QmidiCtl was long ago designed for the Maemo enabled handheld devices, namely the late Nokia N900 and also being promoted to the Maemo Package repositories. Livid Basse II is made and assembled in Texas. }, It’s both an MPC style sampler and a DAW controller. Why we love it: it connects all of your gear  – from laptops to analog synths. MIDI was designed with keyboards in mind, and any controller that is not a keyboard is considered an "alternative" controller. It has polyphonic aftertouch. Allows you to use a joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller. The best MIDI controller for Reaper is going to be the keyboards that allow you to take advantage of Reaper and also sync with Reaper. [VST] Windows: Free: 2009-07-03: 0: 60db: Touchpad 2 MIDI v1.1: Plug-in that allows you to use the Synaptics touchpad on your laptop as a MIDI controller. Why we love it: motorized faders for 400$! Which one should you choose? This as a great way to play VST synths while using your mouse to tweak knobs. Use this to connect your synths with digital gear and your DAW. Software or DAW included: Presonus Studio One Artist, Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Play, Stop, and more, Other versions: 32 keys, 61 keys, 88 keys, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Music Tech Xpand!2, Comes with Grand Piano Pedals (Damper, Sostenuto and Soft). If you are looking for a keyboard to be the center of your studio setup then the KeyLab Essential 61 is for you. It provides a simple access to all important parameters! You can “tune” each row like you would with strings on a guitar. place: plc291816++, Why we love it: it’s very complete. It’s good for creating rhythms, sequencing and performing drums, launching clips and mixing tracks. You can buy them on Amazon or Sweetwater. 48 Assignable Buttons (7 Assignable Color Modes). This allows you to tap pads with your left hand while playing keys with your right. Why we love it: it makes songwriting much easier with the Touch Scale and Chord Scale functions. document.write('<'+'div id="placement_291816_'+plc291816+'">'); Control your MIDI devices using your mouth. It allows you to chop samples with the improved Simpler device from Ableton. var plc291816 = window.plc291816 || 0; The MiniLab looks awesome. Lots of control for its compact size. I thought I’d please the piano players out there. (function () { We share this file with the name of Midi_Madness_Software_Midi_Madness_v3.0.5.zip which you can download via the direct link below. Your bread and butter controller. It comes with a software that lets you edit button functions for any DAW. There are eight gate sequences of up to eight steps for four parts. AdButler.ads.push({ Simple built in pattern-based editor provides an easy way to construct complex phrases. AdButler.ads.push({handler: function(opt){ AdButler.register(171487, 291816, [370,485], 'placement_291816_'+opt.place, opt); }, opt: { place: plc291816++, keywords: abkw, domain: 'servedbyadbutler.com', click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER' }}); Why we love it: Lots of keys for your money. AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || []; You get a lot of on-board control. Great for iPad. midiPads. Why we love it: it’s a full-size 88 key MIDI keyboard for 200 USD. The measure is treated as a ‘year’ and note events are determined by parameters describing the ‘life cycle’ of each note. Compatible OS(s): Windows, macOS. It has MIDI in and out so you can play synth modules with it. Dedicated Buttons: Play, Stop, Record, Erase, Solo, Copy, Paste, Quantize and much more. Why we love it: it’s very playable, well-made and great for live gigs. But a fully weighted MIDI keyboard usually isn’t. Series is a MIDI sequencer inspired by serial composition techniques. If you’re looking for a way to control your external AU/VST plug-ins, you can now use the iPhone front-facing camera as an "expression pedal" with facial expressions! It makes a killer combo with the Novation Launchpad for full control of Ableton Live or any DAW. This controller has as many keys as a real piano. DAW Integration: all major ones. Website: https://qmidictl.sourceforge.io, http://qmidictl.sourceforge.net, Project page: https://sourceforge.net/projects/qmidictl. sample tools – the software companion for volca sample. It’s got Smart Sensing keys that detects various kinds of human gestures. It instantly syncs your DAW’s settings with the controls on the MIDImix. It’s great for DJs and producers and even better for those who do both. Here are the best MIDI keyboards under $200 USD: This functional and effective controller has a sleek design and a lot of great features. DAW Integration: run MASCHINE as a plug-in in any DAW, 16 Knobs (8 of them have LED position indicators), Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite 9,  Xcite+, Dedicated Buttons: Play, Stop, Arpeggiator, Latch, Octave Up/Down and more, Dedicated Button: Play, Stop, Octave Up/Down and more, MIDI in/out, Breath Control Input, Aux input, Software or DAW included: Analog Lab, MIDI Control Center, Dedicated Buttons for Play, Stop, Arpeggiator, Latch, Octave Up/Down & more, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite