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Keyboard Music is a software, which allows you to use your computer keyboard to play musical instruments. It's so easy to use that everybody can play the instrument he or she likes. Most DAW software comes with cool retro organ sound samples. You may already be sitting on a perfectly usable B3 sound. There are also speakers and effect units that zero in on the Leslie rotating speaker sound that's integral to the B3 sound.The Hammond Leslie 3300 Rotary Speaker re-creates the classic old-school B3 sounds while being. The Nord Stage 3 is widely considered as one of the best professional music keyboards around, and so many opinions can’t be wrong. It’s a premium workstation and synth; there’s no denying that. Our issue with this keyboard and its predecessors is that it doesn’t feel as good as the Roland, Korg, and Yamaha equivalents. The best part about owning a digital piano is that it can be used for creating and enjoying modern electronic music, not just classical piano music. Featuring 88 semi-weighted keys, this is a versatile instrument that will allow its owner to be creative. 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard keys are highly portable; writing sessions, capturing ideas and studio use with nearly all music creation software 8 backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads send MIDI data such as notes and program changes.
We are looking at the best keyboard workstations available in 2020. Workstations are some of the most powerful and versatile keyboards you can buy. They are also some of the most expensive! So, in this article, we will review our top picks to suit different users and different budgets.
The keyboard workstations on our list come in various sizes, from 61 to 88 keys. We have focused on the 88-key models.
Here are the best keyboard workstations 2020:
1. Korg Kronos 2
King of the workstation keyboards
The second coming of Korg’s successful Kronos is our top-rated workstation, and it has some exciting changes. To begin with, there are some new appearance features, like the classy wooden sides, and sleeker body.
More importantly, it has an enhanced SGX-2 piano grand piano engine along with a massive library of diverse sounds. The Kronos features Korg’s flagship RH3 hammer action keys that have a wide range of touch-sensitivity.
The new piano engine enhances previous Kronos piano tones, and adds an entirely new one, the Berlin Grand. As well as the pianos, there is a massive 21GB of preset sounds and 9 distinct sound engines for processing and tweaking voices.
The heart of the Kronos is an 8-inch color TouchView display. All of the Kronos’ functions can be controlled via the Touch View display with ease. The newly enhanced touch-drag ability makes it even easier to change parameters without menu-diving.
On the production side, there is a 16-track MIDI sequencer/audio recorder, and an open sampling system. So, you have the ability to record anything within reach.
Korg has again made use of its innovative Karma engine, first seen in 2012. The Karma engine cleverly reads the notes and chords that you play, creating original backing tracks in an instant. The backing tracks can then be further edited to create working demos, etc.
Image credit: KorgCheck Sweetwater |
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The Kronos 2 is the new king of the professional keyboard workstations, for now at least. It’s quite simply, a stunning instrument from Korg. The weighted keys have the most adaptability we have seen in terms of editing the velocity curve. The new piano engine sounds gorgeous, and with synths, Korg always gets that right.
So, it should tell you something when the only fault we found so far is that it’s expensive. There may be a few small areas where other workstations outdo the Kronos 2, but overall, they don’t compare.
2. Roland Fantom 8
The best new workstation
The Fantom 8 is Roland’s flagship workstation, and it’s the newest addition to the Fantom line. It comes with Roland’s PHA-50 hammer action keys. The graded hammer action keys have wooden sides and plastic tops, creating the look and feel of acoustic piano keys.
Roland’s V-Piano technology is the engine behind the Fantom’s beautiful grand piano tones. The new Fantom sound engine is the result of years of development, and it shows. It has a seemingly endless amount of voices plus an onboard analog filter, so you can sculpt precisely the sound you want.
In any workstation, the layout and how you utilize functions is important. The Fantom 8 gives you the ability to customize your workspace and save your settings. These spaces are referred to as scenes; a scene can be anything from a song, part of a song, or a selection of sounds – basically, anything you need to save in a specific order and recall instantly when required.
Utilizing functions might seem daunting at first, but it quickly becomes a breeze thanks to the intuitive touch screen. The screen not only makes it easy to control your Fantom, but you can manage your DAW and VST’s there, too.
Roland’s TR-REC step sequencer provides a powerful yet familiar production tool. The sequencer is borrowed from some classic Roland drum machines. It allows for real-time recording, step recording, and even clip-based sequencing.
On top of all of that, there is plenty of analog and digital connectivity.
