

Yes. You’ll usually also need software with an instrument sound or a suitable external sound source. Bax Music explains that a MIDI keyboard doesn’t make sound itself; check the details for the exact model.

How do I send keys and pads to different DAW tracks?

It depends on the controller and the DAW. Akai describes a setting for the MPK Mini series that sends MIDI data from the keys and pads on different channels; then set up the tracks separately and consult the instructions for your exact model.

What should I check after installation or during maintenance?

Check that your DAW is using the correct MIDI port and any model-specific integration. Novation recommends updating the firmware for the Launchkey Mini 25, as some features may not work otherwise; this advice applies to that model.

Who should I contact if a device bought in the Netherlands is faulty?

According to the Dutch government, you can contact the seller if a product is faulty; they must resolve the problem or contact the manufacturer. So you don’t have to rely solely on help from the manufacturer.

What rules apply to online purchases and product safety?

For distance sales from a business, you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government; check the terms for your purchase. Electrical and electronic devices must meet the applicable product safety requirements. Dutch government information states that a CE mark and EU declaration of conformity are required when the relevant rules apply to the device.