Perhaps you want to mix on the fly? Make sure it has a few faders. Or you like sound design and want to do some live automation and macro-tweaking? Better get some knobs or encoders.
Most MIDI keyboards have what is called synth weighting, which replicates the same feel of most analogue synths.įull-weighted keys feel exactly like a grand piano would, and have a lot more resistance to them. Key WeightingĪKA how the key feels when you press it down. However, if you’re new, start small and work your way up. When it comes to the key number, bigger is better if you’re performing complex pieces and/or are used to a full-sized keyboard.
61 keys and up are generally better if you’re a piano player. The more keys, the more octaves you can play at the same time – without having to awkwardly press the octave jump button. MIDI keyboards typically come in 25, 49, 61 and 88 key varieties. (Check out our guide, How To Make Electronic Music for more info, which is also included in the EDM Starter Kit above.)Īpart from that, here are the main factors to consider: Key Number Because more options mean more distractions. If you’re a new producer without prior musical knowledge, then I’d recommend holding off.įirstly, get comfortable with your DAW, nail the basics of production and start to learn some music theory. It’s not that a MIDI keyboard can’t help, it’s that it won’t solve your problems. …then there is a good chance you need to check yourself before buying. If any of these reasons for buying apply to you: Now before you buy any of these options, ask yourself if you’re really up to introducing a new piece of gear into the studio. You can skip straight to the keyboards if you want. From older models to newer models, these options can suit any producers’ needs: So today, we’re going to streamline that for you and show you our top picks for best MIDI keyboards in 2022. What’s the best MIDI keyboard for me? How much should I spend? Do I even need one? Then you start asking all sorts of questions. The problem is, in 2022 there are so many MIDI keyboards to choose from – it can be paralysing even attempting to start, let alone being halfway through the shopping process with 100’s of tabs open. It’s like a whole other realm of musical ideas is accessed through the action of playing notes in, as opposed to drawing them in on the MIDI editor. Either way, you can’t deny that even if they aren’t essential, MIDI keyboards are a trusty addition to the studio.