Image credit: RolandCheck Sweetwater |
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The Fantom 8 is amazingly powerful, and it’s the most expensive music workstation on our list. It’s a forward-thinking keyboard that could be a sign of things to come for future workstations.
Right now, it doesn’t quite beat the Kronos 2, and it’s our number 2 choice. Features like the clip-based sequencing will likely divide opinion, too. The reason we say it’s too expensive is simply that the Kronos 2 is cheaper.
3. Roland RD-2000
The ultimate stage performer
Roland’s RD-2000 is an 88-key workstation that’s used by many professional musicians, always with great reviews. This flagship model in the RD series is aimed mostly at performers.
Two of Roland’s most powerful sound engines are the SuperNATURAL Piano engine and the V-Piano engine, this workstation has both. The V-Piano engine powers acoustic pianos and electric pianos are powered by the SuperNATURAL engine. The use of both engines has produced far better piano and electric piano tones than ever before. As well as the piano tones, there are an additional 1100+ sublime voices.
Roland’s RD-2000 features the PHA-50 progressive hammer action keys with 128-note max polyphony. Roland claims that their PHA-50 keyboard is their most realistic feel yet.
The RD-2000 has a very accomplished USB/MIDI interface, which runs with a zero-latency processor. What that means is that you can connect to your laptop and run VST’s, synths from your DAW and plugins with no latency at all.
Controlling everything in a live setting is simple with 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable sliders. All of which are LED lit for visual feedback, even on a dark stage.
Image credit: RolandCheck Sweetwater |
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Roland’s RD series has brought us some of the best high-end keyboards in recent years. We focused on the features that are useful in live performance because that’s what it does best. However, it’s entirely at home in the studio too. Wherever you are using it, the RD-2000 has a very intuitive, hands-on layout that will increase your workflow no end.
As for the sound, well, we are yet to hear a keyboard with Roland’s SuperNATURAL or V-Piano engine that doesn’t sound amazing. It’s not exactly a beginner-friendly keyboard, but for the pros, it’s awesome.
4. Korg Kross 2
The best keyboard workstation for taking on the road
![Best keyboards for music production Best keyboards for music production](https://cdn.dribbble.com/users/268236/screenshots/1600491/lastfm_yosemite_800.png)
The Korg Kross 2 is sometimes considered to be a watered-down version of the Kronos 2, but it’s a powerful workstation in its own right. It’s got a new slimmer design, but still has Korg’s natural weighted keys.
The powerful EDS-i sound engine comes with over 1000 presets. Presets range from pianos and electric pianos to synth pads and leads. Across the board, voices are of a very high standard. As well as a considerable amount of sounds, there are 134 effect types, so you should never run out of options live or in the studio.
The Korg has 16 pads that are used to trigger samples that you upload to the workstation. The pads are also used to program steps in the step sequencer (up to 64 steps). Pads can also store favorite sounds for instant recall, up to 64 at a time with 4 banks of 16.
If you are a singer, you can plug your mic straight into the Kross 2 for vocals or use the onboard vocoder. Like many workstations, the Kross 2 has a built-in audio recorder, but the thing we love most is that it will record external audio, too. For example, if you have a microphone or instrument running through your Kross 2, you can record sound from that along with your keyboard. So, effectively, if you are a solo artist or part of a duet, you can get perfect gig recordings!
Other features are pretty self-explanatory: drum track adds rhythm to your playing, and the arpeggiator is useful for coming up with new patterns/movements. The layout of the Kross 2 is nice and clean, not too many buttons, easy to navigate, and makes finding the right sounds come faster.
Image credit: KorgCheck Sweetwater |
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We are struggling to say anything negative about the Kross 2. Yes, it’s not as in-depth as the Kronos 2 from Korg, but it’s a fraction of the price. In fact, it’s as close as you will get to an affordable Korg workstation. While it might not compete with the Kronos 2 in a studio setting, it more than makes up for it in live performance.
There are so many preset sounds, and they are so good that they cover you for any gig. If you are willing to trade a little of the production side of things for outstanding live performance, you will love the Kross 2. It’s also lightweight and more comfortable to get around than most other workstation keyboards. If you are a performer first, and studio musician second, try this one out.
5. Yamaha MODX8
The best Yamaha keyboard workstation
The MODX8 is something like a little brother to the Yamaha Montage. It shares the same powerful sound engines AWM2 and FM-X. The FM-X engine only has 64-note max polyphony.
