Who is this choice relevant to?

DAW producer working with arpeggios

You want to play patterns in time with your project and edit the notes afterwards. Novation documents pattern controls on the Launchkey MK4 Mini, while Ableton describes MIDI routing for certain plug-ins.

Home producer who wants to monitor quietly

You record using a software instrument without playing it loudly. As well as a controller, you’ll need a sound source and a suitable audio output for your monitoring setup; MIDI data don’t produce sound on their own.

Creator with an external synthesiser

You want to send patterns to hardware and may also want to record the sound. The MIDI, sync and audio connections you need depend on your equipment. Ableton describes a separate audio connection for recording sound from hardware.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide how your arpeggio will be generated and recorded, then which sound source and audio output you’ll use, and finally which keyboard size suits your workspace.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Recording and editing arpeggios Check the arpeggiator, sync settings and the route used to record the MIDI notes it generates. If I want to edit individual arpeggio notes afterwards, I look at the recording and routing options. Around 26% of consumers prioritise editable arpeggio notes.
Quiet monitoring Check where the sound is generated, which audio output you’ll use and where you can connect your headphones. If I want to listen quietly while recording, I need a sound source and a suitable audio output as well as MIDI. For around 26% of consumers, low-volume listening comes first.
DAW controls Check compatibility with your DAW version and the MIDI port and clock settings. If I want recording and controls to work smoothly together in my DAW, I check compatibility with the exact model. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a DAW workflow that suits their needs.
Key range and space Compare the number and size of the keys with the space available and the range you want to play directly. If I have limited desk space or want more keys within easy reach, I compare the dimensions and key range. For around 16% of consumers, compactness or key range is the top priority.
External synthesiser Check the inputs and outputs on both devices and the audio connection you’ll need to record sound. If I want to control and record an external synthesiser, I look at both the control connection and the audio route. Around 11% of consumers prioritise external hardware.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is an instrument you can hear on its own

    MIDI data don’t produce sound on their own. Focusrite and Akai Professional explain that you need a sound source, such as a software instrument, to hear anything.

    Before buying, decide where the sound will be generated and which audio output you’ll use for quiet monitoring.

  • Assuming every MIDI recording captures individual arpeggio notes

    The data captured depend on where the arpeggiator sits in the signal path and on your recording settings. Ableton describes a separate MIDI routing setup for certain MIDI-output VST plug-ins.

    Make a short test recording and check that your DAW captures the notes you want.

  • Confusing MIDI, sync and audio connections

    A connection for control data doesn’t replace the audio connection you may need to record sound from an external synthesiser. Arturia lists MIDI DIN, Sync I/O and CV/Gate among the connections on the KeyStep 37 mk2. Ableton also describes a separate audio route for recording sound from hardware.

    Compare the inputs and outputs on the exact controller and synthesiser models with the connections in your recording setup.

  • Treating different MPK Mini generations as the same model

    Akai notes differences between the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV, including MIDI output and advanced arpeggiator features.

    Check the full model name and specifications before making your choice.

Brands to compare

Novation

A good option if you want to control arpeggio patterns directly while playing, using a compact controller.

  • Novation documents an arpeggiator pattern with active and inactive steps for the Launchkey MK4 Mini.
  • Check DAW integration for the exact model; the documentation doesn’t describe one setup that works for every recording configuration.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact option for a software-focused workspace, while the KeyStep 37 mk2 adds connections for external equipment.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys and a 5-pin MIDI output. The KeyStep 37 mk2 has 37 keys, MIDI DIN, Sync I/O and CV/Gate.
  • These connections apply to the models listed and shouldn’t be assumed to be features of both versions.

Akai Professional

MPK Mini models are compact options for playing keys and controlling arpeggios in a computer-based setup.

  • Akai describes how to sync the MPK Mini MK3 arpeggiator to an external DAW clock.
  • Akai notes differences between the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV, including MIDI output and advanced arpeggiator features. Check the full model name.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact option if you also want controls for your DAW.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and assignable transport and channel controls.
  • Check that the controls work with your software setup; the features described may require configuration in some DAWs.

Joybuy product selection

The product below is a 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller functionality. Check that the recording feature mentioned suits the way you want to capture arpeggio notes.

Black 61-key electronic keyboard with MIDI controller functionality and recording feature

61-key electronic keyboard, black, with MIDI controller and recording feature

A good option if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with MIDI controller functionality; check that the recording feature suits your DAW workflow.

61 keys; MIDI controller functionality; recording feature; speakers; metronome; music stand.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I listen quietly using just a MIDI controller?

Not through the MIDI connection alone, because MIDI data don’t produce sound. Use a sound source, such as a software instrument, and check which audio output you can connect your headphones to.

How can I record individual arpeggio notes to edit them later?

Before recording, check which MIDI data your DAW captures. For certain MIDI-output VST plug-ins, Ableton describes using a second MIDI track to record the output. This is a specific workflow, not a guarantee for every controller or plug-in.

What should I check if the hardware arpeggiator isn’t following my project tempo?

Check the controller’s clock setting and MIDI sync in your DAW. Akai describes an external clock setting for the MPK Mini MK3. Ableton warns that enabling Sync unnecessarily in both directions on the same port can create a feedback loop.

Is a MIDI cable enough to record sound from an external synthesiser?

No. To record the sound, Ableton describes using an audio connection between the synthesiser and your recording setup. Some devices support audio over USB; check the specifications for each device.

What rights do I have when buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible distance sales from a business, you’ll usually have 14 days to change your mind, according to the Dutch government. Exceptions and the type of seller matter. Faulty products are covered by statutory rights, but there’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands. The seller is your point of contact.