Are you trying to find computer recording midi controllers among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling computer recording midi controllers on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 15 hours of research and did 87 computer recording midi controllers tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best computer recording midi controllers you can buy today
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of Your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-Style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer/DAW controls
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- 1500 plus Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production - Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
- English (Publication Language)
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential - USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- 1500 plus Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production - Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
- 32 mini-keys velocity sensitive keyboard
- Pitch, modulation, octave, transpose function
- Sustain interface (Not include sustain pedal)
- USB B-type to connect computer (include USB cable)
- Plug and play with Windows, Mac devices
- Music Production Essential – MIDI keyboard controller with 88 full-size velocity-sensitive semi weighted keys for MIDI control of virtual instruments, software samplers and plug-in synthesisers
- MIDI Keyboard Must-Haves - Volume fader, transport & directional buttons; pitch & modulation wheels, octave up & down buttons and sustain pedal input for expressive performances
- Immediate Creativity - Effortless plug-and-play USB connectivity to Mac or PC—no drivers or power supply required; compatible with iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
- Your Music Studio Equipment Centrepiece – Slimline design fits any desk, studio or stage setup perfectly and advanced functionality customizes your controls for your recording software
- Everything You Need for Pro Music Production - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Mini Grand, and Velvet
- Mini Keys, Major Performance - 25-key MIDI controller keyboard with responsive keys to play with feel and dynamics. Enjoy expressive songwriting, composing, jamming, playing melodies, bass lines, and more
- Full Range Experience - Play every note with ease. Use the dedicated octave up and down buttons to transpose the range of your software instruments plus a sustain button for expressive performances
- Feature Packed - Use the built-in arpeggiator and clock for creative control of any of your sound sources like software instruments, synthesizers, or USB-enabled modular gear, all by one USB cable
- Customized Production - With 8 programmable preset slots you can instantly recall your mappings for DAWs, virtual instruments, and more. Create, edit, and manage all your presets from the computer
- Versatile Performance - The USB Studio MIDI controller is perfect for your songwriting, beat-making, and DJ remixes whenever you're inspired. The sleek design fits alongside your studio equipment
- Effortless Setup - With USB power and plug-and-play compatiblity for Mac or PC, LPK25 has a simple setup process. Spend less time configuring and more time writing music wherever you create music
- Universal Compatibility - Works with all popular applications including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Digital Performer, Adobe Audition, and more
- English (Publication Language)
![Novation Launchkey 49 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller - Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AKhAM157L.jpg "The 8 Best computer recording midi controllers of %currentyear% 32")
- Designed for Live — Get hands on with Ableton Live – An unrivalled integration to Ableton Live with your Launchkey gives you a seamless music making experience. Have all the tools at your disposal with deep and intuitive Ableton Live control — including device macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends. Never lose an idea with Capture MIDI – One touch access to Ableton Live’s Capture MIDI ensures you will never lose an idea without taking you from the creative expe-rience.
- Create and play with feeling – Velocity-sensitive keyboard and 16 velocity-sensitive pads enable expressive and dynamic performance at your fingertips. Capture your playing in Ableton Live precisely as you intended.
- Play chords with one finger – Lay down chords for your track quick with three chord modes — fixed, scale, and user. Play a chord with one finger by assigning a fixed shape to the keys and it’ll transpose as you move up and down the keyboard.
- Get melodies moving with arpeggiator – Easy to use but deeply controllable, Launchkey Mini’s creative arpeggiator allows you to change rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, gate and more to add a whole range of diversity to your ideas and melo-dies.
- Never hit a wrong note – Scale modes transpose keys and pads to notes in the se-lected scale, so that you can focus on being creative and remove music theory frus-tration.
- DAW Integration – In addition to Apple Logic and Ableton Live, Launchkey also has excellent integrations with Reason, as well as any HUI compatible DAW, such as Cubase, Pro Tools, and more.
- Compact Design: The compact design is comfortable in front of a computer and delivers powerful functionality not even found on more comprehensive controllers
- Dynamic: The Impact GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored to composition & performance with your computer music system. They are compatible with any music software for Windows and Mac OS and their no-fuss interface is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers
- Transport Extended: Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of Impact GX. Essential tasks like transport activation or track navigation are highly repetitive � and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill any seed of inspiration
- Nektar DAW Integration: Nektar DAW integration is carefully crafted to give the best experience with your Nektar hardware. It delivers the freedom to create, instead of having to reach for the mouse constantly when you are in the middle of capturing an idea
- BITWIG 8-Track: Bitwig 8-Track is included with every Impact LX+ so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own, too
- 【Compact Design with 25 Mini Velocity-Sensitive Keys】The portable N-25 midi keyboard controller, made up of 25 scaled-down velocity-sensitive keys, is a perfect companion for you to create melodies and riffs full of emotion.