It has graded hammer action keys with 128-note max polyphony, better key action than the Montage. Another thing it shares with the Montage is the multi-controlling Super Knob.
The 2 main piano sounds come from Yamaha’s CFIIIS and S6 grand pianos. Both pianos sound lovely and feel very articulate with the MODX8 graded hammer action keys. The MODX8 has 1,152 preset voices as well as 72 drum kits.
Many workstation keyboards have a built-in audio interface, but they don’t all have the same input options as the MODX8. The multi-channel audio interface has 2 inputs and 10 out. As with many of Yamaha’s high-end keyboards, the onboard effects come from the VCM engine.
Image credit: YamahaCheck Sweetwater |
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The Yamaha MODX8 is one of the most difficult to place. We have said previously that we prefer it to the more expensive Montage when it comes to studio work, and that opinion still stands.
But, to explain further, it’s because it has graded hammer action keys that are more expressive, and it’s less than half the price. The Montage has more useful features overall, but pound for pound, there’s more value for money here. On top of that, the MODX8 is probably the most user-friendly workstation on our list.
6. Yamaha Montage8
The most expansive music workstation
The Yamaha Montage came along ata time when many people were calling for a new Yamaha Motif. In many ways, itcarries on where the Motif left off, but it’s not the same instrument at all.
It has balanced hammer action keys with aftertouch, which isn’t always included in workstations. The Montage’s MCS (Motion Control Synthesis) controls 2 of Yamaha’s most powerful sound engines. The first is the AWM2 engine, which produces amazingly realistic acoustic piano and rhodes sounds. The second is the FM-X engine that covers a broad range of vintage and modern synths. The Montage also receives frequent firmware updates and optional sound expansion packs.
There are 88 insert effect types and 26 master effect types. The effects include 12 reverb types and a detailed master EQ. On top of that, the Monatage also has an incredible 18 filter types.
The onboard audio recorder has 16 sequence tracks and allows for real-time replace and overdubbing. Everything is controlled by the 7-inch LCD touch screen and Yamaha’s Super Knob rotary dial.
Image credit: YamahaCheck Sweetwater |
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The Montage is a worthy addition to Yamaha’s long line of high-end keyboards. It has a lot in common with the Motif range, but it offers far more than just a Motif emulator.
The real beauty of this workstation is how easy it is to edit voices and effects. The combination of the Super Knob and touch screen makes everything possible in real-time. The Montage is a superb workstation for the stage or the studio.
7. Yamaha MX88
The best keyboard workstation for around $1000
Yamaha’s MX88 is the cheapest workstation on our list, and it sits somewhere between the Kross 2 and the Kronos 2, in terms of music production tools. It has graded hammer action keys with 128-note polyphony.
The most instantly attractive thing about the Yamaha MX88 is that the sounds use the same waveforms as the Motif XS. For anyone who knows the Motif series keyboards and their history, it’s a big deal. In total, there are over 1000 diverse Motif sounds and VCM (Virtual Circuit Modelling) effects.
Along with the onboard sounds, you get access to the FM Essential iOS app, which adds an FM synthesis engine with 256 voices to your MX.
The Yamaha MX88 also features a built-in audio interface that transmits a stereo channel via USB to your computer. An integrated MIDI interface lets you use the MX as a master controller for VST’s, synths, and samplers. In addition to controlling other instruments, you can also control various parameters in your DAW via the MX onboard controls.
The MX has some stunning VCM effects, as we mentioned, but the best thing about them is the in-depth control. There are 4 rotary knobs on the left of the top panel that let you dial in chorus, reverb, cut-off, etc. Alternatively, they can be assigned to different effect parameters, giving you maximum control in real-time.
Image credit: YamahaCheck Sweetwater |
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Before we say anything else, we need to state that the Yamaha MX88 is easily the best keyboard workstation under (or around) $1000. We stated earlier that the Yamaha MX is somewhere between the Kross 2 and Kronos 2, so let’s explain what we mean.
It has more in-depth editing functions than the Kross 2, but it’s not as useful for live performance. If you want a lighter keyboard for gigs, the MX beats the Kronos, but it’s nowhere near as good for studio use. So, it’s left in some tricky middle ground where it does everything very well, but doesn’t excel in one area.
That’s not a bad thing, it fills a gap that lots of users will need. It’s more of an all-rounder without the Kronos 2 price tag.
8. Nord Stage 3
The best organ sound engine Keykey 2 6 – typing tutor typing.
Nord keyboards are probably the most instantly recognizable in the industry with their bright red casing. It comes with Nord’s exclusive Virtual Hammer Action keys. The significant thing about this technology is that the keys have both top and bottom triggering, meaning the release matters as much as the initial strike.
Nord claims to have gone far more in-depth in their sampling process than ever before. Like previous models, the sounds are split between 3 engines – pianos, organs, and synths. The Nord Sample library 3.0 offers a broad range of expansion content from vintage to modern instruments and effects.
Each sound engine has a dedicated control section with LED labeling for visual feedback. There are dedicated onboard effects for each section as well as master effects. The synth section has a dedicated OLED display to make things even more accessible. The organ section also has 9 drawbars to add realism to the organ tones.
The layout of the Nord Stage 3 may look a bit overwhelming initially, but it doesn’t take long to become second nature.
Image credit: NordCheck Sweetwater |
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The Nord Stage 3 is widely considered as one of the best professional music keyboards around, and so many opinions can’t be wrong. It’s a premium workstation and synth; there’s no denying that. Our issue with this keyboard and its predecessors is that it doesn’t feel as good as the Roland, Korg, and Yamaha equivalents.
Nord’s exclusive Virtual Hammer Action will work for some players and not for others. The sound engines are incredible, the layout is intuitive once you get the hang of it, and it looks great. Try it out for yourself; our only complaint is the weight of the keys. Otherwise, it’s brilliant.
Conclusion
We always urge people to be clear on why they need a keyboard before buying one, and that’s especially important with workstations.
Our list features some of the most powerful workstation keyboards we have ever seen. These keyboards can be incredibly expensive, and generally, the most expensive ones are better because they have more to offer.
However, a cheaper workstation might be better in a specialized area than a more expensive keyboard. For example, a $3000 keyboard workstation might be the best overall, but a $1000 workstation might more suited to frequent live performance and travel.
So, our advice is to consider how often you are likely to use the workstation in live performance versus how often you’d use it as a production tool (studio use). Once you have that in order, you can focus on specific features/functions, and choose the best workstation keyboard for you.
James is a writer and musician with a passion for audio production. He is a lover of all things tech, especially the latest keyboards, synths, DAW’s, virtual instruments, and effects plugins. Musical interests include jazz, funk, hip hop, blues, and rock.
We are having a look at the best MIDI keyboards available in 2020 and giving our thoughts on what we consider to be our top 10.
To help you choose we have included small MIDI keyboard reviews with each one along with our pros and cons.
Let’s get started!
Here are the best MIDI keyboard controllers 2020:
- AKAI MPK Mini MkII – A Personal Favorite
- M-Audio Hammer 88 – Best Weighted Keys
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 – Best All-Rounder
- NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII – Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)
- Akai MPK Road 88 – Best for Touring/Gigging
- Novation Launchkey 49 MkII – Best for Ableton Users
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII – Best Beginner Controller
- Roli Seaboard Block – Best Alternative Choice
- Studiologic Numa Compact 2x – Best Hybrid
- Alesis V61 – Best Budget Controller
Akai MPK Mini MkII – A Personal Favorite
Since the first version of the MPK Mini, it has been one of the most popular MIDI controllers on the market. Despite its small stature, this little MIDI keyboard is a producers dream.
The main selling point of the MPK Mini MkII is the authentic Akai MPC drum pads. There are 8 pads that can be used for triggering drums, samples, or patterns. Samples can be assigned to bank A or bank B meaning you effectively have the use of 16 pads (8 at a time) and you can switch between banks instantly during a performance.
The MPK Mini MkII comes with 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys with octave up/down functionality. While 25 keys don’t exactly provide a huge range it’s more than enough to lay down chords and lead lines.
There are 8 assignable knobs that allow you to edit parameters like cut-off, resonance, etc, in real-time. Some other nice performance features are a powerful arpeggiator and a note repeat trigger. Instead of a wheel, Akai has opted for a thumbstick to control pitch bend and modulation which is very intuitive.
Like most Akai controllers you get a pretty good software bundle with the MPK Mini MkII that includes MPC Essentials, Sonivox Wobble, and Air Music Tech’s Hybrid.
Between the included software you have some powerful production tools and some really high-end synth, bass, and piano sounds. All of it is brought together via Akai’s VIP 3.1 platform that makes accessing all of your plugins/VST’s a breeze.
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This is top of our list because it’s the pound for pound champ of MIDI controllers. Despite its small stature, this is one of the best-selling and most versatile controllers available.
For a producer or beatmaker, the MPK Mini MkII is a powerhouse that lets you do just about everything in the studio, on the go, or on stage. Add in the included software and the value for money is undeniable.
M-Audio Hammer 88 – Best Weighted Keys
The Hammer 88 by M-Audio is an absolute monster of a MIDI keyboard controller. It’s also the most simple in our top 10 because it’s nothing more than 88 keys with fantastic a hammer action feel.
What you get with the Hammer 88 is a truly realistic piano playing experience. It’s aimed at musicians who primarily play the piano but still want the option to control all of their VST’s.
This level of realism in the weight and action of the keys isn’t usually found in a MIDI controller so M-Audio is definitely filling a gap in the market here.
A master volume fader along with pitch bend and modulation wheels are the only onboard controls. The volume fader can be assigned to control other parameters of your plugin/VST so there is some versatility there.
As you’d expect from a keyboard with such a realistic piano feel, the Hammer 88 has 3 pedal inputs for sustain, soft, and expression for more realism.
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So, it has no surprising features and not much versatility but it’s still one of our top-rated MIDI keyboards. If you are a pianist or composer who wants a realistic piano feel in a MIDI controller you won’t get better than this. It’s the best weighted MIDI keyboard on the market right now.
It’s great for studio work and live performance if you don’t mind something a little heavier than the average MIDI keyboard.
Ultimately, you are trading features and versatility for precision and realism. If you’re willing to make that trade the Hammer 88 is without a doubt one of the best MIDI controllers out there.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 – Best All-Rounder
The KeyLab Essentials series is a streamlined version of the successful KeyLab collection. The KeyLab Essential 61 is one of the slickest-looking MIDI keyboard controllers on our list.
This one is all about control, controlling as much as possible without leaving the keyboard. The aim is, of course, to increase your workflow and in music production that’s important.
The Keylab Essential 61has transport controls that work perfectly with all major DAW’s. It also has 9assignable faders and 9 assignable knobs which can control a huge amount ofparameters in real-time. This means less time clicking a mouse and more time atthe keyboard. The pitch bend and modulation wheels are also assignable.
There are also 8 very good backlit, velocity-sensitive pads – not quite MPC-quality but very good nonetheless. You can program entire tracks with keys, drums, samples and so on all from the KeyLab and this also makes it a very powerful live performance tool.
Arturia has added a Chord function that lets you trigger complex chords by pressing a single note, making composition much easier/faster.
Arturia tends to give pretty good software bundles with the Keylab range although the exact VST’s do vary from time to time. Currently, you get a copy of the Mini V synth and the stage 73 V electric piano.
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This is just a high-quality MIDI controller in every sense. It’s well built, versatile, easy to use, and comes with some great VST’s. If you are looking for a keyboard to be the center of your studio setup then the KeyLab Essential 61 is for you.
Arturia says the KeyLab will have you spending far less time pointing and clicking at a computer and that’s definitely true. That control and workflow are why the KeyLab series has been some of the best-selling MIDI keyboard controllers for years now.
NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII – Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)
In recent years Native Instruments has become a name that producers of all levels are very familiar with. Their virtual instruments are used everywhere, from bedroom demos to chart-topping hits.
It’s quite common for a producer/musician tot stick with a certain brand and if you are a NI plugin user then there’s no better partner than their Komplete Kontrol S88.
NI’s Komplete instruments are pre-mapped to the Kontrol S88 so there is no messing about to get set up. When you use your VST’s there are two color screens to help you find and select whatever you need quickly.
Each key can also be illuminated by RGB lights in various colors to show different split groups, etc. For example, if you have drums mapped to certain keys and synth sounds to others, drums could be purple and synths yellow. It’s not a feature that will make you buy this keyboard but it’s one of several small details that add up to make your work easier.
It has 88 hammer-action keys with a pretty convincing feel, the weight offers enough resistance to be expressive. The keys have aftertouch which tends to works best on semi-weighted or lighter keys but it’s still a nice feature to have.
There are transport controls that work with all major DAW’s, 8 assignable knobs and pitch bend/modulation wheels. Underneath the wheels, you will find a touch strip which can be very useful depending on the sound/instrument you are using.
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The main issues with this keyboard are that as a realistic playing experience it’s not as good as the Hammer 88 and as an overall control center the KeyLab Essential tops it.
