Who is this for?

Musicians who play in melodies

You want to play a short sequence of notes on keys during a rehearsal and set it to repeat, possibly without a computer. Arturia and Akai describe models with keys and a built-in sequencer.

Band members who programme rhythms

You want to enter and edit drum notes or several parts directly on pads or a step grid. Akai and Novation describe models with pads or grid controls.

Musicians with an existing DAW or synth

Your choice depends on your existing software, sound source and connections. The controller needs to suit the way you want to create and play back the pattern. Korg and Novation describe models for a range of hardware and DAW setups.

What should you look for?

Keys with a built-in sequencer

Choose this if: you want to play in a melody and edit the pattern on the device.

Bear in mind: key size and the number of sequencer tracks vary by model; you’ll need a connected instrument to produce sound. Arturia and Akai describe these features for their own models.

Pad grid with a built-in sequencer

Choose this if: you want to enter and edit steps and multiple parts on a grid. Novation describes the Launchpad Pro [MK3] as having four sequencer tracks.

Bear in mind: a grid is not a substitute for a traditional keyboard; hardware requires a suitable power supply and MIDI connections.

Compact sequencer for hardware

Choose this if: you mainly want to edit a short loop directly using the step buttons and already have suitable external hardware. Korg describes the SQ-1 as a sequencer with 16 or two sets of 8 steps.

Bear in mind: the SQ-1 has no keyboard; check the MIDI output, adapter and synchronisation with your other equipment.

Controller for an existing DAW

Choose this if: your music software records and loops the pattern, and you want physical controls for input or DAW functions. Novation describes the Launchkey Mini 37 as a controller with keys, pads and DAW controls.

Bear in mind: recording and playing back the pattern depends on your DAW setup.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Playing in melodies Check whether the exact model can record patterns on the device and whether the key size suits your playing style. Arturia lists 37 slim keys and a sequencer with up to 64 steps for the KeyStep 37 mk2; Akai lists 37 mini keys for the MPK Mini Plus. If I’d rather play melodies than enter them step by step, I look for keys with a built-in sequencer. Around 29% of consumers make keys and standalone melody looping their top purchase priority.
Drums and melody Check how many sequencer tracks the model has and whether the pads enter notes or steps. Akai lists eight pads and two sequencer tracks for the MPK Mini Plus. I want to record both a rhythm and a played sequence of notes in one session; around 23% of consumers give combined drum and melody input top priority.
Step grid Check the number of steps and tracks on the exact version, and which power supply and MIDI adapter it needs. Novation describes the Launchpad Pro [MK3] as having four sequencer tracks. When I want to edit parts directly on a grid during rehearsal, being able to access individual steps matters; around 18% of consumers prioritise grid editing across multiple parts.
Connecting to hardware Compare the type of MIDI, CV/Gate or sync connection at both ends, and check which adapter and power supply you need. Korg lists a mini-stereo MIDI output for the SQ-1. I want my short loop to work with my existing synth and synchronisation setup; around 18% of consumers name connecting to existing hardware as their top priority.
Working with a DAW Check that the controls work with your DAW and exact controller model. Don’t assume a model stores patterns on the device just because it has an arpeggiator or DAW controls. If my DAW records and loops the pattern, I mainly look for controls that suit this workflow; around 12% of consumers give DAW recording and looping top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing an arpeggiator or DAW controls with a built-in sequencer

    A controller can send notes to a DAW without storing a pattern itself. Novation describes DAW controls for the Launchkey Mini 37 and a standalone sequencer for the Launchpad Pro [MK3]; these are different models with different features.

    Check where the pattern is recorded, stored and played back on the exact model.

    If you want to sequence without a computer, you may need a separate computer or sequencer if your chosen controller doesn’t have this function.

  • Assuming every MIDI connection will fit directly

    According to Korg, the SQ-1 has a mini-stereo MIDI output. Novation specifies a TRS-to-MIDI-DIN adapter and MIDI cable for using the Launchpad Pro [MK3] with hardware.

    Compare the connections at both ends and check which adapter and cable you need before buying.

    You may need a suitable adapter or cable to connect the devices.

  • Assuming a sequencer is an instrument that makes its own sound

    A MIDI sequencer sends notes, but that doesn’t mean the controller itself contains sounds. You’ll need a suitable software instrument or external device to hear a pattern.

    Decide in advance which device will produce the sound and how you’ll hear it in the rehearsal studio.

    As well as the sequencer, you’ll need a suitable sound source and possibly additional connections or a power supply.

Brands to consider for this type of setup

Arturia

The KeyStep 37 mk2 combines keys with a built-in sequencer for melodies and short patterns.

  • Arturia specifies 37 slim keys, a polyphonic sequencer with up to 64 steps, and MIDI DIN, USB-C and CV/Gate connections.
  • The slim keys aren’t a full-size piano keyboard; also check that the connections suit your sound source.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus combines mini keys, drum pads and a built-in two-track sequencer.

  • Akai specifies 37 mini keys, eight pads and two sequencer tracks for this model.
  • The sequencer specifications apply to the MPK Mini Plus; check the model name and don’t assume another variant has the same features.

Novation

The Launchpad Pro [MK3] is designed for grid sequencing, while the Launchkey Mini 37 is for input and control in an existing DAW.

  • Novation describes the Launchpad Pro [MK3] as having four sequencer tracks and being usable without a computer when powered. According to Novation, the Launchkey Mini 37 has keys, pads and DAW controls.
  • The Launchpad Pro [MK3] has no traditional keyboard. The DAW controls described for the Launchkey Mini 37 don’t automatically mean it can store patterns on its own.

Korg

The SQ-1 is a compact step sequencer for short patterns with compatible external hardware.

  • Korg specifies 16 or two sets of 8 steps, with MIDI, CV/Gate and sync connections.
  • The SQ-1 has no keyboard and its MIDI output is mini-stereo; check which connection your receiving device needs.

Products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sound source as well as a MIDI controller?

Yes. If you want to hear a pattern, you’ll need a software instrument or external device to turn the MIDI notes into sound. Novation describes separate connection options for software and hardware; having a sequencer function doesn’t mean the device contains sounds of its own.

How do I connect a Launchpad Pro [MK3] to a synth without a computer?

According to Novation, you can use the sequencer without a computer with the included power supply and USB-C cable. For connecting to hardware, the manual specifies a TRS-to-MIDI-DIN adapter and a MIDI cable; make sure the receiving device is configured appropriately too.

What should I consider when setting up and maintaining it?

Before setting it up, check the MIDI ports and power requirements of the exact model. Korg specifies a mini-stereo MIDI output for the SQ-1, which can be powered by two AA batteries or via USB. Follow your model’s manual for cleaning and firmware updates; Akai says the MPK Mini Plus firmware must be updated before use.

What rights apply when buying online in the Netherlands?

For eligible distance purchases from a business, the Dutch government says you’ll often have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions apply. Check who the legal seller is and which terms apply to your purchase.

Is CE marking always required for a MIDI controller?

Not simply because of the product name: EU guidance says CE marking is required when the applicable harmonised EU rules specify it for that product. Which rules apply depends on the specific model.