Rather than needing separate controllers for both keyboard and percussion… Click to see current price – ( Amazon/ B&H/ Thomann).So for a cheap and simple option to pound-out some beats, I highly recommend the MPD218. 16 velocity/pressure backlit sensitive pads.The one I’ll show you today: the Akai Professional MPD18…is more of a stripped-down “pad-only” version that offers: While the early MPC’s where intended as full “ Music Production Centers“… These pads have since become standards for making drum beats, and controlling almost any type of percussion-based virtual instruments. Made popular by the original Akai MPC’s from back in the 90’s… So if you’d rather keep it simple, you’ll love the Alesis Q.Ĭlick below to see the prices and reviews for each size:īesides keyboard controllers, the “other” common type of MIDI device you’ll find is the pad controller.

If you don’t use that stuff anyway, it’ll only get in your way. While it may not have the fancy features we’ll see in some the later models… Both USB-MIDI and traditional 5-pin MIDI out.The first MIDI controller I’ll recommend is the Alesis Q.ĭespite its super-low price, it has everything you’d expect from a keyboard controller, including: Which is why in today’s post, we’ll look at 8 of the Best MIDI Controllers on the market to see just how they compare.įor basic home studios, that only want something something small, versatile, and easy-to-use… Of course, some controllers are MUCH better than others…

Jobs that used-to require an entire team of people…Ĭan now be done with just you, a simple audio interface…and your trusty old MIDI controller. So often these days, home recording is a one-man-job.īecause as technology improves, and more things can be “ faked” with virtual instruments and software modeling…

Mini usb piano keyboard