If you work with a computer and a software instrument, start by looking at MIDI controllers powered through your computer’s USB connection. That means you won’t need a separate power socket for the controller itself. Then choose between a compact keyboard for short ideas and a larger one for more room to play, and decide whether you want to use a chord mode or play the chords yourself. Novation, Arturia, Akai and M-Audio describe these power and control features for specific models. Also check the connection and DAW settings for your own setup.
You record chords using a computer and want to avoid needing a separate mains adapter for the controller itself. Check the power requirements for the exact model and the USB connection available; Novation, Arturia and Akai describe USB power for the controllers mentioned.
You want to play chords directly and are weighing up a compact keyboard against having more keys for both hands. Akai, Novation and M-Audio’s product specifications show differences in the number of keys and chord features.
You want to capture chord ideas using features that suit your music software. Check that the MIDI port, chord controls and any DAW features are compatible with your software; Arturia also explains the MIDI port setting required for the MiniLab 3.
First, check whether the controller itself is powered via your computer’s USB connection. Then decide whether you mainly need a compact size, more room to play or a specific way to enter chords.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Power without an extra socket | Check whether the exact model is powered via your computer’s USB connection, which connection and cable it needs, and what the manufacturer recommends about hubs. Novation confirms computer USB power for the Launchkey 49 MK4; Arturia and Akai provide power information for the models mentioned. | If I have limited power sockets, I want to know whether the controller itself is powered by the computer. Around 36% of consumers give power without an extra socket top priority. |
| Entering chords | Compare playing chords yourself with using the model’s chord mode. Akai describes Chords Mode for the MPK Mini Plus, while M-Audio describes Smart Chord for the Oxygen Pro 49. Check that the controls suit the chord changes you want to record. | If I want to enter chord ideas quickly, I check whether a chord mode gives me the notes and changes I want. Around 29% of consumers make these controls their top priority. |
| Key range and size | Compare the number and size of the keys with the chords you want to play with one or both hands. Akai lists 37 mini keys for the MPK Mini Plus; Novation lists 49 semi-weighted keys for the Launchkey 49 MK4. | If I want more room to play chords, I weigh that against the space the keyboard takes up. Around 21% of consumers give key range and size top priority. |
| Recording in your DAW | Check the MIDI port, compatibility with your DAW version, and the settings for the software instrument or recording track. Arturia explains which MIDI port to enable in your DAW for the MiniLab 3. | If I want to record chords directly into my own software, I check that the controller and settings are suitable. Around 14% of consumers give their recording workflow top priority. |
If you have limited power sockets, the power specifications for the exact model matter more than simply whether it has a USB port.
Check the power method, the connection required and the recommendations for direct connections or using a hub.
Controls vary between models: settings for notes, inversions or chord structures can all affect how a chord is entered.
Compare the model description with the chord changes you want to record. Play chords yourself if you want full control over their voicing.
The right MIDI port, software configuration and any required mapping determine whether the controls work with your workflow.
Check compatibility with your DAW in advance. Once connected, set up the correct MIDI input, instrument and recording track.
Allow time to configure the MIDI input and controls in your software.
The Launchkey 49 MK4 is worth considering if you’re looking for a larger, USB-powered keyboard with chord modes and DAW controls.
The MiniLab 3 is a compact, USB-powered option with a chord feature for sketching ideas in software.
The MPK Mini Plus is a compact controller with mini keys, Chords Mode and a sequencer.
According to M-Audio, the Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key controller with USB power and Smart Chord.
Not necessarily for the controller itself, as long as it’s powered through a suitable USB connection on your computer. Consider your computer and any audio equipment separately. Novation confirms computer USB power for the Launchkey 49 MK4; Arturia and Akai specify USB power for the models mentioned.
First, check that the correct MIDI port is selected and that a software instrument or recording track is ready. Arturia explains the port and instrument settings for the MiniLab 3; the exact menus vary between programmes.
For this model, Arturia recommends first connecting directly to a USB port on your computer. If you need to use a hub, Arturia advises considering one with a suitable power supply.
According to the Dutch Government, consumers buying online from a business have a 14-day cooling-off period in many cases; check the applicable exceptions and conditions. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory guarantee period. If a product is faulty, contact the retailer.