However, if you are an avid Native Instruments user then the ease of use for you will outweigh everything else. Quite a simple verdict on this one, if you primarily use NI plugins then buy this, if you don’t then look elsewhere.
Akai MPK Road 88 – Best for Touring/Gigging
Just launched earlier this year the Akai MPK Road 88 is the ultimate touring/gigging MIDI controller. The MPK Road 88 is actually built into a custom hard flight case so it’s travel-ready then just flip the lid and it’s ready for the stage.
It comes with Akai’s exclusive Model-A keybed which is probably somewhere between an acoustic piano and a Fender Rhodes, very nice for gigging.
As the name suggests it has 88 keys and they come with a very nice aftertouch feature that is really useful for organ and synth voices.
In terms of onboard features, it doesn’t have too many, there are pitch bend and modulation wheels, transpose buttons and a master volume. Akai has been very exact about what this keyboard is though, it’s a rugged, road-ready controller with a very realistic key action. It was never intended to be anything else.
It features a 4-output soundcard so you can route your virtual instruments to monitors, mixers, etc, simultaneously with no issues. On top of that, it comes ready with some first-class virtual instruments like AIR Music Tech DB-33, AIR Music Tech Velvet, and AIR Music Tech Mini Grand for Road 88.
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This one is a no-brainer, if you gig often and you want to access your VST’s with a realistic feeling keyboard, this is the best on the list.
If you play more synths than pianos then you may want something with lighter keys. If you like to utilize pads and samples etc in live performance then it’s not the one, or if you want a realistic feel but primarily for home use then the M-Audio Hammer 88 is a better fit.
For a straight forward 88-key MIDI controller with a gorgeous key action for gigging you can’t top the MPK Road 88 with its Model-A keybed and built-in flight case.
Novation Launchkey 49 MkII – Best for Ableton Users
The Novation Launchkey 49 is similar to the M-Audio Keystation 49 in many ways, it’s unlikely to be the first choice if money is no object but it has to be on the list. We are looking at the 49-key version with 16 velocity-sensitive pads.
Novation are no strangers to drum pads so as expected they are pretty good quality here. The only complaint is that they are a little smaller than Akai’s MPC pads but it’s not a huge issue. That aside, the pads are responsive and you do get 16 so that a lot without having to switch banks, especially for a small keyboard.
Above the pads are 8 fully assignable knobs and rounding off the features are pitch bend and modulation wheels, transpose buttons and master volume.
Ableton Live Lite 9 is included with the Launchkey 49 and if you are an Ableton user already then a Novation controller is likely the way to go for you. Although the Launchkey works very well with other DAW’s, it was purpose-built for Ableton and integrates with it better than any other controller.
The Launchkey is for producers who make a lot of tracks and want that fast workflow, again, especially with Ableton. Also included in the bundle is Novation Bass Station software synth, Novation V-Station software synth, Addictive Keys, 4gb of content from Loopmasters and even some free keyboard lessons from Melodics.
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The Launchkey 49 is a lower-priced MIDI controller so in all honesty, you can’t really go wrong with it. There are a few things that could be better, but there isn’t anything in particular that is bad about it.
If you want a cheaper MIDI controller with pads this is a good call because it has 16 rather than just 8 like most similar-sized controllers. If Ableton is your main DAW and you want something that you can get tracks going quickly with then you’ll be very happy with the Launchkey 49.
M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII – Best Beginner Controller
Keystation controllers have been around for some time and you’ll never find a MIDI controller review article without one, or at least you shouldn’t. They aren’t widely regarded as high-end MIDI controllers but they offer great value for money which makes them hugely popular.
The Keystation 49 has 49 velocity-sensitive keys, nothing too fancy but they are full size and more than responsive enough. It’s not the most robust casing either but it’s light enough to take anywhere and it will survive a few bumps easily.
Now the good stuff, the Keystation 49 comes with transport controls that aren’t common in such a low price controller. Besides the transport controls, there are pitch bend and modulation wheels and a master volume, all of which are assignable.
The quality of the wheels isn’t great and don’t feel as precise as they could be but you have to keep everything in context.
By context, we mean think about what you get for your money. You get a very reliable MIDI controller from a trusted name, you get transport controls to integrate with your DAW and it’s light enough to travel easily.
The Keystation probably isn’t going to top any lists but it should always be there because anyone who has used MIDI keyboards for a while has most likely owned one at some stage and had no complaints.
