For playing bass lines in a shared office, choose a MIDI controller that suits the way you work, offers enough keys and fits on your desk. Listen to the software instrument through a properly configured headphone output rather than office speakers. A keyboard with fewer keys takes up less space, while one with more keys lets you reach more notes without switching octaves. Headphones won’t automatically stop colleagues hearing the physical keys being pressed.
You write bass parts in a shared space and want to listen to the result through your own audio output. A standard MIDI controller sends notes to software, but doesn’t produce an audible bass sound itself. That doesn’t tell you how noisy the physical keys are.
You fit short music-making sessions around your office work, so you’re comparing the dimensions and key range of compact controllers.
You want to play bass phrases with fewer octave changes or keep DAW controls within easy reach. A wider key range and suitable software integration may be worth considering.
Start with how you’ll listen: MIDI sends notes to software, while the sound comes through a separately configured audio output. Then work out how many keys you need and measure the space available on your desk.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening without speakers | Check that your computer and DAW have a suitable audio and headphone output, and that you can use a software instrument. | If I want to listen to bass through my own headphones, both the software and audio output need to be set up correctly. Around 33% of consumers say uninterrupted listening is their main need. |
| Desk space | Measure the available width and depth, then compare these with the dimensions of the exact model. | I want to keep my usual workspace clear, so I compare the keyboard’s actual dimensions. Around 25% of consumers prioritise desk space. |
| Key range | Compare 25, 32 or 37 keys with the bass parts you want to play; check the key size too. | If I want to play longer bass phrases directly, I check how many notes I can reach without constantly changing octaves. Around 25% of consumers prioritise being able to play a wider range directly. |
| DAW and hardware controls | Check that your DAW and its settings are compatible, and find out which connection any external instrument needs. | I only want controls, pads or a connection to external MIDI hardware if they suit the way I work. Around 17% of consumers give DAW or hardware controls top priority. |
A standard controller sends MIDI notes to computer software. Without a software instrument and a configured audio output, you won’t hear a bass part.
Before you buy, check which software instrument you’ll use and how you’ll listen through your headphones.
25, 32 and 37 keys offer different playable ranges, but the keyboard also needs to fit on your available desk space.
Compare the actual dimensions and key size with the range your bass phrases require.
Bluetooth MIDI provides the MIDI connection, not wireless audio from your software instrument.
Check that the MIDI receiver is compatible and set up the audio output separately. According to Korg, wireless use of the microKEY Air-37 requires two AA batteries.
The MiniLab 3 is a compact controller for software instruments.
The Launchkey Mini 37 offers 37 keys and controls designed for a DAW-focused workflow.
The MPK mini mk3 is a 25-key USB MIDI controller for compact input with pads.
The Oxygen Pro Mini offers 32 mini keys and controls for software-based use.
The microKEY Air-37 is a 37-key option for comparing wireless MIDI input.
The selection shown is a black 61-key keyboard with a MIDI controller. Check that the listed connections are suitable for your computer and headphone setup.
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The product description lists a headphone socket for listening through your own headphones.
61 keys; USB MIDI; audio output and headphone socket.
Not with a standard controller such as the Akai MPK mini mk3: according to Akai, it sends MIDI messages to software rather than producing sound itself. Set up a software instrument and your computer’s audio output. For another model, check whether it has its own sound source and a headphone socket.
Check the selected MIDI input, add a software instrument, then configure the audio output. Arturia describes these MIDI and audio steps for the MiniLab 3; menu names vary between DAWs.
Check whether you already have a suitable computer, software instrument and headphones with a compatible audio output. What else you need depends on your existing setup; a standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce an audible software instrument itself.
No. According to the Dutch government, consumers are entitled to a product that is fit for purpose, but the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period. If a product is faulty, contact the seller to find a solution.
For a standard online purchase by a consumer, you’ll usually have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets lists some exceptions, so check the terms for your specific purchase and handle the product and packaging carefully while trying it out.
