Who is this suitable for?

Aspiring sound designer

You want to adjust parameters as you play. Check which features are actually available in the supplied software edition: Arturia says Analog Lab Intro offers macro controls, but not in-depth editing of individual instruments.

Practising quietly at home

You want to practise with headphones and don’t expect a standard MIDI controller to produce sound on its own or have a headphone output. Akai says the MPK Mini MK3 sends MIDI messages to software to produce sound.

Producer who plays live

You want to play parts straight in and weigh up the key range against the desk space available. Arturia lists 25 slim keys for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide how you’ll listen to the sound and which software you’ll use. Then compare the controls and key range with what you want to learn to play.

What to consider What to look for Who is this most important for?
Adjusting sounds directly Check how many controls you can assign and whether your software lets you link them to the parameters you want. Arturia lists eight encoders and four sliders for the MiniLab 3. If I want to adjust sound parameters as I play, I want to know whether the controls actually operate my instrument. Around 33% of consumers prioritise direct sound control.
Listening quietly Check which software produces the sound and which device you’ll plug your headphones into. The WHO identifies volume, listening duration and frequency of exposure as factors in safe listening. Practising at home with headphones requires a working audio chain and a low volume setting. Around 27% of consumers prioritise being able to listen quietly.
Key range and space Compare the number of keys and the dimensions with your playing style and desk. Arturia lists 25 keys for the MiniLab 3; Novation lists 37 mini keys for the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. If you want to play longer parts straight in, extra keys may matter more than having the smallest possible keyboard. This is the case for around 20% of consumers.
Software for learning Check the editing options in the included edition, the activation steps and compatibility with your DAW. Arturia distinguishes between macro controls and in-depth instrument editing. If I want to learn synthesis, I want to go beyond presets and find out which parameters I can adjust myself. Around 20% of consumers prioritise useful software.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a MIDI controller for a standalone synthesiser

    Akai says the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound itself, but sends MIDI messages to software. So headphones alone won’t give you any sound.

    Before you buy, check which sound source and audio output you’ll actually use.

    If you don’t already have them, you’ll also need suitable software and an audio output; a computer may also be required for a software instrument.

  • Confusing lots of presets with full control over the sound

    Arturia says Analog Lab Intro offers macro controls, but not in-depth editing of individual instruments.

    Make a note of the parameters you want to learn to adjust and check that the specific software edition supports them.

    You may need different software for in-depth instrument editing.

  • Assuming DAW controls will work straight away in every setup

    Novation’s described Ableton Live integration depends on the version you’re using. M-Audio distinguishes between DAW and instrument modes in the Oxygen Pro series.

    Check your DAW version and the setup instructions for the exact model before relying on automatic mapping.

Brands to consider

Arturia

The MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with controls and comes with Analog Lab Intro.

  • Arturia lists 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, eight encoders and four sliders.
  • According to Arturia, Analog Lab Intro offers macro controls, but not in-depth editing of individual instruments.

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines 37 mini keys with software controls.

  • Novation lists eight encoders and sixteen pads.
  • For the Ableton Live integration described, Novation specifies at least Live 11.3.26 or 12.0.25. Check that your software version meets this requirement.

Akai Professional

The MPK Mini MK3 is a compact model with keys, pads and assignable controls.

  • Akai lists 25 keys and MIDI controls for software.
  • According to Akai, the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t produce sound itself. The supplied software is available after product registration.

M-Audio

The Oxygen Pro Mini is a controller with 32 mini keys and separate modes for instrument and DAW control.

  • M-Audio describes separate Preset and DAW modes.
  • Check that the features suit your DAW and instrument. M-Audio says registration is required to access the supplied software.

Joybuy product selection

This selection is aimed at anyone looking for a keyboard piano with USB-MIDI and a headphone socket for practising at home.

Black electronic keyboard piano with 61 keys

Electronic keyboard piano, 61 keys, black

An option for anyone looking for a keyboard piano with a headphone socket and USB-MIDI for practising at home.

The product description lists 61 keys, 500 sounds, effects, USB-MIDI, speakers and a headphone socket.

A metronome and a three-step learning system are also listed.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I plug my headphones straight into a MIDI keyboard?

Don’t assume you can with a standard MIDI controller: it sends MIDI messages and may need software to produce sound. Check where the audio output is in your setup; the keyboard piano in our product selection is described as having a headphone socket.

Why can’t I hear anything after connecting everything?

Check that a software instrument is loaded, that your DAW is using the keyboard as a MIDI input, and where the sound is being sent. Akai confirms that the MPK Mini MK3 doesn’t generate sound itself.

How can I practise responsibly with headphones?

Start at a low volume, and pay attention to how long and how often you listen. The WHO identifies volume, listening duration and frequency of exposure as factors in safe listening.

Can I use the supplied software straight away?

Check the software edition and any activation steps before you buy. Arturia lists Analog Lab Intro with the MiniLab 3; Akai and M-Audio say registration is required to access the supplied software. The features you need will determine whether that edition suits your learning goals.

What are my rights when buying online in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, distance purchases often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions apply. You’re also entitled to a product that is fit for purpose; according to the Dutch government, there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands.