Hey there! Looking for a MIDI keyboard controller to elevate your music production game? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
MIDI keyboard controllers have made producing quality and engaging music so much easier and intuitive. Even the smallest controllers can have a set of keys, pads, sliders, faders and knobs that you can tweak to your hearts desire!
In this article, I’ll be taking a look at the 7 Best MIDI Controllers for Beginners, each with its own unique set of features and advantages. Whether this is day one of making music or you’ve been at it a little while and you’re ready to jump into a shiny new MIDI controller, I’ve got you covered! Let’s go!
Table of Contents
AKAI MPK Mini MK3
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a versatile MIDI keyboard controller designed for music production, live performance, and recording.
There are so many reasons to love this controller. First and foremost, its compact size makes it incredibly portable, allowing you to take it with you wherever inspiration strikes. The 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys ensure playing feels natural and responsive, making it a joy to use.
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is designed to give you complete control over your music production. It features 8 backlit drum pads, which are perfect for triggering samples, creating beats, and adding dynamic elements to your tracks. Additionally, the 8 knobs allow for precise control over various parameters, such as volume, panning, and effects.
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Responsive and velocity-sensitive mini keys
- 8 backlit drum pads for added versatility
- 8 knobs for precise control
- Includes music production software
Cons:
- The mini keys may feel too small for users with larger hands
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is perfect for beginners since it has a little bit of everything you can want in a MIDI controller, keys for playing in melodies, pads for putting down beats and rhythms, and knobs to tweak MIDI parameters. In short, this controller is worth a look!
Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
The Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller is designed for musicians and music producers of all skill levels.
The intelligent dynamic scale mode that the DMK25 Pro offers is awesome! This feature allows you to play essential bass lines, melodies, and leads effortlessly. With 16-scale tones to choose from, you can easily switch between different musical genres without worrying about tuning issues.
The DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller is packed with features that enhance your music creation process. The real-time multi-mode control allows you to unleash your creativity with powerful arpeggio, note repeat, and chord functions. The personalized touch bar with a light scale gives you a dynamic feel, making your composition experience feel like you’re performing on stage.
Pros:
- Intelligent dynamic scale mode for easy bass lines, melodies, and leads
- Real-time multi-mode control for enhanced creativity
- Personalized touch bar with a light scale for a dynamic performance feel
- Innovative wheels for visual control and comfort
- Compatible with various DAWs for a seamless music production experience
- High-definition OLED screen display for real-time parameter viewing
- Compact and lightweight design for portability
Cons:
- Complimentary software requires contacting customer service
- Limited to 25 mini keys, which may not be suitable for those accustomed to full-sized keyboards
The Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller offers an array of features that enhance your music production experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a you’re ready for a MIDI controller upgrade, this compact and versatile MIDI controller is a valuable addition to your setup!
Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker
The Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker is designed for music production enthusiasts of all skill levels who want to create beats and manipulate sounds in a seamless and customizable way.
The Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker is worthy of consideration not only because it offers a wide range of features at an affordable price, but also because it comes with music production software and 40 free courses, providing you with all the tools you need to start creating music right away.
The Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker is a versatile MIDI pad controller that allows you to trigger drums, samples, effects, and more. With its 16 soft silicone backlit pads, you can easily switch between 3 different pad banks, giving you a total of 48 assignable pads.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Customizable controls with assignable faders, knobs, and buttons
- Comes with music production software and 40 free courses
- Durable and well-built design
- Wide compatibility with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows
Cons:
- Requires DAW software for sound (doesn’t produce sound alone)
- Limited functionality of the included editor (cannot record and arrange music)
The Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker is a fantastic option for musicians and music producers looking for an affordable and versatile MIDI pad controller. With its customizable controls, wide compatibility, and included software and courses, this beat maker is sure to boost your rhythm game and take your music production to the next level!
Novation Launchkey 37 MK3 MIDI Keyboard Controller
The Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller is a fantastic tool for beginning music producers seeking a comprehensive and versatile keyboard controller.
This MIDI controller provides an unrivaled music-making experience, allowing you to have all the necessary tools at your disposal for deep and intuitive Ableton Live control. Whether you need device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans, or sends, this keyboard controller has got you covered.
One standout feature of the Novation Launchkey 37 is its Chord Mode, which allows you to lay down chords for your track quickly. With three chord modes – fixed, scale, and user – you can play a chord with just one finger, and it will transpose as you move up and down the keyboard.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Ableton Live
- Chord Mode for quick chord progression
- Arpeggiator for diverse melodies
- Scale Modes for removing music theory frustration
- Excellent integration with various DAWs
Cons:
- Designed specifically for Ableton Live integration, may be less compatible with other software
Its seamless integration with Ableton Live, along with its Chord Mode, Arpeggiator, and Scale Modes, make it a valuable asset in any music production setup.