Akai Pro Edition and AkaiConnect, DAW integration: all major ones, iOS compatibility (separate connection kit required), Dedicated Buttons: Play, Stop, Arpeggiator, Latch, Octave Up/Down and more, Software or DAW included: Akai Virtual Instrument Player, AIR Music Technology, SONiVOX, and Toolroom Records, Software included: Ableton Live Lite, Novation V Station and Bass Station plug-ins, 1GB of Loopmasters samples, DAW Integration: all major ones. This is a perfect introduction to Native Instruments’ MASCHINE beatmaking universe. Why we love it: it lets you connect your keyboard with bluetooth. Changes can be saved as a Vocaloid MIDI file for further editing by the Vocaloid Editor. In this 25 Key MIDI controller, you can connect via USB and you also have a connection for a sustain pedal on the back. It’s got all the controls you need for triggering clips, recording and mixing. They say you can spill water or run it over with a car and it’ll still work. No compromises there. It detects the subtle ways in which you press a button. It can be powered either through USB or a power supply (sold separately). A definite favourite. Those include your DAW, VST plugins, and other synths. Make your mail more musical It works the same way as other VST instrument software, allowing you to save the edited settings of the Motif XS, or use them for another project. Why we love it: it’s simply the best fully weighted MIDI keyboard. Yes the keys feel like an Apple keyboard. Moreover, Yes, It is an Offline Installer / Full Standalone Setup. Why we love it: it went just a little further than others giving you 32 instead of 25 keys. Controllers 185 Views. LANDR is the creative platform for musicians: audio mastering, digital distribution, collaboration, promotion and sample packs. MIDI is the language that allows electronic music instruments and computers to communicate and connect. They’re well built and most have everything you need: pads, knobs, faders and buttons. It’s a DAW in a box. Omni Preview MIDI channel - When set, a MIDI Channel from your controller will (starting at C5) play each Channel in the Channel Rack. It’s currently #1 Best Seller in Computer Recording Equipment on Amazon. It comes with loads of MIDI keyboard software. It’s got bluetooth connectivity. Connects to iOS (separate kit required), Dedicated Buttons: Octave up/down, Tap Tempo, and more, Other versions: 37 keys, 49 keys, 61 keys, Software or DAW included: KORG Gadget,KORG Module, KORG Legacy Collection M1, UVI Digital Synsations, AAS Ultra Analog Session, AAS Strum Session, AAS. The power of this small keyboard controller is the amount of pads it has: 40. I also love when a MIDI keyboard comes with an X-Y pad. Connects to iOS (separate kit required). Don’t underestimate this little one. The NanoKEY Studio is a powerful one. With this MIDI keyboard Behringer brings you motorized faders at an accessible price. n.parentNode.insertBefore(s, n); If you’re willing to spend a little more for better quality: one of these MIDI keyboard controllers is your next buy. This is NI’s flagship MASCHINE powerhouse production studio. [popup_trigger id=”9936″ tag=”signup-button”] It’s a good studio or performance tool for playing keys with two-hands. Why we love it: Straightforward and easy to use yet still powerful. You won’t have to reach over the keyboard awkwardly when performing. This makes songwriting infinitely more intuitive and quick. This mini grid MIDI controller is a great travel buddy or for small studio spaces. Cool feature: effects are step-sequenced. Why we love it: an excellent choice for playing live. It’s got faders, knobs and pads and works with all DAWs. Leticia is a lover of acid basslines and hypnotic techno. It automatically maps with all major DAWs, including Ableton Live. If you just want to perform live with your MIDI instrument, learn to play or jam, with SF2 Control VST and a application like VST Host you can do it easily as if it were a stand-alone program. MIDI In/Out (with an included TRS to MIDI breakout cable), Software Included: Ableton Live Lite and 1GB of Loopmasters samples. This selection is for digital pianos with MIDI. Why we love it: great price that includes a mixer section and banks of settings. A MIDI keyboard controller is an essential piece of music gear in today’s home studio. MuRF_Controller is an exciting addition for any MIDI MuRF owner wanting to easily control and expand its power and capabilities from within their DAW. This is a simple but powerful MIDI controller that’s good for beginners and travellers. Perfect for making music while traveling or if you have limited studio space. This was seen as a limitation by composers who were not interested in keyboard-based music, but the standard proved flexible, and MIDI compatibility was introduced to other types of controllers, including guitars, wind instruments and drum machines. The good thing is that most of the controllers in this article have some bundled software. What’s unique about it the 4-way thumbstick for pitch-bend and modulation. s.src = 'https://servedbyadbutler.com/app.js'; It’s the perfect companion to producing with you DAW on the road (on that 12 hour flight!). These MIDI Mixers are