Who is this choice relevant to?

DAW producer with limited sockets

You write bass lines on a computer and want to connect your keyboard without using a separate mains adapter.

Producer who plays bass lines straight in

You’re weighing up a wider range of keys or direct control of your music software against a compact keyboard.

Producer who also plays without a computer

You want to try out a bass idea without a computer or a spare socket where you play.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you want to enter bass notes straight into a DAW or be able to play without a computer too. Then you can choose the connections, controls and size to suit your setup.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Power without an extra socket Check how the specific model is powered and whether your computer or setup has the required connection. If my main concern is avoiding a separate mains adapter for the keyboard, I’ll look for USB or battery power. Around 36% of consumers have this as their main concern.
Bass notes and DAW control Check that it supports your DAW and that you have a suitable virtual bass or other sound source. If I want to play bass notes straight into my music software, MIDI input and a suitable sound source are important. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a smooth DAW workflow.
Number of keys and size Compare the keyboard layout and dimensions with your bass parts and available workspace. If I want more notes at my fingertips, the keyboard needs to suit my workspace. Around 21% of consumers are mainly weighing up the number of keys against a compact size.
Playing without a computer Check the battery power, built-in sounds and how you can record the bass line you play later. If I want to try out a bass idea without a computer, I’ll look for a model that can produce sound on its own. Around 14% of consumers have this particular need.

What to consider when buying and using one

  • Assuming a MIDI controller makes sound on its own

    MIDI notes aren’t audible bass sounds. A standard controller sends notes to software or another sound source.

    Decide in advance what you’ll use to hear your bass notes. Only choose a standalone setup if you need that feature.

  • Assuming USB power means you won’t need a socket anywhere in your setup

    A controller can run via USB while the computer, hub or connected sound source still needs power.

    Map out all the connections and power requirements, including any hubs and external equipment.

    A powered USB hub or external hardware may need additional power connections.

  • Assuming an extended warranty package is essential cover

    According to the Dutch government, a manufacturer’s or retailer’s guarantee is in addition to your statutory rights. If a product is faulty, the retailer is your point of contact for a solution.

    Compare what additional rights the package actually provides.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 is a compact DAW controller for playing bass notes and controlling software.

  • Novation lists 25 mini keys, encoders and pads; the manual describes power via a computer’s USB port.
  • The keyboard doesn’t produce bass sounds on its own; you’ll need a sound source in software or connected hardware.

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines USB power with controls and a MIDI output for external equipment.

  • Arturia specifies 25 velocity-sensitive keys, eight encoders, four faders and a 5-pin MIDI output.
  • Arturia recommends connecting the controller directly to your computer. If you need a hub, check how it’s powered.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a USB-powered controller with 32 mini keys.

  • Its 32 keys give you more playing space than the 25-key models mentioned here.
  • Check that its size and controls suit your workspace and DAW; the number of keys alone won’t determine your bass line.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini Play MK3 is a battery-powered option with built-in sounds that can also be used as a MIDI controller.

  • Akai lists built-in sounds, a speaker and USB MIDI functionality.
  • Consider whether the built-in sounds suit your bass ideas and how you’ll record them in a DAW later.

Korg

The microKEY2 range includes simple USB-powered keyboards; the microKEY-25 has octave buttons.

  • Korg specifies 25 keys, USB bus power and octave shifting for the microKEY-25.
  • According to Korg, the microKEY-25 only has a USB connection; don’t assume this version has a 5-pin MIDI output.

Joybuy product pick

A Joybuy product pick for a keyboard with keys, sounds and USB MIDI, for trying out and recording musical ideas.

Black electronic keyboard with 61 keys

61-key electronic keyboard, black

This keyboard may suit you if you want to use built-in sounds and USB MIDI in one setup; check how it connects to your DAW before buying.

Features listed: 61 keys, 500 sounds, built-in speakers and a recording function.

Before buying, check the CE marking and product details for the specific item. The Dutch government states that electrical appliances offered for sale in the EU must have a CE marking.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does a USB-powered MIDI keyboard need its own socket?

Not if the model is powered through a suitable USB connection on your computer; Novation confirms this for the Launchkey Mini 25 MK4. Your computer and any other equipment will still need power.

Why can’t I hear any bass when I connect a standard controller?

A standard MIDI controller sends messages to software or another sound source and doesn’t produce sound itself. Select a suitable virtual instrument in your DAW and check the MIDI input. Akai lists built-in sounds for the MPK Mini Play MK3.

What can I do if a USB hub makes the connection unreliable?

Arturia recommends connecting the MiniLab 3 directly to a USB port on your computer. If you need a hub, check how it’s powered; a powered hub may itself need a socket.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

For a distance contract with a business, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, with some exceptions. You also have statutory rights; according to the Dutch government, the retailer is your point of contact for a solution if a product is faulty.

Does an electric MIDI keyboard sold in the Netherlands need a CE marking?

According to the Dutch government, electrical appliances offered for sale in the EU must have a CE marking. Check the marking and product details for the specific item before placing your order.