A guide to the best MIDI controllers including the Novations Launchpad, Launchkey, Akai Professional MPD18, MPK Mini, and M-Audio Axiom AIR. Jump to Pro Tools MIDI Configuration - Click on the MIDI Controllers tab; Select the MIDI Controllers tab from the window that appears; Click the.
This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
Description
The top professional Midi Controller and Designer for iOS.
For the user
----------------
Free presets!
Connect to both Windows and OSX!
Save one custom setup!
For the developer
---------------------
A full featured IDE to create custom midi presets. I AM BUYING THOSE - DO CONTACT ME! Just for $9,99 for the in-app purchase and you create top class presets!
- 13 highly customized controls!
- Alpha, rotation, parameters!
- Short MIDI events, SYSEX events!
- Keyboard events!!
- Snap features
- Multiple selection
- Copy cut paste mirror shift flip and more
- Multiple layouts
- JavaScript support!!
- Portrait or Landscape setups!
- Slider, Stepper, Switch, Label, Segment, Piano, Crossfader, Multiple-step pan, Knob, Spinner, Image and Timer controls!
- Lots of tools for RAPID PRESET CREATION!
DMX Setup.
For the user
----------------
Free presets!
Connect to both Windows and OSX!
Save one custom setup!
For the developer
---------------------
A full featured IDE to create custom midi presets. I AM BUYING THOSE - DO CONTACT ME! Just for $9,99 for the in-app purchase and you create top class presets!
- 13 highly customized controls!
- Alpha, rotation, parameters!
- Short MIDI events, SYSEX events!
- Keyboard events!!
- Snap features
- Multiple selection
- Copy cut paste mirror shift flip and more
- Multiple layouts
- JavaScript support!!
- Portrait or Landscape setups!
- Slider, Stepper, Switch, Label, Segment, Piano, Crossfader, Multiple-step pan, Knob, Spinner, Image and Timer controls!
- Lots of tools for RAPID PRESET CREATION!
DMX Setup.
What’s New
Fixed bug in multiple controllers for iPhone.
Updated compatibility with newer iOS versions.
Updated compatibility with newer iOS versions.
7 Ratings
Great Start to an APP!!!
I see a lot of potential in this app.
As I've been using this a lot lately, I see some areas that could improve on my workflow and others would greatly appreciate from this feedback...
To the Developers:
Great job so far! What I love is that you can create your own layout and customize colors, text and organize.
What I'd love to see to continue using this product is how to change Midi settings, so far I have to add a lot of sliders just to find a certain numbered midi, but if you give the choice to make a slider #1-70, etc; that would be very useful! Perhaps when you select the icon, that drop down menu to adjust would have it at the top, since that's the whole point of the app is to control specific numbered ID Midi sliders.
What else would be great, is the ability to add a background image - the ability to upload my own and perhaps you can make it available for people to give away those backgrounds along with the layouts in the marketplace section.
I see such a potential in this app, and I want to see the best for your company!
God bless you guys!
As I've been using this a lot lately, I see some areas that could improve on my workflow and others would greatly appreciate from this feedback...
To the Developers:
Great job so far! What I love is that you can create your own layout and customize colors, text and organize.
What I'd love to see to continue using this product is how to change Midi settings, so far I have to add a lot of sliders just to find a certain numbered midi, but if you give the choice to make a slider #1-70, etc; that would be very useful! Perhaps when you select the icon, that drop down menu to adjust would have it at the top, since that's the whole point of the app is to control specific numbered ID Midi sliders.
What else would be great, is the ability to add a background image - the ability to upload my own and perhaps you can make it available for people to give away those backgrounds along with the layouts in the marketplace section.
I see such a potential in this app, and I want to see the best for your company!
God bless you guys!
It's a good thing it's free to start out.
I had hopes for this but it not very useful. No documentation, not intuative, confusing. Click on Custom setup, gives you a blank screen, yapping awnywhere does nothing. Download a preset and no way to go back to the main menu. Can't fgiure out how it's the top professional Midi controller and designer for IOS, maybe it's the only one. It needs some work that's for sure.
