A keyboard MIDI controller will allow you to play music iunto your computer. This is a list of keyboard MIDI controllers that are popular and can be used in a home studio.

Keyboard MIDI Controller List

There are many different types of keyboard MIDI controllers so we have we have divided them into two classes. The first class of controllers will be the pro studio controllers which have a full set of controls and are designed for professional studio use and are also the more expensive controllers mainly for studio use with a large selection of buttons, dials and faders. The second class of controllers will be the compact controllers that have less buttons and are designed for simplicity. Many of the options on a compact MIDI controller are accessed by the keys while pressing a special function button.

Pro Studio Keyboard Controllers

Samson Graphite 49 - This USB MIDI controller gives you control over your DAW software and plugins. Works with most DAW software and has basic features making it simple to use and nice to play. The Graphite 49 comes with presets for the following DAWs: Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton, Cakewalk, Reason, Traktion, Motu, Mk Control, Acid Pro, Audition, FL Studio, Nuendo, Magix, Presonus. The Samson Graphite controller also comes in a 25 key version.

Novation Impulse 49 - The Novation Impulse MIDI controller has a lot of fully assignable controls. Dedicated velocity sensitive pads for beats/drums and designing arpeggio patterns. There are assignable dials too. This feels great to play and the Automap software provided allows you to map the controls to anything in your music software.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 - Komplete Kontrol from Native Instruments is the MIDI controller designed to work in harmony with the virtual instruments from Native Instruments giving you easy access and use of the NI komplete sound and synth library. The keyboard can used with third party instruments. There is an arpeggio creator and a variety of chord and scale assist options to make composing complicated arrangements easy. The keyboard also has standard DAW transport controls and octave up and down options.

Compact Keyboard Controllers

Alesis Q49- The Q49 is a compact MIDI controller which provides keyboard players with a full compliment of controls including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, an assignable data slider, and the ability to send program changes from the keys.

M-Audio Keystation 49 II - This is a popular compact MIDI controller from M-Audio and includes octave range buttons, a pitch bend wheel, a modulation wheel and transport controls. This keyboard has 49 full-size, semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys with 1/4-inch sustain-pedal input for expressive performance

SELECTING A GOOD CONTROLLER

Here are some tips to deciding on a good controller for your studio.

1. Do you need pads, faders and dials or only a keyboard? If all you need is the keyboard and a few extra controls then a compact controller will meet your needs. If you need the other options then the pro controllers are better for you.

2. What software are you using? Make sure the MIDI controller you use is compatible with your software. All of the above will work with most popular DAW software but the Novation Impulse has special features that have been added to work with Ableton Live. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S keyboard has been designed to work with NI software and will map the controls for the Native Instruments Komplete virtual instruments for easy adjustment of the instrument parameters.