Who is this buying guide for?

Bass player who tweaks the sound live

You want to play notes and control synth parameters directly as you perform. Look at how many useful controls the keyboard has and whether you can assign them to your instrument.

Player with an external bass synth

You use hardware as your sound source. The connections, MIDI messages and power supply need to work with both the controller and the synth.

Producer with an existing keyboard

You can already play notes and are mainly looking for extra controls for a soft synth or hardware. You may not need a second keyboard.

What should you look for?

Compact keyboard with controls

Choose this if: you want to play bass notes while adjusting soft synth parameters.

The trade-off: a compact keyboard range and the right software or MIDI mapping are still important.

Keyboard for an external synth

Choose this if: your bass sound comes from a hardware synth and you want to control it with a keyboard.

The trade-off: check the MIDI route, power supply and the messages the synth receives; USB power isn’t an audio output.

Separate control surface

Choose this if: you already play bass notes on another device and mainly want extra controls.

The trade-off: a separate controller without a keyboard isn’t designed for playing bass notes.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Direct sound control Check how many assignable controls there are and the MIDI or DAW mapping for your instrument. If I want to adjust synth parameters as I play, the controls need to work with my setup. Around 33% of consumers say direct sound control is their main requirement.
Connecting to hardware Compare the MIDI connections and check the power supply, channel and supported messages. If I use an external synth, the controller needs to be able to control it via a suitable connection. Around 27% of consumers prefer a compatible hardware connection.
Keys and playing range Measure the space available and compare the key size, number of keys and octave function with your bass parts. If I play basslines on the keyboard, I want enough range to play straight away within the space available in my rehearsal area. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on size and playing range.
Working with your DAW Check support for your DAW and version, the correct MIDI ports and any custom mappings. If I rely on my existing software, I want to be able to fit the controller into my DAW workflow. Around 20% of consumers say compatibility with their own DAW is their main requirement.

Common buying mistakes

  • Expecting the controller to make its own sound

    A MIDI keyboard controls a sound source, but doesn’t make synth sounds itself. So without suitable software or an external sound source, you won’t hear any bass.

    Before buying, decide whether you’ll use a soft synth on a computer or an external synthesiser, and where the sound will be played.

  • Assuming USB and five-pin MIDI are the same connection

    USB for a computer and five-pin MIDI for hardware are different connections. For hardware use, Novation also describes a separate USB power route for the Launchkey MK4.

    Compare the physical ports on both devices and check the power supply and MIDI channel for the exact models.

  • Assuming every knob will control the right parameter straight away

    The controls on a device aren’t necessarily already linked to the soft synth parameters you want. Arturia describes separate MIDI and MCU/HUI ports and settings for the MiniLab 3.

    Check software support and plan to test the MIDI ports and mappings for the parameters you want to use during rehearsals.

Brands to consider

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with controls and a five-pin MIDI output.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniLab 3 has 25 slim keys, eight encoders and user presets.
  • Its limited playing range and the need to check software and parameter settings may be worth bearing in mind.

Novation

The Launchkey 25 MK4 has a keyboard, while the Launch Control XL 3 is a separate controller without keys.

  • Novation specifies full-size keys and eight encoders for the Launchkey 25 MK4. For the Launch Control XL 3, Novation lists 24 encoders, eight faders and five-pin MIDI ports.
  • The Launch Control XL 3 doesn’t play bass notes itself. Check the features and connections for each model and setup.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Plus is a compact option for a setup with MIDI or CV/Gate equipment.

  • According to Akai, this model has 37 mini keys, eight assignable knobs, and MIDI and CV/Gate connectivity.
  • The extra connections are only useful if your connected equipment supports them, so check compatibility with your synth.

Behringer

The X-TOUCH MINI is a separate USB control surface for anyone who already plays notes on another device.

  • Behringer lists eight rotary controls, sixteen buttons and USB power.
  • This model has no keyboard. Don’t assume that the USB/MIDI label means it has a five-pin MIDI output.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a MIDI controller make synth bass sounds itself?

No, a MIDI keyboard is a controller, not a sound source in its own right. Use a soft synth on a computer or connect suitable external sound equipment, and check where the sound will be played.

Can I control a hardware synthesiser without a computer?

You can with a suitable setup, but the word USB alone isn’t enough to tell you. Novation describes MIDI output for the Launchkey MK4 when the device is powered via USB; also check that the connection and messages are compatible with your synth.

Why don’t the knobs work with my soft synth straight away?

First check the selected MIDI port and DAW settings, then assign the instrument parameters you want. Arturia distinguishes between a standard MIDI port and an MCU/HUI port on the MiniLab 3, among others; the right choice depends on the software you’re using.

What can I check if the connection is unreliable?

Check the power supply and USB connection before changing any settings. For the MiniLab 3, Arturia recommends connecting directly to a computer port and, if you need a hub, preferably using one with its own power supply or Power Delivery. This is the manufacturer’s advice for this model.

Is the CE mark a quality mark for sound or feel?

No. Where CE marking is required, the manufacturer declares that the product meets the applicable EU rules; the Dutch government does not describe CE as a quality mark. For a specific purchase, check the product identity and relevant conformity information.