Awesome
Great controller..... Midi wifi kang
Information
Requires iOS 5.1.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- 4-Pro$1.99
- Save Multiple Setups$9.99
- Multiple Connections$4.99
Supports
Family Sharing
With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.
If you want to make music on a computer or iOS device, you'll probably decide that a MIDI keyboard is one of the first things you need. These piano-style devices can be plugged into your PC or Mac via USB - or, in some cases, operate wirelessly over Bluetooth - and enable you to play and record with your DAW's software instruments and any VST synth plugins you might have installed.
DON'T MISS
You can buy everything from compact, portable MIDI keyboards to full-size 88-note models with weighted hammer-action keys, and some come with additional features such as knobs, pads, buttons and faders that give you even more control over your software. Prices vary, too; you can get a perfectly decent budget MIDI controller keyboard for less than $100/£100, but if you spend more you'll get a better-quality model with higher specs.
Many of the best MIDI controller keyboards come with templates for the most popular DAWs - Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, etc - making it easy to get them up and running.
Whether you want a portable keyboard to go with your laptop or a full-size MIDI controller for your studio, there are plenty of options, so to help you choose the right one, we've come up with a list of the best USB MIDI controllers you can buy right now.
Image 2 of 3
1. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
The best compact MIDI keyboard you can buy
Launch price: $129/£99/€119 | Compatibility: PC, Mac | Number of keys: 32 | Key size: Mini | Key type: Velocity-sensitive | Controls: Eight touch-sensitive control knobs, two touch strips, four-directional push encoder | Connectivity: USB | Power: USB | Size: 47.5 x 16.7 x 0.5cm | Weight: 1.45kg
More keys than your average mini MIDI keyboard
Mini keys
Delivering almost the exact same functionality as the Komplete Kontrol A-Series (see below), this eminently mobile USB 2.0 bus-powered keyboard manages to squeeze 32 mini keys and the full complement of Komplete Kontrol... controls into its tiny frame. The pitch and mod wheels have been replaced with a pair of short touchstrips, but the eight capacitive knobs, 4D encoder and numerous buttons are uncompromised in their size and feel, giving the full experience when it comes to browsing and manipulating plugins, operating Maschine, and getting hands-on with the transport and mixer of your DAW. The surprisingly informative OLED display from the A-Series is also in place, as is the Smart Play feature, enabling scale snapping, chord triggering and arpeggiation. And, of course, it also works as a regular configurable MIDI controller keyboard with any other software. Mini keys are the only potential downside, but if you can live with those, this is the best portable and affordable MIDI keyboard you can buy.
Read full review: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
2. CME Xkey
Light, elegant and with polyphonic aftertouch support
Launch price: $99/£89/€109 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 25 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: Velocity-sensitive, polyphonic aftertouch | Controls: Pressure-sensitive Pitchbend and Modulation buttons, Octave +/- push buttons, Sustain button | Connectivity: Micro USB | Power: USB | Size: 38.8 x 13.5 x 1.6cm | Weight: 0.6kg
Very playable
Pitchbend and Modulation buttons are hard to use accurately
Looking sleek and slim, the Xkey's 2-octave keyboard is of the low-profile variety (a mere 16mm deep), yet still retains a decent amount of key travel, making it surprisingly playable. Perhaps the most notable feature, though, is polyphonic aftertouch, which means you can add an extra level of expression on a per-note basis (providing the instrument you're playing supports it). On the downside, it's hard to use the Pitchbend/Modulation buttons with any degree of accuracy, but if you want a stylish, portable keyboard with full-size keys, this is a very attractive option. Note that, if you want to stretch your budget there's a 37-note model, and CME also has an Air version which offers wireless operation via Bluetooth.
Read full review:CME Xkey
Image 2 of 3
3. Korg MicroKey 2 Air 25
A compact keyboard that works wirelessly
Launch price: $135/£86/€99 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 25 | Key size: Mini | Key type: Velocity-sensitive | Controls: Joystick, Arpeggiator button, Sustain/TAP button, Octave Shift buttons | Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth | Power: USB or batteries | Size: 39.5 x 13.1 x 0.52cm | Weight: 0.67kg
Decent Natural Touch keyboard
Mini keys aren't for everyone
The microKey 2 Air range includes 25-, 37-, 49- and 61-note models, all of which have the advantage of working wirelessly over Bluetooth. If you want to use this feature you'll have to install a couple of AA batteries, but these last for a good length of time and good old USB bus-powering is also an option. The microKey 2 Air 25 isn't the most controller-packed keyboard, but it gives you the basics and plays far better than many of its rivals. It's also easy to set up and operate, so if you want to free yourself from the tyranny of cables, you've found the MIDI controller keyboard you need.