great for producing, mixing music and tweaking effects both in the studio and on stage. [VST] Windows: Demo: 2010 … And it’s also a sequencer! Midi Madness VST [Latest] Free Download . Best for Ableton Live, Traktor (including remix deck control), and Bitwig Studio. There is also an Akai MPC Studio in black. Why we love it: It’s an affordable and ultra-portable MIDI mixer for Ableton Live (or any DAW). ReaControlMIDI features: Flexible MIDI controls in VST format. This controller is basically the Ableton Session View in physical form. Plus they won’t hurt your wallet. Why we love it: it’s a great mixer with lots of creative control over your DAW and other hardware. The modulation section consists of four host-syncable LFOs, a modulation envelope and step ‘division’ multi-trigger function. Free Audio Plugins & Softwares. 16 Backlit Pads (Velocity-Sensitive with Aftertouch). The lack of a plug-and-play integration means that you will have to fiddle around with the configuration file extensively. The MIDI MuRF (Multiple Resonance Filter Array) is an advanced combination of two legendary Moog pedals: the MF-105 MuRF and the MF-105B Bass MuRF. Works with iPad (requires a separate connection kit), Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Pitch Bend, Modulation, Sustain and more, Software or DAW included included: Ignite, DAW integration: all, ‘Hypercontrol’ automatic-mapping technology, 32 keys (Synth Action Slimkeys with Aftertouch), Dedicated knobs:  Seq/Arp Mode, Time Div, Rate, Dedicated buttons: Rec, Play, Stop, Tap, Octave Up/Down, Sustain, Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Set, Program Up/Down, Software or DAW included included: IK’s SampleTank iOS app, SampleTank 2 L for Mac/PC, 25 keys (with Smart Sensor and aftertouch), Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Record, Play, Bend and more, Software or DAW included: QuNexus Editor, QuNexus OSC Bridge, QuNexus Ableton Live Sets (all downloadable online), Dedicated Buttons for Play, Stop, Octave Up/Down & more, Software or DAW included:  KORG KONTROL Editor, Korg Legacy Collection, Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Record, Play and more. It has a lot of controls. The mixer section makes it great for both production and performance. Software or DAW included: Xpand!2 and Ableton Live Lite, Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Shift and more, DAW Integration: all, connects to iOS (separate kit required), Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Play, Pause and more, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist, and Toolroom artist launch packs, Other versions: 25 keys, 61 keys, 88 keys, DAW Integration: all major DAWs, optimized for Ableton Live, Dedicated buttons: Octave Up/Down, Arpeggiator, Scale Guide and more, Software or DAW included included: code for KORG Software Bundle, Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Transpose, Play, Stop, Record and more, Software or DAW included: Studio One Artist. It comes with Arturia Lab and its 5000 quality presets. Pattern selection can be made both manually and automatically. SF2 Control VST enables you to easily manipulate all the parameters of your SB Live/Audigy or SF2 compatible card. It can be triggered from standard MIDI data therefore making it possible to play words almost instantly at any note and velocity from a keyboard controller or a MIDI track. It works in all major DAWs as a VST3 AU and AAX plugin. var AdButler = AdButler || {}; AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || []; Compatible OS(s): Windows 64b, macOS. It’s a USB MIDI controller with 60 knobs. var plc323276 = window.plc323276 || 0; It can be used as a standalone production station or with a DAW. It allows you to save presets. There are DJ-style cue buttons on each channel – so you can listen to it before you bring it up. You can power it with only USB, no power supply needed. This is a grid MIDI controller for Ableton Live at a great price. The keys on this one are full size and semi-weighted – they feel great. It has everything. For a great price you get 61 keys that feel good to play (they’re semi-weighted). if (!window.AdButler){(function(){var s = document.createElement("script"); s.async = true; s.type = "text/javascript";s.src = 'https://servedbyadbutler.com/app.js';var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; n.parentNode.insertBefore(s, n);}());} 64 Pads (Velocity- and Pressure-sensitive), 16 Backlit Pads (Velocity-sensitive with Aftertouch). if (!window.AdButler) { Automate CC envelopes and bank/program selection, as FX parameters. This isn’t primarily a MIDI controller but I had to include it. Comes with the MIDI Control Center software which lets you create custom layouts. domain: 'servedbyadbutler.com' It comes with a bundle of iOS and computer software (Mac/PC). MP MIDI Controller. It is intended for rhythmic and experimental applications and geared towards live use. It was specifically designed for Ableton Live. I used VSThost to play some effects with my guitar but I also started to have fun with keyboards plugins and figured, what the hell?, why not using a real keyboard instead of my mouse? Motorized faders are usually reserved for high