M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini controller is perfect for musicians, producers, and aspiring DJs who want to create music on the go.
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini MIDI keyboard provides a responsive and expressive playing experience. Whether you’re playing melodies, chords, or basslines, the keys accurately capture your playing dynamics.
This keyboard controller is equipped with eight backlit beat pads that allow you to trigger drum samples and create rhythmic patterns. These pads are not only fun to play but also enhance your creativity in music production.
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini comes with a comprehensive software suite, including Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats, and four virtual instruments. This means you have everything you need to start making music right out of the box.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for travel
- 32 Responsive and expressive velocity-sensitive keys
- Backlit beat pads for drum sample triggering
- Assignable knobs and faders for precise control
- Comprehensive software suite included
Cons:
- Limited number of keys may not suit everyone’s playing style
- Size of beat pads may feel small for some users
With its impressive features and solid build quality, the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is a top choice for musicians and producers who want a portable MIDI keyboard controller that doesn’t compromise on functionality.
Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician looking for a portable rig, the Akai Professional MPC Studio offers a wide range of features to enhance your creative process.
What’s not to love about the Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller Beat Maker? It combines the functionality of a traditional MIDI keyboard controller with the intuitive workflow of Akai’s iconic MPC drum machines. This controller is perfect for creating beats, sampling, sequencing, and performing live.
The purpose of the Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller is to provide musicians with a powerful tool for music production. With its 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, assignable touch strip, and LCD display, this controller offers a seamless and immersive music-making experience.
- 16 Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads: These pads allow you to trigger and play drum sounds, samples, and virtual instruments with expressiveness and precision.
- Full MPC 2 Software: The included MPC 2 software offers a vast library of sounds, effects, and virtual instruments, as well as advanced features for sequencing, arranging, and mixing your music.
- Assignable Touch Strip: The touch strip allows you to control parameters like pitch bend, modulation, and effects with simple gestures, adding a dynamic element to your performances.
- LCD Display: The bright LCD display provides clear visual feedback of your settings, making it easy to navigate through menus, edit parameters, and access advanced features.
The Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller is built with high-quality materials and features a sleek and durable design. The pads are responsive and provide a satisfying playing experience, while the touch strip and LCD display are both sensitive and reliable.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with the included MPC software.
- Compact and portable design.
- Versatile pads for drum programming and performance.
- Assignable touch strip adds expressive control options.
- High-quality build and durability.
Cons:
- The learning curve for the MPC software may be steep for beginners.
- Limited number of pads compared to larger MIDI keyboard controllers.
With its comprehensive set of features and its intuitive workflow, the Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller is a top choice for musicians and producers who want a high-quality and versatile MIDI keyboard controller.
AKAI MPK Mini Play MK3
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is a compact and powerful MIDI keyboard controller designed specifically for beat makers, songwriters, and musicians.
This MIDI controller offers a feature not often seen in other MIDI devices, a built-in speaker that allows it to have standalone capability. This feature allows you to create music on the go without the need for additional equipment. Whether you’re on a road trip, at a coffee shop, or simply relaxing at home, this MIDI keyboard will keep the music flowing.
The AKAI MPK Mini Play MK3 offers a range of key features that enhance your music production experience. Its 25-Key Gen 2 MPK Mini dynamic keybed ensures a responsive and expressive playing experience. The OLED display provides clear and intuitive navigation, allowing you to easily access the various functions and settings.
The 8 velocity-sensitive backlit MPC drum pads give you the freedom to create dynamic drum beats, while the built-in arpeggiator and note repeat functions add depth and complexity to your melodies. One of the standout features of this MIDI keyboard is the vast collection of over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds.
- Compact and portable design
- Built-in speaker for standalone use
- Responsive and expressive keybed
- Versatile software and sound library included
- Batteries not included for portable use
- Limited control options compared to larger MIDI controllers
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is a fantastic MIDI keyboard controller that offers exceptional portability, versatility, and high-quality performance!
