You don’t need to have racks of analog synths or collections of external hardware to use MIDI in your home studio! Today’s MIDI controllers almost always feature MIDI-over-USB capabilities and make it easy to program beats and play virtual instruments. Best of all, you don’t have to be a talented keyboardist to get in on the action! Many MIDI controllers have programmable pads for tapping out drum loops, triggering samples, and other musical applications. Read on to see Sweetwater’s picks for the best MIDI controllers for home studios.
Akai Professional MPK Mini mkII 25-key Keyboard Controller
The Akai Professional MPK Mini mkII is one of the most popular keyboard controllers on the market — and for good reason. This mighty mini controller packs some impressive features that make it invaluable for programming beats, triggering virtual instruments, and more. Instead of traditional pitch and modulation wheels, the MPK Mini mkII has a 4-way thumbstick that performs both duties. Best of all, the MPK Mini mkII is small enough to fit in your backpack. Wherever you go, if you have your Akai MPK Mini mkII and a computer by your side, then you’re ready to create music.
Arturia KeyStep Pro 37-key Controller & Sequencer
If you have several kinds of external MIDI and Eurorack gear floating around, then you’ll recognize the Arturia KeyStep Pro as one of the best MIDI controllers on this list. The KeyStep Pro is a 37-key controller with four onboard polyphonic sequencers and arpeggiators. It comes with 5-pin MIDI I/O, DIN sync, and CV/Gate outputs for interfacing with your modular and analog gear. And, since it has a polyphonic drum step sequencer, it can also control your favorite drum machines. The Keystep Pro is loaded with Arturia’s signature “slim key” keyboard action that blends the feel of full-size keys with the form factor of mini keys. For expressive playing options, this controller has capacitive pitch and mod strips, which include no moving parts, as well as Channel Aftertouch. The Arturia KeyStep Pro comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite.
Novation Launchkey Mini mk3 25-key Keyboard Controller
The Novation Launchkey Mini mk3 is a super-compact 25-key MIDI controller that’s easy to take on the road. It’s optimized for use with the included version of Ableton Live, yet you can use it with almost any other DAW to great effect. Utilizing the transport, device, and mixer modes gives you tactile control over your DAW. It also has MIDI Out to control other hardware. Controlling software and devices isn’t the only thing that the Launchkey Mini mk3 can do, though. It has 25 synth-action mini keys for playing virtual instruments (VI). Meanwhile, 16 color-coded, velocity-sensitive pads make creating percussion loops feel like second nature. There’s much more to discover with the Launchkey Mini mk3. All you need to do is plug it in and start experimenting.
PreSonus ATOM 16-pad Performance Controller
The PreSonus ATOM is the perfect companion for podcasters, live streamers, and other content creators. It has 16 pads that you can use to trigger sound effects, graphics, and much more. What’s more, there are a total of eight banks that put 128 programmable actions at your fingertips.
Musicians will find a lot to like with the ATOM, too. The velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads are excellent for looping drumbeats, playing VIs, and setting looping points. Selectable velocity curves and pressure thresholds enable you to tailor the controller’s response to your liking. What’s more, it automatically interfaces with the included Studio One and Ableton Live software, making setup a breeze. The PreSonus ATOM is the best MIDI controller for those who create content across multiple disciplines.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 Smart Keyboard Controller
With the Komplete Kontrol A25, Native Instruments confirms their reputation as one of the best MIDI controller manufacturers. This 25-key controller is equipped with touch-sensitive knobs, semi-weighted keys, and ergonomically placed pitch and modulation wheels. Meanwhile, the Smart Play feature locks you into the key of your choice. Smart Play can even map over 100 scales and modes to the white keys for easy playing.
Lovers of virtual instruments will love the Komplete Kontrol A25. It comes with a download of Maschine Essentials, which includes impressive VIs with 1.6GB of extra sounds, drum kits, and samples. It comes with pre-mapped controls for Komplete Kontrol and Komplete Instruments & Effects. It’s also compatible with major DAWS such as Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, GarageBand, Cubase, and Nuendo. With the Komplete Kontrol A25, you’ll find it easy to create any style of music you like.
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 49-key Keyboard Controller
M-Audio has been pioneering MIDI solutions for the better part of three decades, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about MIDI controllers. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a favorite among home-based musicians for its compact design and easy-to-use architecture. This 49-key keyboard uses MIDI over USB, which is excellent for playing VIs, triggering samples, and controlling your DAW. It even includes a software bundle with a loop library and virtual instruments. If your home studio runs on iPad or iPhone, then you’re in luck. With an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, the Keystation 49 MK3 can pair up with your favorite music-creation apps. For musicians who regularly use iOS, the Keystation 49 MK3 is one of the best MIDI controllers out there.
Nektar Impact LX25+ 25-key Keyboard Controller
Next up on our list of the best MIDI controllers for home studios is the Nektar Impact LX25+. This compact controller has just about everything an incredible MIDI controller needs — pads, keys, knobs, and flexible programming. In fact, the Impact LX25+ is so versatile, the only real limit to its capabilities is your imagination. You can use it to play VIs, mix in your DAW, control plug-in parameters, and trigger effects. But that’s not all; the Impact LX25+ has user preset slots, so you can create customized setups. The Impact LX25+ comes with Bitwig 8-track DAW software and a host of pre-mapped controls for major DAWs. Integrating this mighty mini MIDI controller into your setup is a no-brainer.
Alesis V25 25-key Keyboard Controller
The Alesis V25 is a winning combination of easy operation and flexible programming. It features 25 full-sized synth-action keys, programmable pads, and assignable knobs that you can use to take your MIDI game to the next level. The V25 utilizes MIDI over USB, so it will interface directly with your DAW to control plug-ins. The eight back-lit pads are velocity and pressure sensitive, so percussion samples and synth commands can sound dynamic and lifelike. The Alesis V25 includes Ableton Live Lite and a selection of awesome sounds to help you capture better recordings than ever before.
Don’t Delay, Add a MIDI Controller to Your Home Studio Today!
There’s never been a better time to incorporate MIDI into your home setup. There are plenty of affordable options with incredibly useful features. Whether you’re looking for pressure-sensitive drum pads or velocity-sensitive keys, there’s sure to be a MIDI controller out there that fits your needs. But if you’re having trouble finding the best MIDI controller for your home studio, give Sweetwater a call at (800) 222-4700. Your personal Sales Engineer will be happy to suggest the best MIDI controller for your needs and any other gear to complete your setup.
