Who is this for?

Improviser who plays with both hands

Wants to play chords and melody at the same time, so looks for a suitable key range and velocity sensitivity, as well as the right pedal input if using a pedal.

Producer with a small desk

Needs a controller that fits in a shared spare room without taking up more permanent workspace than necessary. The 25-key models generally take up less desk width than the 49-key models we looked at, but be sure to compare the dimensions of the exact version.

DAW-focused recording musician

Wants to control recording functions and software instruments from the controller, so checks that the features work with their DAW and software version.

What matters most when buying?

When improvising in a spare room, the main considerations are key range, available desk space, DAW controls and being able to hear what you’re playing.

What to consider What to look for Who should prioritise this?
Key range and expression Compare the range needed for your own parts, the key size and the velocity sensitivity. If you use sustain, check the pedal input on the exact model. If I want to play chords and melody across a wider keyboard without stopping, range is my top priority; around 36% of consumers focus on this most.
Desk space Measure the available width and depth, then compare these with the dimensions of the specific controller. If my controller needs to fit on a small desk in a shared room, a compact footprint matters most; around 29% of consumers put workspace first.
DAW control Make a note of your DAW and its version, then check which transport buttons, controls or scripts work with it. If I want to control recording functions or instruments in my DAW while playing, software integration is the deciding factor; around 21% of consumers put DAW control first.
Being able to hear what you play Check that you have a computer, a compatible software instrument and a suitable listening setup, then test your DAW’s audio settings. If I want to hear what I’m playing straight away, my sound and monitoring setup needs to be right; around 14% of consumers prioritise audible monitoring.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a keyboard that makes sound on its own

    A MIDI controller sends performance data to software, but doesn’t produce audible sound or an audio recording itself. Without a suitable sound source, what you play may not sound as you expect.

    Decide in advance whether you’ll use a software instrument or another sound source, and test your complete setup with your DAW.

  • Choosing based on the number of keys alone

    A larger keyboard needs more space, while a compact model gives you less range at your fingertips. Novation lists the Launchkey 49 MK4 as 730 mm wide, while Arturia gives the MiniLab 3 a width of 355 mm.

    Measure the space where you’ll set it up and try playing the widest part of the piece you have in mind before you choose.

  • Assuming DAW integration means universal compatibility

    Controls can depend on the exact model, DAW and software version. For example, Arturia states that the Ableton Live script for the KeyLab Essential mk3 is available from Live 11.3.3 onwards.

    Check the documentation for your controller and software combination before relying on specific controls.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 we looked at combines a 49-key keyboard with pads, transport buttons and DAW controls. Novation describes specific integrations with supported DAWs.

  • Novation specifies semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys for this model.
  • The stated width is 730 mm. According to Novation, the sustain input doesn’t support expression, soft or sostenuto pedals.

Arturia

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers 49 keys and DAW controls, while the MiniLab 3 is a more compact 25-key model for a smaller workspace.

  • Arturia specifies velocity-sensitive keys for both models we looked at.
  • The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is 790 mm wide. More advanced DAW control may require a compatible script and software version; for the Ableton Live script, Arturia specifies version 11.3.3 or later.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini IV is a 25-key controller with pads, transport controls and USB-C, designed for a compact recording setup.

  • Akai specifies velocity-sensitive keys.
  • With 25 keys, it offers less range at your fingertips than the 49-key models we looked at. Also check the system requirements for the included software.

M-Audio

The Oxygen 49 (MKV) is a 49-key USB MIDI controller with assignable controls for software-based recording.

  • M-Audio lists velocity control for the keys and pads, eight knobs and nine faders.
  • M-Audio says the series doesn’t need a separate driver, but that doesn’t mean every DAW function will be assigned without configuration.

Native Instruments

The Komplete Kontrol A49 is a 49-key controller designed for use with Komplete and NKS instruments.

  • Native Instruments describes a semi-weighted keyboard and pre-mapped controls for Komplete and NKS plug-ins.
  • This product-specific integration doesn’t mean other plug-ins offer the same controls.

MIDI controllers at Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller record the sound of my improvisation?

No, not on its own. MIDI captures performance and control data; to hear sound, you’ll need something such as a software instrument on a computer. Check whether you want to save MIDI in your DAW for editing later, or record audio as well.

What can I do if I hear my notes with a delay?

First, check your DAW’s monitoring and audio settings. According to Ableton, a larger audio buffer increases latency. Reduce it only as far as your system can manage without glitches. Changing your controller won’t necessarily solve the problem.

Will all the recording buttons work straight away in my DAW?

No, check for the exact model, DAW and version. For example, Arturia states that the Ableton Live script for the KeyLab Essential mk3 is available from Live 11.3.3 onwards.

Which pedal can I connect to the sustain input?

Check which types of pedal the input on your specific controller supports. Novation says that the sustain input on the Launchkey 49 MK4 doesn’t support expression, soft or sostenuto pedals. Don’t assume pedals are interchangeable just because the plugs fit.

Are there set times across the country when I can record with sound at home?

Don’t assume there’s one time window that applies to every home and local authority area. The Dutch government advises talking to your neighbours first if your recording might cause a disturbance; check which rules apply to your home or local authority area if needed.