Image 2 of 4
Image 4 of 4
4. Keith McMillen QuNexus
Launch price: $199/£149/€179 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 25 | Key size: Mini | Key type: LED backlit with pressure and tilt sensitivity | Controls: Pitchbend pad, Octave Up/Down buttons, 5 function buttons | Connectivity: Micro-USB, Mini-USB, 3.35mm TRS connectors (stereo) | Power: USB | Size: 32.5 x 8.4 x 1.1cm | Weight: 0.34kg
Incredibly portable and robust
CV/Gate-to-MIDI conversion built in
It won't be for everyone, but Keith McMillen's unique mini keyboard certainly has some tricks up its sleeve. The main focus is on the 25 'Smart Sensor' keys, which are velocity-, tilt- and pressure-sensitive, and light up when touched. These do take a little bit of getting used to, but once you've got the hang of them, they start to feel very expressive, and also surprisingly responsive. There are micro USB and CV outputs, plus the option to add a standard MIDI port. The QuNexus appears to be extremely durable, too. This is a personable little controller with a unique feature set that would make it a useful addition to any laptop bag.
Read full review: Keith McMillen QuNexus
Image 2 of 4
Image 4 of 4
5. Arturia KeyStep
A MIDI keyboard that's also a powerful step sequencer
Launch price: $149/£99/€119 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 32 | Key size: Mini | Key type: Velocity-sensitive, aftertouch | Controls: Capacitive-touch pitchbend and mod wheels, sequencer and arpeggiator controls | Connectivity: USB, MIDI In/Out ports, CV/Gate outputs, Sync I/O ports, sustain pedal jack | Power: USB or mains | Size: 48.2 x 15.2 x 3.8cm | Weight: 1.45kg
Flexible range of digital and analogue ins and outs
Now power supply in the box
This simple-looking, 32-note mini keyboard might look a little underwhelming at first glance. However, the KeyStep packs in a surprising amount of functionality and an impressive number of well-designed features. There's a USB connection, for hooking the controller up to a computer, MIDI In and Out ports and CV Pitch, Gate and Mod outputs. There are also mini-jack Sync In/Out ports, which will work with pulse clock devices, such as Korg's Volca range, or can send and receive DIN Sync messages via a (separately purchased) adaptor. Alongside its standard MIDI keyboard functions, the KeyStep also features a built-in polyphonic sequencer, arpeggiator and chord mode. The sequencer has an eight-pattern memory, which comes pre-loaded with patterns but can be overwritten by user input. With this much functionality packed into a portable and convenient controller keyboard, at this price the KeyStep is easy to recommend.
Read full review:Arturia KeyStep
Image 2 of 4
Image 4 of 4
6. Nektar Impact LX88+
Launch price: $319/£249/€289 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 88 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: Velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted | Controls: 8 potentiometers, 9 faders, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons, 8 velocity-sensitive pads | Connectivity: USB, MIDI Out port, 1/4-inch TS jack footswitch input | Power: USB or mains | Size: 127.6 x 27.9 x 8.9cm | Weight: 8.2kg
A full-size keyboard
Great value
Today’s buyers of keyboard controllers are spoilt for choice, but if you’re looking for a full piano-size 88-note MIDI controller, said choices are more limited. One great option is Nektar’s Impact LX88+, which combines an 88-key semi-weighted USB-powered keyboard with extensive DAW control via nine sliders, nine buttons, eight knobs, eight pads and transport controls. Despite the number of features, the LX88+ is reasonably compact and light enough to be portable. What’s more, the keys feel good and the mechanical noise is quite low. The LX88+ won’t suit everyone, and some 88-key users will be after a full weighted hammer-action, but at this price it’s a bargain and well worth testing.