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You know exactly what you get with the Keystation, it’s never going to be seen as the best but it’s still one of the best-selling. The reason being that they are cheap, easy to use, and do everything you need to make music.
If you can’t make music with a Keystation then you probably don’t need all of those extra features anyway, this is a perfect starting point for any musician.
Roli Seaboard Block – Best Alternative Choice
This is a bit of an outside choice on our list. For anyone who isn’t yet familiar with the Roli Seaboard Block, it’s a soft pressure-sensitive surface with 24 raised keys which can be manipulated in various ways.
Roli calls this their 5 dimensions of touch – strike, press, glide, slide and lift. In simple non-technical terms, the keys are squishy.
The idea is that you shape your sound in a much more natural and intuitive way. Think of it like when you play with an orchestral VST, you instinctively wiggle your finger on the key expecting vibrato but nothing happens, with the Seaboard, it does. The included Equator software has many sounds that are just right for this.
Roli has a few different models, the Seaboard Block is the cheapest and smallest with 25 keys. However, there’s a twist, it’s called a block because you can build with it. Each side of the Seaboard block has little magnetic connectors that let you attach more Seaboard Blocks to extend the playing area or Roli Lightpad Bocks.
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Some people think the Seaboard Block is a gimmick and more of a toy than a real instrument. The issue is that it can’t replace a regular keyboard, for piano/keys playing you need proper keys. Roli isn’t trying to replace the keyboard though, it’s a completely different thing.
Some keyboards have aftertouch so you can get a little vibrato or expression but aftertouch only does one thing at a time. With the Seaboard you can use vibrato, bend, modulation, cut-off, and more all from one fingertip.
As a producer, this is valuable time saved messing about inside effects or VST’s setting parameters after the fact when you could play it all as you need to in real-time.
After the initial weirdness of it, it actually starts to feel natural and extremely expressive, well worth having.
Studiologic Numa Compact 2x – Best Hybrid
The Numa Compact 2x is a hybrid, so it’s great as a MIDI controller but it also has some amazing onboard sounds so you can use it without a computer. Admittedly, for this reason, it may not be in everyone’s top 10 list but it shouldn’t be discounted just because it’s not only a MIDI keyboard.
It has 88 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch but even for a semi-weighted keyboard, it’s very lightweight indeed. So it’s easy to get to gigs or rehearsals without needing to take a laptop. The onboard sound engines have some stunning pianos, organs, and synths that sound great through the built-in speakers.
So, everything above is really just an added bonus because as a MIDI controller it has lot’s to offer too. There are 9 drawbars for the organ sound engine but they can be assigned to control parameters from either the onboard effects engine or your DAW/VST. It also has a very nice OLED display which is helpful on stage or at home.
Studiologic has gone for joysticks rather than wheels when it comes to pitch bend and modulation, they are very accurate and responsive so that will be a personal preference issue.
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It’s a hybrid but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a jack of all trades, master of none. The sound engines in this keyboard could match that of much more expensive instruments easily and it has all the MIDI capability that you need.
It may be an outside choice but having all the MIDI features and the option to play without a computer is well worth considering.
Alesis V61 – Best Budget Controller
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The V61 from Alesis is exactly what you want if you are on a tight budget. It has 61 semi-weighted keys, they are pretty light but they are full size. The body itself is very slimline and not much broader than the keys themselves.
Despite being so slimline it still manages to fit in 8 pads located to the left of the keyboard. The pads are very good by any standard, responsive and well sized. Beside the pads there are 4 assignable knobs and a pitch bend and modulation wheel.
As far as performance goes, the keys are a bit too light but better than most you’d find in the price range. You would struggle to find a similarly priced keyboard with 61 keys and 8 pads so there can’t be too many complaints.
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It’s not going to blow you away but the combination of 61 keys, 8 drum pads, and the low price make it our best budget MIDI controller.
Conclusion
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In conclusion, there are genuine reasons for buying every controller on this list. As always you should base your decision on which one suits your needs most.
Think about your budget, your workspace, and what style you play most. Do that till you eliminate any unsuitable keyboards then you should be left with a smaller list to choose from.
Hopefully, our small MIDI controller reviews can help you out, enjoy!
James is a writer and musician with a passion for audio production. He is a lover of all things tech, especially the latest keyboards, synths, DAW’s, virtual instruments, and effects plugins. Musical interests include jazz, funk, hip hop, blues, and rock.