Who is this guide for?

Synth bass designer

You want to adjust sound parameters as you play. Assignable controls and how well they work with your software matter more than having extra keys.

Producer who works quietly

You want to listen through headphones or another chosen audio output. So, pay attention to the difference between the MIDI controller, the sound source and the audio settings.

Player with an external synth

You may also want to control a standalone synthesiser. Compare the controller’s connections with the inputs on your synth.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide where the sound will come from; then choose how much hands-on sound control and keyboard range you need.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Hands-on sound control Check the number and type of controls, and whether you can assign them to the parameters you want in your instrument and DAW. Arturia lists eight rotary knobs and four sliders for MiniLab 3; Novation describes encoders and pre-configured modes for controlling GForce Bass Station with Launchkey MK4. If I want to shape the bass as I play, I need to be able to assign the controls to the right parameters. That’s why around 36% of consumers give hands-on sound control top priority.
Listening at low volume Check that your software instrument or external synth produces sound, which audio output you’re using and where to adjust the listening volume. A MIDI connection alone won’t produce audible bass. I want to listen quietly and know which equipment produces the sound. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a working listening setup with manageable volume.
Keyboard range and space Compare the space available on your desk, the dimensions and the key size. Arturia lists 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm for MiniLab 3; M-Audio specifies 49 full-size keys for Keystation 49 MK3. With limited desk space, I want a keyboard that fits without sacrificing more playing range than necessary. Around 21% of consumers prioritise size and available playing space.
External synthesiser Check which MIDI or CV input your synth has and whether the controller can control it. According to Arturia, MiniLab 3 has a five-pin MIDI output; Akai specifies MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock for MPK Mini Plus. If I want to control a standalone synth, the connection needs to match the inputs on my equipment. Around 14% of consumers give this external connection top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a synthesiser you can hear on its own

    MIDI carries control data, not audio. To hear the bass, you need a sound source and a working audio output.

    Before you buy, decide whether you’ll make the bass with software or an external synthesiser, and where you’ll listen to the sound.

    For a software bass, you’ll also need suitable software and a device that can run it. An external sound source will need its own audio route too.

  • Assuming the knobs will immediately control the synth parameters you want

    How the controls work depends on your DAW, instrument and settings. Arturia explains that deeper DAW integration requires separate scripts and settings; Novation describes pre-configured modes for the plug-in example mentioned.

    Check how the controls and MIDI assignments work with your DAW and instrument.

    Allow time to set up the controls and settings to suit your setup.

  • Assuming more keys or connections are automatically better

    A larger keyboard and extra connections suit different needs from a compact model with controls. Extra features are only useful if they fit the way you work.

    First decide whether you mainly want to control sound parameters, have more keys immediately available or control external equipment.

Brands to compare

Novation

The Launchkey MK4 range includes compact Mini versions. This could be worth considering if you shape your bass using software and want hands-on controls.

  • Novation says you can use the Launchkey MK4’s encoders and pre-configured modes to control parameters including the filter and modulation on GForce Bass Station.
  • The controller doesn’t produce audio itself. Check that the software and any required setup work for your needs.

Arturia

MiniLab 3 combines a compact keyboard with controls, included software and a five-pin MIDI output.

  • Arturia specifies 25 slim keys, eight rotary knobs, four sliders and dimensions of 355 × 220 × 50 mm.
  • According to Arturia, the level of DAW integration depends on the software and settings you use.

M-Audio

Oxygen Pro Mini has 32 mini keys and DAW controls; Keystation 49 MK3 is designed for a larger keyboard with 49 full-size keys.

  • M-Audio lists included software instruments, including Bassline, for Oxygen Pro Mini. For Keystation 49 MK3, M-Audio specifies a volume slider and transport controls.
  • The integration described by M-Audio requires the right configuration. Don’t assume both models have the same controls or software.

Akai Professional

MPK Mini Plus could be a good fit if an external synthesiser or pattern sequencing is part of your workflow; MPK mini mk3 is a more compact, software-focused controller.

  • Akai specifies 37 mini keys, MIDI/CV/Gate/Clock and a two-track sequencer for MPK Mini Plus.
  • According to Akai, MPK mini mk3 doesn’t produce sound itself. Don’t assume it has the extra connections found on MPK Mini Plus.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I plug headphones straight into any MIDI keyboard to hear the bass?

Don’t assume you can: the Launchkey and MPK mini mk3 models described send MIDI, not audio. Use the computer’s audio output with the software instrument, or the output from your external sound source, and check where you can connect your headphones.

What should I check if the keys respond but I can’t hear anything?

Check the selected MIDI input, the software instrument you’ve loaded and the audio output separately. Novation highlights the audio settings; for MiniLab 3, Arturia also explains how to select the correct MIDI port and check the audio settings.

Will every MIDI controller work with an external synthesiser?

Not unless you check the connections and requirements of both devices. Compare your synth’s MIDI or CV input with the controller’s output, and also check the power supply, signal and route the synth uses to send sound to your headphones or audio device.

How can I keep the volume at a safe level when listening with headphones for a long time?

Keep the listening volume as low as is practical for you. The World Health Organization explains that a higher sound level and longer listening time increase the risk; a low volume in the room doesn’t, by itself, tell you how loud it is at your ears.