A MIDI controller lets you play melodies using music software, but it doesn’t make a sound by itself: Novation describes MIDI as control data, so you’ll also need a sound source and an audio output set up. Then choose a controller based on the space available on your desk, how many keys you want to play at once and how it works with your DAW. Headphones can help you avoid using speakers, but they won’t make audible key or pad noises disappear.
You want to listen to melodies through your computer without using speakers, and agree with your housemates about audible music and playing sounds. Novation explains that MIDI itself doesn’t contain sound; the Government of the Netherlands notes that noise affecting neighbours may also be covered by local council rules.
You’re looking for a compact keyboard, but still want to use keys and possibly pads to play in ideas and beats. Arturia and Novation describe compact controllers with keys and pads.
Your main considerations are a playable range of keys and controls that suit your music software. M-Audio and Novation describe models with different numbers of keys and software controls.
When making melodies in a shared home, your listening setup, available desk space, key range and DAW controls all play a part.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Sound and shared living | Check the audio output and headphone socket on your computer or audio interface, your DAW’s audio settings and any agreements about noise. | If I live with housemates, I want to listen to my melody through headphones and know in advance which sounds might still be audible. Being able to work quietly around housemates is the main buying priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Desk space | Measure the space available and compare it with the dimensions of the exact model. Arturia lists the MiniLab 3 as measuring 355 × 220 × 50 mm. | On a small desk, I want to leave room for my computer and controller, so I measure the whole setup together. Desk space is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Key range | Try playing your melody on a 25-key keyboard and compare it with a model with more keys if needed. Check the key layout too. | If 25 keys limit my melody, I want to be able to play more notes directly and check that the extra range will still fit on my desk. Key range is the top buying priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| DAW controls | Check the exact DAW and model generation, and find out which functions are pre-assigned and which may need configuring. | If I make beats and melodies using one particular DAW, I only want to count pads and knobs if they work with my software. DAW controls are the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
MIDI sends control data and doesn’t contain sound itself, as Novation and Akai Professional explain. To use a virtual instrument, you need to set up the MIDI input and audio output in your music software.
Decide in advance which sound source you’ll use and how you’ll listen to the sound.
The key range and dimensions need to suit both the way you play melodies and the space available on your desk.
Measure your workspace and try playing your melody across the key range you’re considering.
Akai Professional distinguishes between the MPK Mini MK3 and MPK Mini IV, including in their connections and controls.
Compare the full model name and check the features of the exact version.
The points below apply to the product lines and versions mentioned, not necessarily to every model from each brand.
Arturia describes the MiniLab 3 as a compact controller for playing keys, pads and knobs with software or compatible connected equipment.
Novation designed the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 for compact DAW control, while the FLkey Mini 25 MK2 is specifically tailored to working with FL Studio.
The MPK Mini series combines compact keys with pads for making music using software.
The Oxygen Pro Mini is a compact model with 32 mini keys and controls for music software.
The Joybuy product shown is a digital keyboard with USB-MIDI for playing melodies with music software.
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This model could suit you if you want a digital keyboard with USB-MIDI for making melodies with software; check that its size and controls work for your shared desk.
Listed features include 61 weighted keys, 300 sounds, 300 rhythms, an LCD, USB-MIDI, built-in speakers, a headphone socket and a music stand.
A standard MIDI controller doesn’t make a sound by itself: MIDI contains control data. To use a software instrument, set up the MIDI input and audio output; if you don’t want to use speakers, connect headphones to a suitable output on your computer or audio interface.
Check that your music software is using the controller as a MIDI input, that a software instrument is producing sound and that the DAW is sending audio to the intended output. For further setup instructions, consult the manual for your exact controller.
Check software compatibility and the features of the exact model generation. M-Audio says you need to select the right configuration in your DAW for the Oxygen Pro Mini; Novation describes dedicated FL Studio controls for the FLkey Mini 25 MK2.
For distance purchases, you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Government of the Netherlands; check which terms apply to your purchase. If a product is faulty, the seller is responsible for putting things right. The Government of the Netherlands also explains that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for every product in the Netherlands.
There’s no general playing time that applies to every home. According to the Government of the Netherlands, tenants must not cause a nuisance, and noise affecting neighbours may be covered by local council rules. Agree arrangements with your housemates and, if necessary, check your tenancy agreement and your council’s rules.