end studio equipment. It comes with 22GB of quality sounds. You can use pads with your left hand while your play keys with your right. (function () { The placement of the pads it very clever: they’re conveniently located on the left beside the keyboard. Very good as an iPad MIDI keyboard. Touchpad 2 MIDI allows you to use the Synaptics touchpad on your laptop as a MIDI controller. This is the section for small MIDI keyboard controllers. Dedicated Buttons: Octave Up/Down, Sustain, Pitch Bend, Modulation, and more. Quality presets. Or for those who like to play with two hands. But there’s so many controllers out there. This is your portable all-in-one Ableton music production controller. }()); Software it comes with: Bitwig 8-Track DAW, open-source editor (ARM-based Arduino Due Platform), free sounds file for Apple’s MainStage and Logic, 49 Keys (‘Keywaves’ with Polyphonic Pitch Bend and Aftertouch), Software it comes with: Bitwig 8-Track DAW, Equator (ROLI’s custom-built software synthesizer). Modulate a note’s pitch, timbre, velocity and loudness with the same finger. Software or DAW included included: Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station and V-Station virtual instruments and 1 GB of Loopmasters samples. This allows for very expressive playing and sound modulation based on how you touch the keys. Dedicated buttons for Play, Stop, Mode select, Tap Tempo and more. var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; There are 88 wooden keys that feel much like a grand piano. Since this tutorial is focused on using the Quick Controls setting, you need to add a VST track to the project. Why we love it: The beauty of the look and feel. Why we love it: it’s a production powerhouse. The multi-trigger element from Circuit VSTi creates rhythmic articulations and can be controlled from the GUI or by modulators. Skunk is a four part algorithmic percussion sequencer. Getting the best MIDI controller for your creative needs will take your DAW software to new heights. It also has a built-in 32-step sequencer, MIDI in/out and MPC-style pads. It’s an all-in-once production station for creating beats, tracks and remixes. It has advanced music creation features like Smart Play. This is a very simple, easy and functional MIDI controller. READ MORE. Unique feature: this controller is also a 64-step polyphonic MIDI sequencer. opt: { The faders are also unique: they’re illuminated touchstrips. This is what Novation’s flagship controller and it’s aimed at pros. Chief among the dislikes is the poor integration with Cubase. } It works in all major DAWs as a VST3 AU and AAX plugin. It comes with a sound library with more than 9GB of sounds – including all of the classic MPC3000 ones. It works with both VST and VSTi plugins. }); Why we love it: it’s a cleverly designed all-in-one MIDI keyboard. Great the beatmakers! var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; DAW Integration: designed for Ableton Live. s.type = "text/javascript"; It’s the best MIDI keyboard for mixing and playing with effects in realtime. And work with the windows 32 Bit (x86) / 64 Bit (x64). It also has knobs and pads. You can also split your keyboard into zones and play various sounds. Or even 32 and 37 keys? DAW Integration: all, designed for Ableton Live, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech, Dedicated Button:Octave Up/Down, Play, Stop, Arpeggiator, and more, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station, Loopmasters sample library, and Mike The Drummer, Dedicated Buttons:Octave Up/Down, Play, Stop, Arpeggiator, Latch, and more, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite and Pro MPC Essentials, DAW Integration: all major ones, compatible with iOS (separate connection kit required), Dedicated Buttons:Octave Up/Down, for Play, Stop and more, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Music Technology Loom, AIR Music Technology Hybrid 3, 16 Backlit Pads (Velocity-sensitive with Aftertouch). To help you find the best fit I prepared an eight-step checklist to help you find the controller that’s best for you. } https://sourceforge.net/projects/qmidictl. Why we love it: it’s a software and hardware hybrid. There’s a Kaoss-inspired X-Y Pad – awesome for tweaking effects. Bluetooth connectivity is the unique feature of this MIDI keyboard. Using a MIDI controller with Guitar Rig VST in Cakewalk August 5, 2019 / colin. MIDI is the language that allows electronic music instruments and computers to communicate and connect. The are equipped with Smart Sensor technology which detects pressure, velocity and location of the finger. To many this is the best MIDI controller for Ableton Live. DAW Integration: all major DAWs. You can either put two AAA batteries or connect it via USB for power. A major plus is the capacity to connect pretty much everything with it: MIDI (via optional MIDI Expander), CV, OSC, and USB. Fun fact: it was co-designed with legendary music producer and DJ Richie Hawtin. The Triton is also a standalone synth with 512 preset sounds. It also has a built in sequencer. It joins short user input sequences together using probability values to determine which sequence will be next. var abkw = window.abkw || ''; It