Image 2 of 4
Image 4 of 4
7. ROLI Seaboard Block
Launch price: $299/£279/€329 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 24 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: Keywave | Controls: None | Connectivity: USB-C (MIDI out), Bluetooth | Power: USB | Size: 28.2 x 14.1 x 2.4cm | Weight: 0.65kg
A unique playing experience
Takes time to adapt your playing
It might share a note layout with other controller keyboards, but ROLI’s Seaboard Block is a different animal altogether. Like the more expensive Seaboards, it's a pressure-sensitive, continuous surface that responds to even subtle gestures. Using its 24 'keywaves', you can shape notes as you play, adjusting the character of the sound with your finger movements. As a wireless, portable, multitouch controller for gigging, travelling, or in the studio, Seaboard Block is a godsend, and retains the upmarket feel of its bigger siblings in a more affordable form-factor. Couple this with its expandability, via other products in the Blocks range, and you've got a performance tool that turns heads and offers high quality throughout. Inspiring, innovative and addictive!
![Midi Midi](/uploads/1/2/6/2/126247851/916954266.png)
Read full review:ROLI Seaboard Block
Image 2 of 3
8. IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
A MIDI keyboard controller and audio interface in one
Launch price: $299/€360 | Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS | Number of keys: 49 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: velocity-sensitive, synth-action | Controls: 2 slider strips for pitch and modulation, octave, program change and transport controls, 5 programmable touch-sensitive knobs, 8 velocity-sensitive pads | Connectivity: USB, Neutrik combo line/instrument/mic input jack with 48V phantom power, balanced stereo and headphone outputs | Power: USB or batteries | Size: 69.3 x 20.8 x 6.5cm | Weight: 2.18kg
Impressive bundled software
Entry-level keyboard
The iRig Keys I/O combines a MIDI controller keyboard and audio interface into a single unit, and is designed to be as compact as possible without compromising on playability. It also comes with a seriously impressive line-up of bundled software. The unweighted keys are light and responsive, with satisfying travel and minimal lateral movement. The onboard audio interface operates at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and sounds good doing it. The iRig Keys I/O 49 is small enough to find a space on even the most hectic of studio desks, equipped to handle basic recording duties and general purpose MIDI control on stage and in the studio, and pretty good value. What's more, it comes with a knockout software bundle.
Read full review: IK Multimedia iRig Keys 49
Image 2 of 4
Image 4 of 4
9. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MkII
Launch price: $699/£559/€569 | Compatibility: PC, Mac | Number of keys: 61 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: velocity-sensitive with aftertouch | Controls: Pitch and Modulation wheels, touch strip, two high-res colour screens, Light Guide, 4-directional push encoder | Connectivity: USB | Power: USB | Size: 100 x 29.7 x 8.4cm | Weight: 6.55kg
Tight Komplete and DAW integration
Spend less time with your mouse
The Komplete Kontrol S61 MkII is a smart MIDI keyboard controller that offers pre-mapped control of NI's Komplete instruments and any third-party plugins that support the NKS standard. In comparison to its predecessor, the the Komplete Kontrol MkII also adds two high-resolution colour screens, along with 17 additional function buttons. There’s tighter DAW and Maschine integration, too, making it possible to mix, navigate and edit projects from the hardware. As before, there’s a Fatar keybed and Light Guide, and we welcome the arrival of proper pitch and mod wheels rather than touchstrips. That said, a single horizontal touchstrip is supplied and can be used for additional expression. If you liked the idea of Komplete Kontrol the first time around, the good news is that there’s even more to like about it now. You can do so much more from the device itself, with better visual feedback and much deeper levels of integration front and centre of its workflow. If you’re already wedded to the Komplete software package, nothing will help you work with it as musically as Komplete Kontrol MkII.