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Specifications:
- 25-key dynamic keybed
- 8 backlit drum pads
- 8 knobs for control
- Music production software included
- Compact and portable design
- USB MIDI connectivity
Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
Specifications:
- 25-mini key dynamic keybed
- 8 drum pads
- OLED display
- Personalized touch bar
- Music production software included
- 40 free keyboard-teaching courses
- USB-C connectivity
Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker
Specifications:
- 16 beat pads
- 2 assignable fader and knobs
- Music production software included
- 40 free keyboard-teaching courses
- USB MIDI connectivity
Novation Launchkey 37
Specifications:
- 37-key dynamic keybed
- Ableton Live integration
- Chord mode, scale mode, and arpeggiator features
- MIDI assignable controls
- Compact and portable design
M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini
Specifications:
- 32-key dynamic keybed
- Beat pads
- MIDI assignable knobs, buttons, and faders
- Software suite included
- Compact and portable design
- USB MIDI connectivity
Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller Beat Maker
Specifications:
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads
- MPC 2 software included
- Assignable touch strip
- LCD display
- MIDI connectivity
AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3
Specifications:
- Dynamic keybed
- Built-in speaker
- MPC pads
- Software suite included
- Compact and portable design
- MIDI connectivity
| Product | Key Features | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 | – 25-key dynamic keybed | – 8 backlit drum pads |
| – 8 knobs for control | – Music production software included | |
| – Compact and portable design | – USB MIDI connectivity | |
| Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller | – 25-mini key dynamic keybed | – 8 drum pads |
| – OLED display | – Personalized touch bar | |
| – Music production software included | – 40 free keyboard-teaching courses | |
| – USB-C connectivity | ||
| Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker with 16 Beat Pads | – 16 beat pads | – 2 assignable fader and knobs |
| – Music production software included | – 40 free keyboard-teaching courses | |
| – USB MIDI connectivity | ||
| Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller | – 37-key dynamic keybed | – Ableton Live integration |
| – Chord mode, scale mode, and arpeggiator features | – MIDI assignable controls | |
| – Compact and portable design | ||
| M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller | – 32-key dynamic keybed | – Beat pads |
| – MIDI assignable knobs, buttons, and faders | – Software suite included | |
| – Compact and portable design | – USB MIDI connectivity | |
| Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller Beat Maker | – 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads | – Full MPC 2 software |
| – Assignable touch strip | – LCD display | |
| – MIDI connectivity | ||
| AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 – MIDI Keyboard Controller | – Dynamic keybed | – Built-in speaker |
| – MPC pads | – Software suite included | |
| – Compact and portable design | – MIDI connectivity |
Conclusion:
After reviewing all seven products, it is clear that each MIDI keyboard controller offers unique features and benefits for musicians and producers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, there is a MIDI keyboard controller that will suit your needs.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller that provides a great balance of functionality and affordability. With its backlit drum pads and knobs, it offers versatility and ease of use for creating music.
Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller
The Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller is a feature-packed option with an OLED display, personalized touch bar, and free music production courses. It is suitable for those who want a versatile MIDI controller with extra learning resources.
Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker
The Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker offers 16 beat pads and assignable faders and knobs. It also includes music production software and free courses. This controller is perfect for beat makers who prioritize drum pads and easy knob control.
Novation Launchkey 37
The Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller is designed for seamless integration with Ableton Live. It offers chord mode, scale mode, and an arpeggiator, making it an excellent choice for music producers who use Ableton Live extensively.
M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is a 32-key MIDI keyboard controller with beat pads, assignable knobs, buttons, and faders. It comes with a software suite included, making it suitable for producers who prioritize beat creation and customizable controls.
Akai Professional MPC Studio MIDI Controller Beat Maker
The Akai Professional MPC Studio is a MIDI controller with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, assignable touch strip, and an LCD display. It comes with the full MPC 2 software, providing a comprehensive beat-making experience for professionals.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3
The AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is a unique MIDI keyboard controller with a built-in speaker and sounds. It also features dynamic keybed and MPC pads, providing musicians with a self-contained and portable option for creating music.
Recommendation:
If you are a beginner or on a budget, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a great choice with its compact size, backlit drum pads, and affordability. For those who want extra learning resources, the Donner DMK25 Pro MIDI Keyboard Controller with free courses is recommended.
If you are a beat maker, the Donner MIDI Pad Beat Maker and the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini offer comprehensive beat pad functionality and customizable controls.
For advanced producers, the Novation Launchkey 37 [MK3] and Akai Professional MPC Studio provide seamless integration with Ableton Live, extensive features, and professional-grade performance.
Lastly, if you want a self-contained and portable option with a built-in speaker and sounds, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is an excellent choice.
Overall, each product has its own strengths and drawbacks, but with this review, you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. Happy creating!
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