has a bit of everything and is conceived for seamless integration with Ableton Live. But it’s designed and laid out to reflect the most common controls found in analog-style VST synthesizer instruments. The 64 pads are velocity and pressure sensitive for total expressive control. s.async = true; Also different types of note attack and vibrato can be applied. Designed for Ableton Live. If you’re not into the Push (or don’t want to spend that much), this is for you. MIDIplugins.com - A site listing MIDI plugins - This is the main list of MIDI fx (effects) “ Every revolution evapourates and leaves behind only the slime of a new bureaucracy ” Franz Kafka It`s a Remote and Sound Editor. Also, you can easily use real knobs and sliders and recall its status channel by channel with simple mouse movements (no sequencer complex envelopes, NPRN numbers, text parameters, etc.). It’s a great controller at a decent price. VST MuRF_Controller is a free midi controller VST plugin developed by Moog Music. Pretty cool for a paper-thin keyboard. If you like this concept but need faders instead of keys, look at the NanoKONTROL Studio from the same line. var s = document.createElement("script"); It can connect wirelessly with Bluetooth. Here they are: This ultra-compact MIDI keyboard has four programmable memory banks. This is just a high-quality MIDI controller in every sense. Connects via Bluetooth to computers or mobile devices (batteries required) or through USB, 25 Keys (full-sized keys, computer keyboard style), Dedicated Butons: Octave Up/Down and more, Software or DAW included included: download the free Xkey Plus app to customize your keyboard, Software or DAW included: Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station VST, 1GB of samples, DAW integration: all, total integration with Ableton Live, FL Studio and Novation’s Launchpad iOS app. It’s well built, versatile, easy to use, and comes with some great VST’s. It comes with ROLI’s custom MIDI keyboard software Equator. It brings together a high end sampler and a full production station. It’s got a wide range of possible functions for you to decide. This section is for the pros and those of you who want something extraordinary. It’s definitely a favourite. Good as an iOS MIDI keyboard controller. It’s also well-priced for a mini MIDI keyboard that has knobs and buttons too. Series VSTi expands on the architecture of MiniSeries, a freeware version with slightly different capabilities. This controller has both semi-weighted keys and functions from iconic Akai MPCs (including Note Repeat and MPC Swing). Picking an 88 key MIDI controller that has a lot of bundled software is always smart. Why we love it: simple and no fuss. It can allow for creative uses of vibrato and volumes variations. Download it now: Time for the fun part: choosing the best MIDI controller for you. Are we getting closer to the dream of having a wireless studio? iOS music makers: this is for you! Choose from two colors: white or black. AdButler.register(171487,323276, [300,250], 'placement_323276_' + opt.place, opt); I can record the automation of those parameters with my mouse on vst and it shows up in the arrangement automation lane. Why we love it: it’s the most unique MIDI controller out there that can be played almost like an acoustic instrument. Many are designed for Ableton Live’s Session View. I’m writing this post mostly to remind myself how it’s done. These MIDI controllers focus on pads and buttons. Dedicated Buttons: Play, Stop, Record, Erase, Solo, Duplicate, Swing and much more. Ableton users will need to download a Live Remote Script file. s.async = true; See also: QmidiNet – A MIDI network gateway via UDP/IP multicast. You can also mess with the pitch on the touchstrip. var abkw = window.abkw || ''; Our blog is a place for inspired musicians to read up on music & culture, and advice on production& mastering. It’s great for playing live gigs in low light. No need to touch your mouse because the side buttons give you lots of functionality. The KOMPLETE Kontrol gives you, well, complete control over VSTs and more. Your all-in-one groovebox for beatmaking, remixing and more. The design is sleek and uncluttered. The updated version of the DAW and this new version of Push are taking sampling to the next level. It’s got 32 keys in the same style at the M-Audio Keystation with added knobs and pads. Keith McMillen is also known for extremely durable designs. If you like all your portable devices to match the aluminum look, this is for you. Need I say more? Especially good for drum programming. } I have chosen the HalionOne VST, so that you can control it later through the MIDI controller. But they’re also velocity sensitive and have polyphonic aftertouch. Why we love it: it connects directly into iOS devices or computers (Mac/PC). What is a MIDI Controller? All of a sudden you can make a groovier beat, mix more easily and tweak with precision. Why we love it: it’s a cheap and versatile Ableton Live or FL Studio controller. sample tools is a multi-platform plug-in that provides software control for volca sample. Why we love it: a great MIDI keyboard controller with the added Akai MPC workflow. var AdButler = AdButler || {};