- 【Simple Layout and User-Friendly Functions】The Donner N-25 mini midi keyboard has an easy-to-learn layout for novice users. Besides the 4 user programmable banks, it comes with functions such as, arpeggiator, sustain, octave, and tap tempo to assist musicians with limited music theory backgrounds.
- 【Mac, iOS, PC/iPhone/iPad Compatible】Just plug and play with Mac or PC using a USB-MIDI output without any additional software driver installation. Furthermore, you can easily connect midi controller to music editor apps on your smartphone via a mobile phone OTG adapter.
- 【Multifunctional Pitch-Bend Wheel & Cool Light-up Buttons】The pitch-bend function ensures a rich and expressive timbre. In addition, the light-up button will provide you a fun visual display of your playing.
- 【40 Free and Entertaining Keyboard-Teaching Courses】We have carefully created keyboard teaching courses for users ranging from beginner to advanced, which are ideal for zero-based players who want to try arranging music. 40 free and entertaining courses are sufficient to master all aspects of arrangement creation. Then comes your free time to create!! Remember to get the course from customer service!
- 【Compatible with various DAW】Compatible with various DAW, such as Cubase, Live, Logic Pro, Protools, Studio One, etc. Donner MIDI keyboard provides you with a complete music production experience to help you in your arrangement and creation.The complimentary software requires you to ask our customer service！
- 61 keys full size sensitive key support 61 notes to output simultaneously wheels: pitch and modulation control units: data entry wheel and MIDI/select Mode toggle button
- Interface: USB-B interface(to send MIDI message or to provide power), sustain pedal interface, two MIDI out interfaces USB-powered,
- New creative features: Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator, making composition, songwriting, and beat-making more intuitive than ever.
- Custom DAW integration: KeyLab Essential 3 features custom scripts for deeper control over DAWs, including Ableton Live Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more.
- More versatile presets: The 2000 presets included with Analog Lab V are no longer limited to vintage sounds; users can enjoy unique hybrids, modern synths, orchestral sounds, and more.
- Easier controls & interface: RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, contextual button, and a bright new 2.5” LCD screen for real-time feedback.
- Expanded software package for beginners & pros: Now includes Analog Lab V, 2 pianos (UVI Model D, NI’s The Gentleman), plus subscriptions to Loopcloud and Melodics.
- 【Powerful keyboard】 Songwriters and Beat Maker Essential - USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production.
- 【Wireless keyboard】It's very compact and portable, and you can connect it wirelessly to your device with Bluetooth, built-in 2,000 mAh battery can work for about 16 hours, you can easily slip this ultra-portable MIDI keyboard into almost any bag and take it with you to the studio, cafe or hotel to compose music.
- 【Music Production】 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads, 8 assignable rotary enconders, 2 Capactive touch stripes pitch bend to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more.
- 【Smart keyboard】Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS，The K5 compatible with all digital audio worksstation, Ableton live，Fl Studio，Cubase，Logic Pro X，Bitwig，Reason，Studio One，GarageBand(iOS) etc.,
- 【Scale feature】Integrate the smart chord and smart sound function, users can choose quickly through the keys. very suitable for setting this function during performance and practice.30 days money back and one year warranty.
- GO WITH YOUR FLOW: MiniLab 3 is an easy keyboard controller that adapts to your needs, your style and your workflow, so you can make music just the way you like it. It lets you control instruments, mute tracks, punch in your 8 pad drums, and adjust your 4 faders with a flow so fluid you’ll forget you had a mouse. Hook it up, discover fresh sounds, enjoy premium velocity-sensitive keys, and get hands-on with your music like never before!
- PERFORMANCE-READY PORTABILITY: Portable yet robust, MiniLab 3 is light enough for your backpack, it connects seamlessly to your computer, and is ready to unleash your creativity in seconds. Perfect for recording, performing, or jamming with friends no matter where you are! It even features exclusive integration with major DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason, Bitwig, FL Studio), so you can control your project entirely with MiniLab 3 and get totally immersed in your music production flow.
