Who is this suitable for?

Beginner sound designer

Wants to learn how to adjust synthesiser parameters while playing, and is looking for controls that work with their software. Arturia lists encoders, faders and DAW software integration among the features of the MiniLab 3.

Quiet home player

Shares their home and wants to listen through headphones. It’s important to distinguish between a MIDI controller and the audio output that your headphones connect to. Akai lists a headphone socket and built-in sounds among the features of the MPK Mini Play MK3.

Producer short on desk space

Has limited workspace and is weighing up the dimensions against the number of keys and controls. Arturia and Novation list 25 keys among the features of their compact controllers; dimensions vary by model.

What should you look for when choosing?

For sound design in a shared home, your choice mainly comes down to assignable controls, a quiet audio setup, the space available and the right DAW settings.

What to consider What to look for Who this matters to
Controlling sound parameters Check the number and type of controls, and whether you can assign them to the parameters you want in your instrument or DAW. Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists eight encoders for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. If I want to adjust sound parameters while playing, I look for controls I can link to my software instrument. Around 29% of consumers say sound design is their top purchasing priority.
Listening privately MIDI isn’t audio: decide whether you’ll listen to your software’s sound through your computer or audio interface, or whether you want to hear sounds built into the controller. Akai lists built-in sounds and a headphone socket for the MPK Mini Play MK3. If you want to practise at home without disturbing your housemates, you’ll need a suitable headphone setup. Around 29% of consumers say private listening is their top priority.
Workspace and keys Measure the available width and depth, then compare them with the dimensions of the exact version. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as 355 × 220 × 50 mm; Novation lists the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 as 339 × 177 × 49 mm. If my desk has limited space, I want to know in advance whether the controller will fit without making it awkward to use. Around 24% of consumers say workspace is their top purchasing priority.
Getting started with your DAW Check the instructions for your exact controller and DAW version, including any settings or scripts you may need. Automatic detection in certain software versions doesn’t mean every button will already be assigned the way you want. If you mainly want to get a working setup with music software quickly, clear instructions for your model and DAW will help. Around 18% of consumers say getting started with the software easily is their top purchasing priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI connection for a headphone socket

    The Akai MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software and, according to Akai, doesn’t produce sound itself. To hear software audio, you’ll need to route it from the instrument to an audio output, then to your headphones.

    Before buying, check the entire audio setup: controller, software instrument, audio output and headphones. Separately check whether the version you’re considering has built-in sounds and a headphone socket.

    If you don’t already have the headphones or a suitable audio output, you’ll need to arrange those too.

  • Assuming every DAW control will work as soon as you plug in

    How specific controls work can depend on the model, DAW version and settings.

    Refer to the integration instructions for your exact controller and check which configuration you need in your DAW.

    Setting up the controller can take time, especially if you still need to choose the right software configuration.

  • Confusing the MPK Mini MK3 with the MPK Mini Play MK3

    The MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound itself; according to Akai, the MPK Mini Play MK3 has built-in sounds and a headphone socket. The model names are similar, but they offer different ways to use the controller.

    Check the full model name and the features of the specific version before making your choice.

Relevant brands

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 is a compact option for software-based sound design, with several types of controls. Arturia also lists included instrument software.

  • Arturia lists eight encoders and four faders for the MiniLab 3.
  • Check the integration instructions for your DAW; the controls don’t replace a suitable audio output for computer playback.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 combines a compact keyboard with pads, encoders and DAW controls.

  • Novation lists eight encoders and sixteen pads for this version.
  • According to Novation, this Mini version doesn’t have faders; how the DAW features work depends on the software and settings.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is a USB MIDI controller. The separate MPK Mini Play MK3 is worth considering if you want to practise with built-in sounds and headphones.

  • According to Akai, the MPK Mini Play MK3 has built-in sounds and a headphone socket.
  • Don’t confuse the models: the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound itself. Akai lists four assignable rotary knobs for the Play MK3.

Nektar

The Impact LX Mini is a compact option with mini keys, knobs and DAW controls.

  • Nektar lists 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, eight knobs and eight pads.
  • Check compatibility with your own software; the specifications aren’t an independent comparison of playing feel or sound.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is worth considering if you’re looking for a controller with more mini keys and software controls.

  • M-Audio lists 32 mini keys and DAW controls.
  • According to M-Audio, you’ll also need to select the right configuration in the software for your DAW.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller produce sound itself, and where do I plug in my headphones?

Not automatically: according to Akai, the Akai MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI to computer software rather than producing sound itself. A software instrument converts MIDI into audio; listen through the suitable audio output on your computer or audio interface. The MPK Mini Play MK3 does have built-in sounds and a headphone socket, according to Akai.

What should I check if the keys respond but I can’t hear anything?

Check that the MIDI port is active, that a software instrument is loaded on the track, and that monitoring or record-enable is set up correctly. Also check that the selected audio output leads to your headphones; not every MIDI controller has an audio output of its own.

Do I need to install extra software to control my DAW?

It depends on the model and the integration you want. Arturia describes separate settings and scripts for certain DAWs; Novation describes automatic detection for the Launchkey MK4 Mini in certain versions of Ableton Live, as well as manual settings. Check the instructions for your model and software version.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch Government, when you buy from a business online as a consumer, you generally have 14 days to change your mind. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee; in the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory guarantee period.

Is CE marking relevant when I buy an electronic controller in the Netherlands?

Yes. The Dutch Government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry the required CE marking. Check the marking and product information for the specific controller; the general rule doesn’t in itself confirm that an individual item complies.