Aspiring sound designer
You want to play notes and use physical controls to hear how a software sound changes.
Who is this buying guide for?
Quiet-at-home learner
You practise with headphones or at a low volume and want to understand how MIDI controls connect to the sound you hear.
Producer with an existing keyboard
You can already enter notes and are mainly looking for hands-on control of software parameters, rather than another keyboard.
What should you look for when buying?
Keys and parameter controls
Choose this if: you want to play notes and adjust sound parameters as you play.
The trade-off: the key range, pads and controls vary by model, so check which features you’ll actually use.
Standalone controller with controls
Choose this if: you can already enter notes and mainly want hands-on control of software parameters.
The trade-off: you won’t get an extra keyboard, and you’ll rely on the MIDI mapping in your software.
Controller for a specific workflow
Choose this if: pre-assigned controls for particular plug-ins or connections for external equipment are important to you.
The trade-off: check that the features work with your software and equipment; extra connections won’t control your listening volume.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Changing sounds with physical controls | Check how many usable encoders or faders there are, and whether your instrument lets you assign the parameters you want via MIDI. Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists 16 encoders for the Launch Control 3. | I want to adjust parameters by hand as I play, so I’m looking for assignable controls. Around 31% of consumers give direct parameter control top priority. |
| Listening at a low volume | Work out where the software instrument runs and where you’ll connect your headphones. Ableton describes the audio output as the route to speakers or headphones. For longer listening sessions, also consider volume and listening time, as recommended by the WHO. | When I practise quietly or with headphones, I want to know how the sound reaches my ears. Around 31% of consumers say quiet listening is their main buying concern. |
| Compatibility with your software | Check your DAW version and the plug-ins you use. For the Launchkey MK4 integration discussed here, Novation specifies Ableton Live 11.3.26 or 12.0.25 and later; Native Instruments describes pre-assigned M32 controls for Komplete and NKS plug-ins. | I want the controls to work with my DAW and instruments, so I know which features I’ll need to assign myself. Around 19% of consumers put software compatibility first. |
| Space and whether you need keys | Measure the space available on your desk and decide whether you need a keyboard. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 355 × 220 × 50 mm; Korg lists the nanoKONTROL2 as 325 × 83 × 30 mm. The nanoKONTROL2 doesn’t have a piano keyboard. | If desk space is limited, I want to weigh up whether I need another keyboard or just controls. Around 19% of consumers say workspace and the need for keys are their top priorities. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
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Confusing a MIDI controller with an audio output
MIDI control alone won’t make the software instrument audible; the sound comes through the audio output you’ve selected.
Before buying, map out the route from the controller to the software, and from the software to your headphones.
Depending on your computer setup, you may also need suitable headphones or an audio interface.
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Assuming every plug-in control is mapped correctly straight away
Pre-assigned controls depend on which software is supported and, sometimes, on the version you have.
Check compatibility with your own DAW and instrument, rather than just checking whether the controller has knobs.
Manual mapping can take extra time to set up, and you may sometimes need different software.
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Choosing a controller without keys when you want to play notes
The Korg nanoKONTROL2 has controls and buttons, but no piano keyboard.
A standalone control surface is best if you already enter notes using another keyboard or in your software.
If you want to play notes on a keyboard, you may still need a separate keyboard alongside the control surface.
Brands to consider
Arturia
The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard, physical controls and included software, making it a good option if you want to learn to play notes and adjust sounds at the same time.
- Arturia lists 25 keys, eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3.
- Check that the key range and included software suit the way you work; these specifications aren’t an independent performance test.
Novation
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines keys and pads, while the Launch Control 3 is a separate option if you’re mainly looking for physical controls.
- Novation lists 37 mini keys and eight encoders for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4, compared with 16 encoders and no keyboard for the Launch Control 3.
- For the Launchkey integration you want, check that your DAW version is supported.
Native Instruments
The Komplete Kontrol M32 is particularly suited to a workflow using Komplete or NKS plug-ins.
- Native Instruments lists 32 keys and eight pre-assigned controls for Komplete and NKS plug-ins.
- Don’t assume the same integration applies to every other plug-in.
Korg
The nanoKONTROL2 is a slim control surface for anyone who already has a way to enter notes.
- Korg lists eight knobs, eight faders and 24 control buttons.
- It doesn’t have a piano keyboard, so check that your software can map the MIDI messages you need.
Akai Professional
The MPK Mini Plus is worth considering if, as well as sound controls, you’re looking for a larger mini keyboard and connections for external equipment.
- Akai Professional lists 37 mini keys, MIDI/CV/Gate connections and a built-in two-track sequencer.
- These extra features aren’t needed to listen quietly while using a software instrument.
Joybuy products
This Joybuy selection includes an electronic keyboard with 61 keys for entering notes and practising with headphones. Check that the connections listed suit the MIDI and audio setup you want to use.
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Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys
This could suit you if you want to enter notes and practise with headphones; the product description lists USB-MIDI and a headphone socket.
The title specifies 61 keys. The description also mentions built-in sounds, speakers and an audio output.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plug headphones straight into a MIDI controller to hear my software instrument?
Don’t assume you can: in the software setup described here, the MIDI controller sends input to the software, while the sound you hear travels from the selected audio output to your headphones or speakers. Check the connections on your device and computer, as well as any audio interface you may have.
What should I check if I can’t hear anything in Ableton Live?
Check the MIDI input, the MIDI source selected for the track and the monitoring setting. In Ableton Live, you can set monitoring to ‘In’, or to ‘Auto’ while the track is armed for recording. Also check that the correct audio output is selected.
How can I listen safely during long practice sessions?
Start at a low volume and don’t turn it up to drown out background noise. The WHO highlights that both sound level and listening time matter; well-fitting headphones can help you keep the volume down. This is listening advice, not a feature of a MIDI controller.
What rights do I have when buying online in the Netherlands?
For eligible consumer purchases made remotely, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. Products sold in the Netherlands must also meet the terms of the agreement under the statutory guarantee; there is no fixed statutory guarantee period. The rules that apply depend on the purchase and the product.
Is CE marking required in the same way for every MIDI controller?
Not without considering the product and the relevant EU rules. According to the European Commission, CE marking is required only for products covered by harmonised EU rules that require it; a CE logo on its own is not an independent product assessment.