Start with how you’ll listen: a standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce sound itself, so you’ll need to listen to your synth software through your computer or audio interface’s headphone output. Then choose the number of keys and controls to suit the way you play, your desk space and your DAW. Extra keys or hardware connections are useful mainly if you’ll actually use them.
You live with others and want to listen to your bass through headphones. Novation Support explains that MIDI sends control data and doesn’t contain sound, so your headphones need to be connected to the audio output you’ve chosen.
You want to adjust synth parameters with physical controls as you play. How they work depends on the MIDI mapping and the DAW or synth software you’re using.
You’re weighing up the space needed for the keyboard against how many keys you need to access at once. Novation describes a model with 37 mini keys, while Nektar specifies 25 mini keys for the Impact LX Mini.
First, check how you’ll listen to your synth bass. Then decide how many keys and physical controls you need, and check they’ll work with your software and equipment.
| Consideration | What to look for when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening quietly in a shared home | Check the audio output on your computer or interface, and whether your DAW can route audio to your headphones. A standard MIDI controller doesn’t produce audio itself. | I want to make synth bass without using speakers when my housemates are home; around 33% of consumers give quiet listening top priority. |
| Controlling synth parameters directly | Check which knobs or encoders are available and whether your DAW or plug-in supports MIDI mapping. | If I want to adjust a synth parameter while playing, for example, I look for physical controls I can link to my software. Around 27% of consumers prioritise these controls. |
| Number of keys and desk space | Measure the space you have and consider whether you’ll mainly play bass lines with one hand or also play melodies and chords. | I want to know whether I need more keys within reach before giving up desk space; around 20% of consumers base their choice mainly on the balance between playing range and size. |
| Software and connections | Check your DAW, operating system and the connections you need. Distinguish between USB-MIDI and audio, and check whether your external equipment uses MIDI/CV/Gate. | If I want to use a controller with my existing computer, software or external synth, I check that they’re compatible first. Around 20% of consumers prioritise software and connections that suit their setup. |
A standard MIDI controller sends control data to software, but doesn’t produce bass sounds itself. Unless you’ve set up a software instrument and an audio output, you may not hear anything.
Before buying, work out which synth software you’ll use and which output will send the audio to your headphones.
If you don’t yet have suitable software or a way to listen, you’ll need to sort those out first; the controller won’t replace them.
How you control a synth parameter depends on the mapping, the mode you’ve selected and the software you’re using.
Check that the exact model’s controls can be mapped to the functions you want in your DAW or synth plug-in.
MIDI/CV/Gate connections are only relevant if you use compatible external equipment. Any bundled software also needs to meet your computer’s system requirements.
First compare your existing equipment and software with the model’s specifications. Choose extra features only if they suit the way you work.
This information about brands and models will help you compare features; the features mentioned apply to the specific product ranges.
The MiniLab 3 is designed for compact, software-focused use, while the MiniLab 37 offers a wider playing range.
The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 combines a mini keyboard with controls for using a DAW.
The MPK Mini IV is designed for compact control of software instruments, while the MPK Mini Plus offers 37 keys and connections for compatible external equipment.
The Impact LX Mini is a compact keyboard with knobs and transport controls.
Don’t assume you can with a standard MIDI controller: MIDI contains control data, not audio. Play your software instrument through the audio output you’ve chosen on your computer or audio interface, then plug your headphones into that. Check the connections on the exact model.
Check that a software instrument is loaded in your DAW, the correct MIDI port is selected and the audio output is routed to your headphones or interface. Arturia describes the MIDI and audio settings for the MiniLab 3 as separate things.
Use headphones where possible and agree on times when you might use speakers. The Dutch government advises neighbours to try agreeing on arrangements together first when dealing with noise.
When you buy from a business online, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period, although some exceptions may apply. This is separate from your rights if a product is faulty: the Dutch government says the seller must provide a remedy for a defective product, and that the Netherlands doesn’t have a fixed statutory two-year guarantee period for every product.
