Who is this for?

Players who want simultaneous pad layers

You want to play two sounds with the same key press and adjust their balance or parameters as you play. Novation documents a Layer feature for the Launchkey 49 MK4.

Producers short on desk space

You build most of your layers in software and want a compact keyboard with hands-on parameter controls. Arturia specifies 25 slim keys, encoders and faders for the MiniLab 3.

Producers with an existing DAW or MIDI setup

You want your keys, controls and any external equipment to fit into the way you already work. Check the connections and controls for each model; Akai Professional and M-Audio describe different MIDI connection and DAW control options.

What should you look for?

First decide whether the controller itself needs to control two parts at once, or whether your DAW will build the layers. Then check that the keyboard, controls and audio output will work in your loft setup.

What to consider What to look for Who should consider it?
Two sounds at once Check for Layer support on the exact model and set both receiving instruments to the right MIDI channels. If I want to play two sounds with the same key press, I look for a proper Layer feature and suitable channel settings; around 40% of consumers prioritise simultaneous layers.
Space and playing range Measure the desk space available and check the number and type of keys, as well as the dimensions of the model. If my workspace is small, I weigh up a compact keyboard against the range I need to play chords; around 30% of consumers prioritise limited desk space.
Controls and connections Check whether you can assign the controls to the DAW or instrument parameters you want, and whether the MIDI connections you need are available. If I want to adjust settings while playing or control external equipment, I look for useful controls and suitable connections; around 20% of consumers prioritise workflow integration.
Quiet monitoring Check how your software produces sound and what audio output you’ll use; don’t assume a MIDI controller has built-in sounds. If I want to keep monitoring discreet in a loft, I check how my sound source and audio output work; around 10% of consumers consider quiet monitoring their main priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing a split with a layer

    With a split, different areas of the keyboard play different parts; with Layer, both parts respond to the same key press.

    Check that the exact model supports simultaneous Layer control, and find out which MIDI channels the instruments receive.

  • Choosing a compact keyboard without checking its chord range

    The Arturia MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys, while the Novation Launchkey 49 MK4 has 49 keys. That makes a difference to the playing range available at your fingertips.

    Try playing the chords and parts you have in mind on a similar keyboard, then measure the space available.

  • Expecting the controller itself to make sound

    MIDI carries control data, not audio. You need a sound source and a configured audio output to hear the pad.

    Before buying, check which software instruments and audio output you already use.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 is worth considering if you want to control two sounds from the same keyboard and adjust DAW parameters directly.

  • Novation documents Layer support for the Launchkey 49 MK4, along with eight encoders and nine faders.
  • The sounds come from receiving instruments, so you’ll also need to set up MIDI routing and audio output. These features aren’t automatically available on every Launchkey model.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 suits a compact software setup; the KeyLab 49 mk3 is a separate option if you want a larger, semi-weighted keyboard.

  • Arturia specifies 25 slim keys, eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3; the brand describes the KeyLab mk3 as having a semi-weighted keyboard.
  • The specifications listed don’t confirm that either model has the same hardware Layer function.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is a compact option if external MIDI or CV equipment is part of your pad setup.

  • Akai specifies 37 mini keys, eight pads, eight assignable knobs and MIDI/CV/Gate.
  • Check that the connections suit your equipment; these specifications don’t indicate a Layer function across the keyboard.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro 49 is worth considering if you’re looking for a 49-key controller with DAW control and adjustable keyboard zones.

  • M-Audio describes DAW mapping for the Oxygen Pro 49 and zones for the Oxygen Pro series.
  • Check whether zones give you the simultaneous pad layers you want; the zone description doesn’t apply to the Oxygen Pro Mini.

MIDI controllers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hear a layered pad using a MIDI controller on its own?

No. A MIDI controller such as the Launchkey reviewed here doesn’t make sound on its own: MIDI carries control data. Choose instruments in your software and set up the audio output. For two Launchkey parts, the receiving instruments need to use the correct MIDI channels.

How do I set up two sounds in Ableton Live?

You can put instruments in separate chains in an Instrument Rack; Ableton describes this approach for Live. If you use Layer on the Launchkey 49 MK4 instead, set the receiving tracks or instruments to the MIDI channels for Part A and Part B.

What should I check if a new controller makes no sound?

Check that your DAW is receiving MIDI input from the controller, that a software instrument is loaded and that the correct audio output is selected. Akai also says to update the MPK Mini Plus firmware before use.

Can I play music through speakers in a loft at any time?

There isn’t a single yes-or-no answer that applies across the country. The Dutch government points out that, in many municipalities, nuisance to neighbours is covered by the General Municipal By-law. Check your local council’s rules and any agreements for your home; using headphones doesn’t mean other sounds can’t still be heard.