Read full review:Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MkII
Image 2 of 6
Image 4 of 6
Image 6 of 6
10. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
Launch price: $149/£119/€149 | Compatibility: PC, Mac | Number of keys: 25 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: semi-weighted | Controls: Pitch and Modulation wheels, transport buttons, 4-directional push encoder, eight touch-sensitive knobs | Connectivity: USB | Power: USB | Size: 48.8 x 25.7 x 8.9cm | Weight: 2.4kg
Top-notch build quality and keybed
Decent software bundle
Available in 25-, 49- and 61-key versions (we received the A25 for review), the A-Series borrows many of the S-Series’ best features (see above), including the 4D Encoder (a joystick/rotary control/button combo) for software navigation; eight touch-sensitive knobs for plugin parameter control; beefy pitch and mod wheels; and most of the same backlit buttons, albeit laid out slightly differently. There are, however, two major cuts: the dual colour LED screens (or alphanumeric LEDs on the S25, which still languishes at Mk1), and the unique per-key Light Guide LEDs. Even with those things taken away, though, and the reduced level of Maschine integration, we’re still very much blown away by the value proposition presented by the A25 and the A-Series keyboards in general. Incredibly well-built and wonderfully playable, they deliver up the Komplete Kontrol experience at a truly irresistible price.
Read full review:Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A-Series
Image 2 of 4
Image 4 of 4
11. Novation 49 SL MkIII
One of the best MIDI keyboards for combined software/hardware control
Launch price: $699/£540/€616 | Compatibility: PC, Mac | Number of keys: 49 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: semi-weighted, synth-style, velocity-sensitive | Controls: Pitch and Modulation wheels, 16-full colour RGB backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads, page and scene launch buttons, 8 continuous rotary knobs, 8 sliders, 6 transport controls, octave/transpose buttons, track buttons, 5 RGB TFT screens | Connectivity: USB, MIDI Out/Out2/Thru, Sustain and Expression pedal, Footswitch pedal, CV/Gate/Modulation 1 and 2, Clock out | Power: Mains power | Size: 81.7 x 30 x 10cm | Weight: N/A
Flexible range of digital and analogue control
Components system makes it easy to manage and edit template
Sure, you can plug the SL MkIII into a computer and use it to control your DAW, but with an eight-channel onboard sequencer and multiple forms of digital and analogue output, this latest SL really can do much more besides. Novation has done an excellent job in making setup as hassle free as possible, but given how adaptable the SL MkIII is, you’ll still need to spend some time configuring it to best adapt it to your own setup. It doesn’t quite match the plug-and-play immediacy of NI's Komplete Kontrol system, but offers much more flexibility for interfacing hardware and software. The ability to sequence and control analogue hardware, MIDI-equipped instruments, plugins and your DAW all from one interface and clock source is excellent, and if you dig into the SL MkIII’s versatile workflow, and you’ll find that there’s a deep well of creative possibilities just waiting to be explored.
Read full review: Novation 49 SL MkIII
Image 2 of 3
12. Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
A premium-quality keyboard that works with your computer and beyond
Launch price: $499/£439/€469 | Compatibility: PC, Mac | Number of keys: 49 | Key size: Full-size | Key type: Velocity-sensitive with aftertouch | Controls: 16 RGB-backlit performance pads, control bank with 9 faders and 9 rotary knobs | Connectivity: Expression, sustain, CV/Gate, MIDI, USB and 3 assignable auxiliary pedal inputs | Power: USB mains with optional adapter | Size: 79.3 x 29.7 x 5.3cm | Weight: N/A
Tight integration with Analog Lab
KeyLab is Arturia’s flagship controller keyboard, and the MkII comes in 49- and 61-key versions in black and white. The MkII’s keyboard and pads are bolstered by DAW controls and deep integration with Arturia’s bundled Analog Lab 3 software. Although similar in layout to the KeyLab Essential, the MkII is a very different unit, with a higher pricetag and more upmarket feel. The aluminium case feels robust and the Pro-Feel keybed is fantastic, delivering excellent sensitivity across the full range of velocities. The metal pitch and mod wheels are light and responsive. KeyLab MkII is operationally intuitive, with three distinct modes: DAW, Analog Lab and User (there are ten user configurable presets) - selected via dedicated mode buttons in the centre. The KeyLab MkII not only delivers fine playability, but also tackles DAW control and synth editing with aplomb. Throw in CV connection capabilities and standalone operation and the price seems justified.
Read full review: Arturia KeyLab MkII review