Synthesizer vs midi controller how to#
Synthesizer vs midi controller mod#

The Top 10 Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers

Or if you want an alternative to MIDI, read our top 10 best digital pianosВ or 10 best synthesizers articles.

Synthesizer vs midi controller how to#

Does the software bundle included with the keyboards matter to you? Some come with hefty programs, such as full on digital audio workstations, while others some FX or VSTвЂ™s (sounds to use with your MIDI keyboard) while others do not.ДЇore more information on this aspect of shopping, we recommend reading SweetwaterвЂ™s how to choose your MIDI controller article.Try to keep in mind the way you work, what kind of music you make, or which extra features you see worth the extra money.

These are all pluses, but not necessarily musts.

Synthesizer vs midi controller mod#

Are any other functions desired? Such as knobs, faders, buttons, arpeggiators, mod and pitch bend wheels, or various other performance controls.

If you want a (almost) drum machine built-in to your MIDI keyboard as well, this is your best bet to consolidate.

Do you want your controller to have MIDI pads? A lot of keyboards coming out nowadays include вЂdrum padsвЂ™ (although not just for drums, other sounds can be assigned to them, too), typically within the 8-16 count range with 3-4 possible banks.

As stated previously, 25-key and other вЂњmini MIDI keyboardsвЂќ are ideal for traveling, but weвЂ™ve transported our 49-key numerous times, especially for performing live.

Is portability important to you? If so, you need to keep the overall size into consideration.

ItвЂ™s rare to find a MIDI keyboard with weighted keys, but the more expensive models do have them. It isnвЂ™t completely like playing the real thing, but youвЂ™re super close.

Fully-weighted:В Most digital pianos have weighted keys because it attempts to truly emulate what it feels like playing the piano.

ItвЂ™s a bit in the middle for when you press it (as compared to the lower end and quickness of synth action, while up next with weighted are heaviest).

Semi-weighted:В These arenвЂ™t made of plastic and springs, but instead combine the spring-loaded build with a built-in light weight for each key.

For music types and who likes to use them, itвЂ™s pretty broadвЂ“ they work with most genres and really just depends on the person and how they like to play. The feel is a bit quicker and lighter than other weighted models.

Synth action:В Most of the popular MIDI keyboards come with вЂњsynth actionвЂќ keys, meaning theyвЂ™re made of plastic and use springs (instead of actual weights) to return the key to its original stance once youвЂ™re pressed and released it.

HereвЂ™s a quick run down of the different makes of keys typically found in MIDI keyboards:

What type of key-make would you like? Whether itвЂ™s synth-action, semi-weighted, full-weighted or equipped with aftertouch, it all comes down to preference.

Who know those want 88 to truly replicate the look and feel of a real piano, while others who travel a lot, use laptops, or merely donвЂ™t mind go with the 25-key option.

How many keys would you like your controller to be? There are numerous options, such as: mini-compact 25, 32, 37, 49 (the most popular), 61, or even 88 (the highest - the equivalent to a real piano).

We have some MIDI keyboard guides that are specific to price-ranges you may be interested in instead: YouвЂ™ll also see some extra software included in packages which sometimes increases the price tag, so keep that in mind as well. Typically, the higher the key count (which is next in importance below), the higher the price. There are numerous choices for any price range, from under $100 to $500 or more.

What is your budget? This is the most important question to ask.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself before taking a look at whatвЂ™s out there: You need to take a few valuable questions into consideration when youвЂ™re choosing your MIDI keyboard controller. LetвЂ™s review the top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers available today - both for those who want the best of the best or are on a budget and want the most affordable.ДЇirst thingвЂ™s first. I know people who still abide by analog-only equipment for mixing and mastering, but still use their MIDI controller frequently for various production in their studio.

The best MIDI keyboard controllers are becoming more and more popular today, seeing that technology continues to improve and musicians everywhere are slowly beginning the migration process of switching to a digital setup (or at least a hybrid with both analog and digital setups).