- ALL THE ESSENTIAL CONTROLS IN A COMPACT CONTROLLER: MiniLab 3 is USB powered with 25 note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard, 2 banks of 8 high quality pads with RGB backlighting, 8 rotary encoders, 4 sliders, Mini display & clickable browsing knob, Built-in Arpeggiator, Hold and Chord modes, 2 touch sensors for pitch bend and modulation wheel, USB-C Port, MIDI Out. Great for beginners, it also fits for pros, and allows you to tweak every aspect of your mix in an instant.
- WITH SOFTWARE INCLUDED: MiniLab 3's offers all the creative software you need. Get thousands of world-class presets spanning dozens of timeless instruments (Analog Lab V); make great-sounding tracks in full (Ableton Live Lite); experience the power of a Concert Grand Model D (UVI Model D); enjoy balanced piano tone (NI The Gentleman). It also includes a 2-month subscription to Loopcloud, and a subscription to Melodics.
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: MiniLab 3 is a controller that you can count on, with extensive testing, high-quality components, and a smart design that's built to last. Eco-designed with at least 50% recycled material, it comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can get creative safely in the knowledge that it can go the distance.
- Pro Music Production Wherever You Go – USB MIDI keyboard controller with slimline footprint and 32 mini piano style velocity-sensitive keys for a natural feel
- Customisable Response – Mini keys with selectable velocity curves match any playing style inc’l traditional piano, synthesizer, key-based beat making; pitch bend / modulation buttons add expression
- Immediate Creativity - Simple plug-and-play connection to your Mac or PC—no drivers or power supply required
- Express Yourself - Octave up and down buttons for extended keyboard range, Volume knob delivers smooth control and Sustain button adds expressive capability
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
- Beat Production, Anywhere - Ultra-portable, feature-packed and USB powered pad controller with 16 thick fat MPC pads for triggering drums, melodic samples, effects and more
- Expandable Banks - Easily accessible dedicated controls for three pad banks provides a total of 48 assignable pads
- Assignable Control - 18 fully assignable 360-Degree potentiometers accessible via three banks for controlling DAW, virtual effect and virtual instrument parameters
- Feature Packed - MPC note repeat and full level controls for immersive expressive performances
- Comprehensive Software Suite Included - Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the finest features and essential production tools from the Akai Professional MPC Series
- iOS Connectivity Covered - Control your iOS apps and open up a world of pad control capability using the Camera Connection Kit (sold separately)
- Compact yet powerful standalone mini keyboard with built-in speaker and USB MIDI Controller capabilities for beat makers, songwriters and musicians
- 25-Key Gen 2 MPK Mini dynamic keybed, OLED Display, 8 Velocity sensitive backlit MPC drum pads, arpeggiator and note repeat, plus 4 encoder knobs deliver a professional, versatile performance
- Over 100 internal drum and instrument sounds including acoustic and electric pianos, synth leads, pads and more
- Take MPK Mini Play MK3 on the go and power up with batteries (not included), or connect to USB Mains Plug
- Includes MPC Beats and MPC expansion packs plus software instruments Mini Grand, Hybrid and Velvet from AIR Music Tech for limitless creativity
- Melodics educational software download included with 60 free lessons and plug and play support for instruction on MIDI keyboards, pad controllers and e-drums
- English (Publication Language)
- MIDI controller keyboard compatible with all MIDI software. 49 full-size synth-action keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels + octave & transpose buttons + sustain pedal socket. Excellent quality and value for money.
- Nektar DAW integration for most popular DAWs
- Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
- Mac, PC and iOS Compatible
- Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package
- English (Publication Language)
- -Model: AKM320. -Keyboard: 32 keys / velocity sensitive / mini key.
- -Pitch and Modulation wheels. -Octave Buttons (Up & Down); Transpose Buttons (Up & Down).
- -Volume Slider. -Sustain pedal input. -USB interface. -Power supply: USB.
- -Dimension: 460 x 125 x 30 (mm) / 18.1 x 4.9 x 1.2 (inches).-Weight: 0.72 kg / 1.6 pounds.
- Included Cubase LE Download Access Code.
- 【16 Pad Controller with customizable lighting】 The midi drum pad STARRYPAD's 16 soft silicone backlit pads can trigger drums, samples, effects and more. One button push allows you to quickly switch between 3 different pad banks for a total of 48 assignable pads. In addition, the beat maker STARRYPAD comes with adjustable velocity sensitivity curves. Perfect for all music makers.
