Who are these controllers suitable for?

Making melodies with headphones

You want to hear your melody through headphones and are choosing between sound from your computer and built-in sounds. Akai Professional explains the differences between the MPK mini mk3 and MPK mini Play MK3.

Playing phrases and chords

You’re weighing up the keyboard range against the space available on your desk. Novation and Arturia list models with different numbers and sizes of keys.

Combining melodies and beats

You want to add pads, transport controls or DAW controls to your melodies. Novation and Nektar describe these controls on specific models.

What should you look for in a MIDI controller?

Computer and DAW

Choose this option: if you want to record melodies in music software and listen to your computer’s audio through headphones.

Bear in mind: you’ll need working software and a suitable audio output. Check that the features are compatible with your DAW and computer.

Built-in sounds

Choose this option: if you want to hear a melody through headphones without a computer; Akai lists these features for the MPK mini Play MK3.

Bear in mind: built-in sounds don’t automatically mean that a DAW session will be recorded or saved.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Quiet listening Decide whether you want to listen through a computer or directly through the instrument, and where to plug in your headphones. Akai lists built-in sounds and a headphone output for the MPK mini Play MK3. I want to hear my melody through headphones and choose where the sound comes from. Around 33% of consumers say quiet listening is their top purchase priority.
Key range Compare the number and size of the keys with the phrases and chords you play; Novation lists a 37-mini-key model and another model with 49 keys. If I play longer phrases or chords, I want enough keys within easy reach without taking up unnecessary desk space. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having the keys they need close at hand.
Beat and DAW controls Check that the pads, knobs and DAW integration suit your software and workflow. Novation, Arturia and Nektar list different controls on their models. I want to make beats as well as melodies, with controls that work with my DAW. Around 27% of consumers prioritise beat and DAW controls.
Workspace Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact model. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 dimensions as 355 × 220 × 50 mm. If my workspace is small, I want the controller to fit without giving up space for other equipment. Around 13% of consumers say available workspace is their top priority.

Pitfalls to avoid when buying

  • Assuming every MIDI controller produces sound through headphones

    An ordinary USB MIDI controller sends performance data to music software; the software produces the sound you hear. You’ll need to connect your headphones to a suitable audio output in your setup.

    Decide in advance whether you want to listen with or without a computer, and check the connections on the exact model.

  • Comparing only the number of pads

    A pad or DAW script won’t necessarily tell you which actions will work straight away in your software.

    Check the support information and manual for your DAW and the version you use.

    Setting up assignments may take extra time.

  • Choosing a compact keyboard without considering the key range

    Models with 25, 37 or 49 keys offer different playing ranges; larger models also need more desk space.

    Measure your desk and think about whether you mainly play short melodic phrases or longer phrases and chords.

Key brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 has a compact keyboard, while the Launchkey 49 MK4 offers more keys and faders.

  • Novation lists chord and scale features and DAW controls for both models.
  • The Mini 37 has mini keys; the 49-key version needs more room to set up. Check how it works with your DAW.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a 25-key option with pads and controls, while the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 offers a larger keyboard.

  • Arturia lists USB-MIDI, eight pads and four faders for the MiniLab 3.
  • According to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is 790 mm wide; check the software requirements for the exact package.

Akai Professional

The MPK mini Play MK3 is designed for use with built-in sounds, while the MPK Mini IV is a compact controller for software.

  • Akai lists built-in sounds and a headphone output for the MPK mini Play MK3.
  • Don’t assume the MPK Mini IV has the built-in sounds of the Play MK3; check the DAW features for each model separately.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini combines 25 mini keys with pads and controls for rhythmic ideas.

  • Nektar lists eight pads, eight knobs and transport controls.
  • Check DAW integration for your software; the listed specifications don’t confirm built-in sounds or a dedicated headphone output.

Joybuy products with built-in sounds

These Joybuy product picks combine built-in sounds, a headphone output and USB-MIDI for anyone who wants to listen independently and also work with music software.

MLS-931 digital keyboard with 61 weighted keys, black

MLS-931 digital keyboard, 61 weighted keys, black

Ideal if you want to listen to built-in sounds through headphones and use USB-MIDI too.

61 weighted keys; 300 sounds and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI; recording function; headphone socket.

Headphones won’t silence the physical sound of the keys being played.

Joybuy
Electronic keyboard with 61 keys, black

Electronic keyboard, 61 keys, black

Ideal if you want to listen to built-in sounds through headphones and need a USB-MIDI connection for music software.

61 keys; 500 sounds and 300 rhythms; USB-MIDI; recording function; headphone socket.

Headphones won’t silence the physical sound of the keys being played.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I plug an ordinary MIDI controller straight into headphones?

Not on the basis of MIDI functionality alone. Akai explains that the MPK mini mk3 sends MIDI to computer software rather than producing sound itself. For the MPK mini Play MK3, Akai lists built-in sounds and its own headphone output. Check the connections on the exact model.

How do I get started with a melody and a beat in my DAW?

Select the controller as a MIDI input in your music software and load a software instrument for the melody. If needed, assign the pads separately to drums; Akai describes different MIDI channels for the keys and pads on MPK mini models. The exact menus depend on your DAW.

What should I check if the software or controls aren’t working?

Check the system requirements and DAW integration for the exact model and any included software. Akai lists separate system requirements and software for the MPK Mini IV; Arturia publishes separate DAW scripts for the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you’ll generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions. You can also contact the seller if a product doesn’t meet the legal requirements.

What should I check for an electronic controller’s safety?

Check the product information and the marking on the specific item being offered. A description of a model alone doesn’t establish which marking is present on the item you’re buying.