Are you looking for a budget-friendly MIDI controller? Then this article might be for you.
MIDI controllers play an important role in the workflow of music producers, composers, beat makers etc. Unleashing your creativity onto a real piece of hardware can lead to astonishing results you would have never come up with by just drawing notes into your DAW.
In this article we are going to take a look at what features to consider when buying a MIDI controller that suits your needs. We will also take a look at some of the best options that are available in the price range up to €100.
Keys
MIDI controllers come with many different types and sizes of keyboards. The controllers we are going to take a look at in this article have 25 up to 61 keys. 25 keys are enough to play simple chords or a melody, if you want to play more advanced stuff with two hands at the same time I suggest looking for a controller that has at least 49 keys. But if you are a beginner or you want something portable, 25 is probably the right amount of keys for you.
Apart from the number of keys, there is also a lot of difference between how the keys look and feel on different MIDI controllers. Many cheaper MIDI controllers feature so-called 'mini keys', these keys are a lot smaller compared to the 'full sized' keys you will find on more expensive controllers. A professional pianist will find a hard time playing these mini keys. But if you are, just like me, not a genuine piano player, the mini keys probably won't bother you as much. I personally do enjoy playing on full sized keys more than on the much smaller mini keys, but if you're looking for high portability at a low price, mini keys are the way to go.
Features
A lot of MIDI controllers these days have tons of extra features such as programmable drumpads, knobs, faders and buttons to control everything that's happening inside your DAW.
Drumpads
Drumpads are rubber pads that are programmable to whatever sound you want to play. Drumpads can really help you get creative when creating drum patterns within your DAW. Many MIDI controllers feature drumpads that are velocity-sensitive, meaning the harder you hit the pad, the higher the sound will play in volume. Slight variations in velocity (and timing) help to make drums sound more natural and organic. Some MIDI controllers even feature drumpads that light up when you play them.
Knobs and faders
Knobs and faders are probably the most underrated feature you will find on a MIDI controller. Since you can map them to any control within you DAW, knobs and faders can really help you get creative in sound design or automations. Turning a knob is just so much more convenient than having to draw an automation in you DAW without even knowing wether it's going to sound good or not.
Portability
If you are planning on producing in varying workspaces or while traveling, chances are you want a portable MIDI controller that is lightweight and fits in your bagpack. Fortunately, in the budget segment, controllers tend to have a small footprint and don't weigh too much. This makes them great for on the go-use.
Best options
Nektar Impact LX25+ - €89
Pros
25 full sized keys
8 RGB drumpads
8 programmable knobs
1 programmable slider
Excelent DAW control
Display
Cons
Relatively big footprint
Features hard to understand
Alesis V-Mini - € 50
Pros
4 light up drumpads
4 programmable control knobs
Very portable
Low price
Cons
25 mini keys are small and feel cheap
Plasticy feeling
Nektar Impact GX49 and GX61 - € 83 and € 90
Pros
49 or 61 full sized keys
Basic DAW control buttons
Volume control knob
Good value for money
Cons
No drumpads
No control knobs
Alesis V25 and V49 - € 75 and € 95
Pros
25 or 49 full sized keys
8 light up drumpads
4 programmable control knobs
6 programmable buttons
Cons
Programmable buttons feel cheap
Drumpads sometimes double hit
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 - € 50
Pros
32 keys is more than the usual 25
Volume control knob
Very portable
Low price
Cons
32 mini keys are small and feel cheap
No extra features
Plasticy feeling
Arturia MiniLab MK2 - € 99
Pros
25 semi-sized keys feel nice
8 RGB drumpads
16 programmable knobs
Sleek design
Cons
Keys are small
Drumpads are small
AKAI MPK Mini MK2 - € 79
Pros
8 light up drumpads
8 programmable knobs
Basic DAW control
Very portable
Cons
25 mini keys are small and feel cheap
Plasticy feeling
Slightly overpriced
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