5 of the Best MIDI Keyboards for Music Producers
What budgets are we looking at for these top 5 MIDI keyboards for music producers?
For those delving into the world of music production, a MIDI keyboard forms an integral part of your journey. A high-quality MIDI keyboard can help you to effectively navigate your digital audio workstation, refining your harmonic dimensions and sharpening your melodic ideas. For that reason, we have put together a list of some of the best MIDI keyboards you can buy in 2021.
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The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard that’s particularly appealing to mobile music producers. It focuses on portability without sacrificing control. With 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 individual drum pads, 8 assignable control knobs, and a 4-way thumbstick for pitch and modulation, this model offers all you need for on-the-go music creation.
2. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MkII
This MIDI keyboard is a little more advanced, boasting a professional-grade semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and rounded key edges for a more comfortable playing experience. The Komplete Kontrol S49 MkII features two high-resolution color screens for browsing, previewing sounds and more. Also, it has robust integration with the most popular DAWs, making it a top choice for those who seek versatility and control.
3. Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII
A genuinely professional-grade MIDI keyboard, the KeyLab 49 MKII by Arturia offers a high-quality playing experience. It features 49 keys (with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch), 16 pads, 9 faders, and 9 rotary knobs. Its build quality, performance pads, customizable controls make it a solid choice for professional music producers.
4. Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
Novation’s Launchkey Mini MK3 is another fantastic option for producers on-the-go. Despite its small size, it boasts 25 mini keys, 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, and dedicated navigation and control buttons. Furthermore, it provides deep integration with Ableton Live and can also control Logic, Reason, or any other MIDI compatible music software.
5. M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV
The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK IV offers excellent value for its price. With 49 full-sized, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys, 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads for beat production, and 9 assignable faders, it’s proficient in most music production tasks. Its simple plug-and-play setup stands out, making it a wonderful choice for newbies and professionals alike!
Choosing the ideal MIDI keyboard depends on your production needs, budget, and the nature of your workflow. Whether you need a keyboard for on-the-go or for your home studio, these options offer a great mix of quality, functionality, and value.
Happy Music Making!