A MIDI controller sends notes to your DAW; you hear the software instrument through your chosen audio output, such as headphones. Then choose a key range that suits your chord shapes and desk space, and check that the chord controls work with your DAW.
You want to record chord parts and hear the software instrument through headphones rather than office speakers. Ableton describes monitoring that lets you listen through speakers or headphones; this says nothing about the sound of physical key presses.
You want to play in chords and weigh up how many keys you want to play directly against features that let one key trigger several notes. These features vary by model, as the product specifications from Arturia, Novation, Akai Professional and M-Audio show.
You need to fit the keyboard alongside your usual work equipment, so you’ll need to balance compactness against key size and playing range. Arturia, Novation and M-Audio specify different key layouts; compare the dimensions of the exact model with the space you have available.
Start by deciding how you want to hear the software instrument, then choose the key range and check the connection and controls in your DAW.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should give this more weight? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening without office speakers | Set the audio output and monitoring in your DAW; assess the sound of physical key presses separately. | If I’m recording in a shared office, I want to hear the software instrument through headphones rather than office speakers. Around 36% of consumers put quiet listening first. |
| Playing in chords | Try your usual chord shapes and check how the chord mode works on the exact model. | I want to play my chord shapes and weigh up whether I need a wider playable range or chord assistance. Around 29% of consumers give playing chords top priority. |
| Desk space | Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. | If the keyboard needs to fit alongside my usual work equipment, its physical footprint matters. Around 21% of consumers put desk space first. |
| Connection and DAW controls | Check MIDI input, the instrument track and support for the features you want to use. | I want to record chords and, where needed, use controls on the keyboard, without relying on unsupported features. Around 14% of consumers put DAW control first. |
Headphones let you listen to the software instrument privately, but they don’t tell you how audible the physical key presses will be to colleagues.
Check the audio output, and try the key presses in a similar space if keeping noise down is important.
Chord mode can trigger several notes from one key, but it doesn’t automatically replace the key layout and positioning you need for your chord shapes.
Compare your usual chord shapes with the number of keys and how the chord function works on the exact model.
MIDI input, automatic mapping and transport controls may each require separate settings or support.
Check the setup instructions for your chosen model and the version of the DAW you use.
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is designed for those looking for 37 mini keys and built-in chord features.
The MiniLab 3 is a compact option with 25 slim keys and controls for software instruments.
The MPK Mini Plus combines 37 mini keys with chord assistance and connections for other MIDI equipment.
M-Audio offers two different layouts here: the Oxygen Pro Mini with 32 mini keys and the full-size Keystation 49 MK3 with 49 keys.
This product selection focuses on a 61-key keyboard with MIDI and recording features, for anyone who wants to play chord progressions by hand.
No image available
Suitable for anyone looking for a 61-key keyboard with a recording function for playing chord shapes by hand.
Listed features include a MIDI controller, speakers, a metronome and a music stand.
In the setup described, the controller sends MIDI to an instrument in the DAW; the software instrument’s audio comes through the selected audio output. Connect your headphones to the computer or a suitable audio interface, then set the output in your DAW, as described by Ableton.
Check that the controller is enabled as a MIDI input, that the track contains a software instrument, and that monitoring and record enable are set correctly. This follows Ableton’s instructions; menus may differ in other DAWs.
Don’t assume so: check which MIDI input and control features are supported for the exact model and your DAW, and find out what settings are needed.
No. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands; you’re entitled to a product that meets the expectations you could reasonably have of it.
A CE mark is only required for products covered by harmonised EU rules that make the marking compulsory. The European Union’s Your Europe website lists electrical and electronic equipment as a category that may be covered by such rules; which rules apply depends on the product.
