But you will also find a MIDI controller in just about every modern studio for additional flexibility. As I said at the outset, many studios, engineers, and music producers still spend good money on pianos, electric pianos, organs, synths, and a variety of other keyboards, which offer a direct, authentic, high-quality sound. Is A MIDI Controller The Same Thing As A Keyboard? Digital pianos range in price from relatively inexpensive all the way up to pricey depending on the keyboard. I would even go so far as to say a digital piano might be a better option for you, as some can be used as MIDI controllers too.

If you’re a full-fledged piano player, and you’ve either received training or taken lessons, then an 88-key fully-weighted MIDI controller might be more your style, and you might not be satisfied with anything less. Smaller keyboards are great for desktop use, while you may need to purchase a stand for anything bigger than 49 keys. But these are not ideal for piano or electric piano parts that require you to play separate parts at the same time with two hands (i.e. Also, see the M-Audio, Novation, and Alesis units from earlier.Ģ5-key units can also be handy for smaller studios, or if you just don’t have enough space to accommodate larger keyboard. These units are adequately flexible, and should be more than enough to satisfy your immediate needs. If you’re a beginner, you probably can’t go wrong with a 49-key MIDI controller with standard functions. If you aren’t sure, you should go to the store to discover the difference.Īs you can imagine, the more keys there are, and the more features you need, the more a MIDI keyboard is going to cost you.

Do you want a MIDI controller that comes with all the latest bells and whistles (dials, sliders, function keys, pads, transport controls, touchpad, arpeggiator, display, motorized faders, etc.), or do you need just the basics (such as a pitch and modulation wheel or octave buttons)?Īre 25 keys enough, or do you need 88 keys? Should they be semi-weighted, weighted, or synth-action keys? Or, in the case of an M-Audio Keystation, would you be okay with “weird” semi-weighted keys? Only you can answer these questions. What Should I Look For In A MIDI Controller? It’s just a solid beginner MIDI controller. Other than that, there isn’t necessarily anything special about the V49. The V49 also comes with eight LED-backlist drum trigger pads responsive to velocity and pressure, four assignable knobs and buttons, as well as pitch and modulation wheels. You can adjust their sensitivity to tweak how you want your dynamics to come across. Like the Novation Launchkey, the Alesis is available in 25, 49, and 61-key models.

The Alesis V49 is another great option for beginners, or for those who aren’t looking for anything too fancy.

Alesis v49 presets