Shaping orchestral parts
You record parts and want to control the dynamics and expression of your instrument library as you play.
Who is this for?
Composing in a shared, quiet space
You want to work with software and headphones, while also keeping the sound of the keys and pedals in mind.
Working at a small desk
You’re weighing up how many notes you can play at once against the space left for your screen, mouse and other equipment.
What should you look for?
Compact keyboard
Choose this if: you mainly sketch or record shorter parts and want to keep desk space free. According to Arturia, the Arturia MiniLab 3 has 25 keys and is 355 mm wide.
Trade-off: fewer keys are immediately available for parts played with both hands.
Medium-sized keyboard with controls
Choose this if: you want to record parts while using physical controls. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 both have 49 keys.
Trade-off: allow for the desk space you’ll need, and check that the DAW controls work with your software and version.
Larger keyboard for piano playing
Choose this if: you want to play longer piano parts directly. Native Instruments specifies that the Kontrol S88 MK3 has 88 weighted hammer-action keys.
Trade-off: weighted keys don’t indicate how quiet they are to play; assess the physical key noise separately.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who will find this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Expressive control | Check whether a modulation wheel, fader or pedal can be assigned to the MIDI parameter you want in your library. | When I record orchestral parts, I want to be able to control expression as I play. Around 31% of consumers put expressive controls first. |
| A quiet workspace | Set your computer or audio equipment to output sound through headphones; assess the sound of the keys and pedals separately. | When I work in a shared, quiet space, I want to listen through headphones without overlooking the physical sound of playing. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a quiet working environment. |
| Playing range and feel | Check the number of keys and keyboard type for the exact model; try the key action for yourself if possible. | If I want to record longer parts with both hands, the playing range and key action are decisive for me. Around 25% of consumers choose playing range as their top priority. |
| Desk space | Measure the available width and depth, including space for other equipment. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 355 × 220 × 50 mm; Novation gives the Launchkey 49 dimensions of 730 × 264 mm. | When my desk has little free space, I want to know in advance what will fit alongside my other equipment. Around 19% of consumers put available desk space first. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own
A MIDI controller such as the Oxygen Pro described by M-Audio controls software instruments; MIDI functionality is not the same as built-in sound playback.
Check which computer, sound source, software and audio output you’ll need. To listen through headphones, also set up the output on your computer or audio equipment.
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Thinking headphones make the keys silent
Headphones let you hear the software output without others hearing it, but they won’t stop people nearby from hearing the physical sound of the keys or pedals.
Assess the sound of playing separately if you share the space with others.
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Choosing a pedal based on the plug alone
Pedal support can vary by model. Arturia notes a compatibility issue with the KORG DS1H for the MiniLab 3 and KeyLab Essential mk3.
Check the pedal type and model-specific recommendations before buying; Arturia advises connecting the pedal before switching on.
Brands to compare
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 is a compact option, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers more keys and hands-on control.
- Arturia specifies 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, four faders and a width of 355 mm for the MiniLab 3. For the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3, the brand lists 49 keys, nine faders and a modulation wheel.
- The compact MiniLab 3 has fewer keys immediately available for extended playing. These specifications don’t tell you how noisy the keys are mechanically.
Novation
The Launchkey 49 MK4 combines a 49-key keyboard with pads and controls.
- Novation specifies 49 semi-weighted keys, nine faders and 16 pads.
- The stated width and depth are 730 × 264 mm. Check that the DAW controls work with your software and version.
Native Instruments
The Kontrol S Series MK3 offers different keyboard sizes for users of supported instrument and software workflows.
- Native Instruments specifies polyphonic aftertouch for the series; the Kontrol S88 MK3 has 88 weighted hammer-action keys.
- The software integration described doesn’t prove that every instrument or feature will work without configuration. Check that it works with your software.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini IV and MPK mini Plus are compact models for sketching with keys and pads.
- Akai lists 37 mini keys and a built-in sequencer for the MPK mini Plus; according to Akai, the MPK Mini IV has physical pitch and modulation wheels.
- Mini keys are a trade-off if you want to play extended piano parts. The specifications given don’t assess the feel of the keys.
M-Audio
The Oxygen Pro 49 is a 49-key controller with configurable DAW controls.
- M-Audio describes USB power and automatic mapping after you select your DAW and the correct configuration.
- Check that your DAW and software version support the controls you want; a manufacturer’s description isn’t a compatibility guarantee for every setup.
Joybuy products
The selection below consists of 61-key keyboards with USB-MIDI. Check whether you’re looking for a keyboard with built-in sounds or a controller for software instruments, and whether the connection is compatible with your DAW.
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MLS-931 digital piano, 61 keys, black
An option if you’re looking for 61 keys and USB-MIDI connectivity for use with music software.
The product description lists a velocity-sensitive, weighted keyboard, 300 sounds and 300 rhythms, speakers and a headphone socket.
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Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black
An option for combining 61 keys with USB-MIDI and a recording function.
The product description also lists speakers, a metronome and a headphone socket.
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61-key keyboard set with stand
An option if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with USB-MIDI and included accessories for setting it up.
The set includes a stand, bench and music stand, as well as 300 tones, 300 rhythms and a three-level learning function.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hear film music using only a MIDI controller?
A standard MIDI controller such as the Oxygen Pro described by M-Audio controls software instruments, but doesn’t produce sound on its own. You’ll also need a sound source and audio output set up; for a quiet workspace, you can set your computer or audio equipment to use headphones.
How do I assign a control to orchestral dynamics?
First, check the settings for the library you’re using. Spitfire Audio lists CC1 for Dynamics and CC11 for Expression in its own libraries, and describes the Learn MIDI CC function for assigning a suitable control. These assignments don’t automatically apply to all instrument libraries.
What should I check before connecting a pedal?
Compare the pedal type with the manual for the exact model. Arturia lists supported pedal types for the MiniLab 3 and KeyLab Essential mk3, and warns of a compatibility issue with the KORG DS1H. Arturia advises connecting the pedal before switching on.
What cooling-off period and warranty apply when buying online in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, online consumer purchases from a business usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. The statutory guarantee entitles you to a product that works as it should, but the Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory guarantee period. Check the seller and the terms of your specific purchase.