Best Midi Controllers

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which was devised in the 1980s as a standard for all digital musical equipment--synthesizers, controllers, and computers--to communicate with each other. A MIDI Controller sends MIDI performance values (information about the length and volume of the notes) to another piece of hardware--usually a sound module or synthesizer. There are a number of MIDI controllers in keyboard format, that can be distinguished by the number of features that they contain. You can buy keyboard MIDI controllers according to the number of keys that they contain (which can range from 25 keys to 88 keys), or their keyboard actions, which dictate what kind of touch you have to have when pressing on the keys, ranging from piano-like to organ-like. There are also MIDI controllers for drums, string, and wind instruments.

We've put together this guide to help you select the best MIDI controller that answer to your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of MIDI controller,

• See useful tips about that type of MIDI controller,    

• Read reviews of different brands of MIDI controller, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of MIDI controller, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

There are two types of MIDI controllers:

• Keyboard MIDI controllers:  These can be subdivided by the number of keys. There are keyboard controllers with 25, 49, 61, or 88 keys. For example, the Novation IMPULSE-49 USB/MIDI Controller has 49 keys.

• Pad MIDI controllers: This is useful when creating beats for percussion. This controller consists of trigger pads arranged in a matrix, where each pad gives a particular drum sound. This won't replace a MIDI controller keyboard, but it can be used for controlling the drums section. Novation also makes the Launchpad Mini Compact USB Grid Controller, with an 8 X 8 grid, giving 64 different drum sounds.

• Wind controller: This gives wind instrument players the MIDI interface with synthesizers and sound modules.

• Guitar controller: This is a MIDI controller in the form of a guitar, like the SynthAxe. It plays like an electric guitar, where electronic synthesizers make the sound.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Prefer joystick control on the keyboard MIDI controller: The Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII 25-Key USB MIDI has a 4-way joystick for modulation and pitch control. Customers prefer this over the wheel-style control that is prevalent in a lot of MIDI controllers--it contains many functions in one joystick, helping reduce the size of the controller.

• “Mini” keys: The Akai Professional MPK Mini has smaller keys than on a typical MIDI keyboard (hence the name “Mini”). A person used to a piano keyboard might need time to get accustomed to playing it. It makes the overall size of the unit much smaller.

• Have a piano wherever you go: Customers were pleased with the midiplus AK490 MIDI Keyboard Controller. With a USB cable, you can hook it up to a Macbook or a laptop running Windows and play with no additional setup. In fact, one person can use the computer while the other plays and listens to what they’re playing on the keyboard.

• Number of keys: A number of a keys on a keyboard MIDI controller will mean that the keyboard will be correspondingly more long. They can range from 20” to 50” in length. That makes a significant difference if you want to be able to travel with your MIDI controller.

• Other functions: A MIDI controller also will have knobs, sliders and buttons--they control the software that is hooked up to your controller, which can create tone qualities and styles.

• Keyboard action: You will see three keyboard actions among keyboard MIDI controllers:

  1. Weighted hammer action: This is most similar to playing a piano. The harder you press on the keys, the louder the sound.

  2. Semi-weighted hammer action: Here, the keys are more springy than a regular piano keyboard. There are other controls that you use to control the volume of the key.

  3. Synth action: Here the keys respond like an electronic organ, that spring back to original position immediately. (The Novation Launchkey has unweighted keys.)

• Interface: This is how your MIDI controller hooks up to the synthesizer or sound module. Most instruments nowadays will hook up via a USB connection. But you should also be prepared for having a 5-pin DIN plug (which was what MIDI controllers had when they first appeared in the 1980s). It can also hook up to a sustain pedal that prolongs notes.

• Velocity of a MIDI controller: Velocity is defined as a value from 0 to 127 which gives a measure of how a keyboard’s key will make a louder and more abrupt noise when the key is struck more forcefully. You’ll see that as a spec given when you compare different MIDI controllers.

Akai Professional--was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1929 by Masukichi Akai, but they made a new division called AKAI Professional in 1984, and are presently headquartered in Singapore. They are makers of consumer electronics and electronic instruments. Their products include turntables, keyboard controllers, synthesizers, monitors, guitar pedals, recording equipment, and more.

Novation--is a brand of Focusrite Group, making synthesizers, controllers, and computer-aided music technology. They were founded in 1993, and have their headquarters in Bucks, England. They also make apps and software for making and mixing music on mobile devices.

CME--is a digital musical instrument company, founded in 1993 by Zhao Yitian in 1993 in Beijing, China. They produce professional audio systems. Their main products are the Xkey and Xkey Air, which is a keyboard that lets you record electronic music with a Mac, iPhone, iPad or even a PC.

MIDIplus--was founded Taiwan in 1974 as Ta Horng Wood Enterprise & Musical Instrument Company.Their first product was the “Plum Blossom” electronic organ. The company is devoted to research and development of MIDI-related products. They also manufacture keyboards, audio interfaces, monitors, and more.