- 【Additional Control】STARRYPAD midi controller has an additional 2 faders, 2 knobs, and 3 buttons, to customize and match your virtual instrument. The Shift Key brings in another layer of customized control.
- 【Compatibility】The beat machine STARRYPAD is class compliant to work with everything and comes with a standard USB C power supply and data interface for easy plug and play. (Tips: if you want to connect to your iPhone or iPad, you need to buy an Apple Lightning to USB Adapter) The additional MIDI in/out (Cable included) allows you to connect to an external synthesizer or other vintage MIDI equipment.
- 【Customizable lighting】The midi controller pad STARRYPAD backlit pad lighting with 7 vibrant colors. Helps you group your instruments with a visual reference.(Tips: the editor only can set this drum pad, doesn't have the function of recording and arranging music)
- 【Boost Your Rhythm Game】Worried about a weak sense of rhythm? Tap Tempo is directly synchronized with DAW to help you quickly grasp the BPMs of any song and play along. In addition, Note Repeat's ultra-low latency perfectly connects each sample segment without getting stuck or errors! This usb drum pad controller suits for you!
- 👉👉👉The beat pads for music production are currently compatible with Android, ios, mac, windows. The midi Pad drum machine needs DAW software to sound,it doesn't sound alone. The color of pads can be set like the main picture through softwares. You can watch the guide videos or download guidance manuals to set up.
- 【Courses & DAWs】Also, the drum machine includes Melodics Courses & Cubase Software Kit for music production. Remember to get the code from customer service team and enjoy your musical journey!
- Beat Maker Essential - 13" pad controller for music production with 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads for triggering samples, loops, virtual instruments, and more
- Hands-On Control - 8 assignable Q-Link knobs for seamless mapping to DAW parameters, software instruments, and insert effect plugins for tactile control and precise mixing
- Customized Production - 4 programmable preset slots for instant recall of mappings for DAWs, virtual instruments, effects and more. Create, edit, load and manage all your presets from the computer
- Portable Design, Robust Build - Lightweight beat maker that adopts the sturdy build of standalone MPCs. The slim-line design stows easily in a laptop bag for hands-on production capability everywhere
- Versatile Performance - The Laptop Pad Controller is perfect for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators on the go. The sleek design fits right in alongside your studio equipment
- Effortless Setup - With a full-size USB-powered jack, the LPD8 works plug-and-play with Mac or PC and requires no software driver installation or AC power adapters for operation
- Universal DAW Compatibility - Works with all popular applications including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more
- Complete Control – Ableton Live Clip Launching MIDI Controller, perfect for creative looping, mixing, home studio and live performing. Connect to Ableton Live and control all your studio equipment
- Ableton Live Lite Included - An industry-leading DAW for PC & Mac. Capture ideas, live performances, record, mix and unleash your creativity. APC Mini MK2 is pre-mapped for 1-to-1 integration with Ableton 11.2.7 onwards
- Bright 8x8 RGB Pad Matrix - 64 RGB pads for launching clips in Ableton Live providing visual color feedback. Trigger everything from Loops, Vocals, and melodic samples for instant creativity
- 9 Assignable Faders - With 8 assignable faders + 1 master fader instantly map to Ableton Live's mixer for hands-on mix control of volume, pan, or devices. Use Device mode to control Ableton macros
- Drum and Note Modes -The Drum sample mode features seamless integration with Ableton Drum Rack. With the inbuilt "Smart Scale View", Note mode enables you to visually play melodies effortlessly
- Instant Connectivity - APC Mini MK2 is powered over USB and supports plug-and-play connectivity, for seamless integration from the studio to the stage for Mac and PC, no batteries or power adapters needed
- DAW Integration - Comprehensive virtual instrument pack including Hybrid 3 - powerful polyphonic analog synth, Mini Grand - acoustic piano instrument, and Velvet — vintage electric piano instrument
- English (Publication Language)
How to choose a good computer recording midi controllers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic computer recording midi controllers make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in computer recording midi controllers. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top computer recording midi controllers products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top computer recording midi controllers on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top computer recording midi controllers brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top computer recording midi controllers based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the computer recording midi controllers were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good computer recording midi controllers, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your computer recording midi controllers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting computer recording midi controllers for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our computer recording midi controllers. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what computer recording midi controllers should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on computer recording midi controllers.
