Calibrating MIDI controllers is important to ensure that they are functioning properly and accurately transmitting data to your computer or other devices. To calibrate a MIDI controller, you may need to adjust parameters such as sensitivity, velocity curves, and pedal settings. This can typically be done using software provided by the manufacturer or by utilizing MIDI mapping features in your music production software. By properly calibrating your MIDI controller, you can ensure that it responds accurately to your playing and helps you achieve the desired sound in your music production. Remember to refer to the user manual or online resources for specific instructions on calibrating your MIDI controller.
Best MIDI Controllers of July 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O, Music Production Software
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Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance. Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller
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Advanced Connectivity - Connect to different sound sources with CV/Gate and MIDI I/O. Control modular gear, sound modules, synthesizers, and more to bring new sound sources into your music production
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Record and Compose Without a Computer - Connect to your production station and use the built-in 64-step sequencer featuring one track for drums and one for melodies or chords, with up to 8 notes each
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Control Your DAW - Transport section for intuitive hardware control of your DAW. Arm and start recordings, stop playback, rewind or fast-forward for easy navigation of large sessions and projects
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Rating is 4.9 out of 5
AKAI Professional MIDImix - USB MIDI Controller Mixer with Assignable Faders & Master Fader, 24 Knobs and 16 Buttons, 1 to 1 Mapping With Ableton Live
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Mixdown Essentials - 8 individual line faders and 1 master fader for controlling track volume, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
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Assignable Control - 24 knobs, arranged 3 per channel for controlling EQ, bus sends, virtual instrument parameters, effect settings and more
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Get Hands-On - 16 buttons arranged in 2 banks provide mute, solo and record arm functionality per channel
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Rating is 4.8 out of 5
M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 – 88 Key Semi Weighted MIDI Keyboard Controller for Complete Command of Virtual Synthesizers and DAW parameters
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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
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MIDI Keyboard Must-Haves - Volume fader, transport & directional buttons; pitch & modulation wheels, octave up & down buttons and sustain pedal input for expressive performances
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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
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
Arturia MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads - White
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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!
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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.
5
![Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] — Portable 25-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production](https://blogweb-static.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/1426f465-366b-47d5-afb2-a6f37287aac1/rating/41iahl8flhl-sl160.jpg)
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] — Portable 25-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production
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Get creative easily 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 melodies.
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Play chords with one finger - Lay down chords for your track quick with fixed chord mode. 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.
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Finest-tech at your fingertips - The Launchkey Mini might be small in size but it’s packed with features. The 25-key device has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB, eight rotary controls, pitch and mod touch strips, and sustain input. Our finest mini keymech to date is also included.
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DAW Integration - In addition to Apple Logic and Ableton Live, Launchkey Mini also has excellent integrations with Reason, as well as any HUI compatible DAW, such as Cubase, Pro Tools, and more.
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Rating is 4.5 out of 5
AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 - USB MIDI Pad Controller for Clip Launching with Ableton Live Lite, 64 RGB Pads, Drum and Note Mode and MIDI Mixer
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Rating is 4.4 out of 5
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs and Music Production Software Included, Grey
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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
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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
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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
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Rating is 4.3 out of 5
AKAI Professional MPD218 - USB MIDI Controller with 16 MPC Drum Pads, 6 Assignable Knobs, Note Repeat & Full Level Buttons and Production Software
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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
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Expandable Banks - Easily accessible dedicated controls for three pad banks provides a total of 48 assignable pads
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Feature Packed - MPC note repeat and full level controls for immersive expressive performances
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Comprehensive Software Suite Included - Ableton Live Lite, Drum Synth 500 by AIR Music Tech
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Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included
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New creative features: Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator, making composition, songwriting, and beat-making more intuitive than ever.
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Custom DAW integration: KeyLab Essential 3 features custom scripts for deeper control over DAWs, including Ableton Live Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more.
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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.
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Rating is 4.1 out of 5
Alesis V49 MKII – USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 49 Velocity Sensitive Keys, 8 Full Level Pads, Arpeggiator, Pitch/Mod Wheel, Note Repeat and Software Suite
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Plug in the USB Powered V49 MKII MIDI keyboard, and turn your PC, Mac, or iOS device into a feature packed production studio - Ideal for home studio producers, piano beginners, and desktop djs
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49 Full-Size, Velocity Sensitive, Synth Action Keys alongside 8 velocity sensitive backlit beat pads with full level and note repeat controls, all in a design that fits easily into your workspace
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Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels for added expression, and an Arpeggiator with 6 modes for creating unique melodies and inspiring creativity
How to calibrate MIDI knobs?
Calibrating MIDI knobs involves mapping the range of values sent by the knob to the desired parameter in your software or hardware. Here are the general steps to calibrate MIDI knobs:
- Connect your MIDI controller to your computer or device and open your music production software or hardware that supports MIDI mapping.
- In your software/device, locate the MIDI mapping or controller mapping section where you can assign MIDI messages to specific parameters.
- Open the settings for the MIDI knob you want to calibrate and move the knob to its minimum and maximum positions. Take note of the MIDI values sent when the knob is at its minimum and maximum positions.
- In the MIDI mapping section of your software/device, assign the MIDI values corresponding to the minimum and maximum positions of the knob to the desired parameter. This will map the full range of motion of the knob to the parameter in your software/device.
- Test the calibration by moving the knob and observing how it affects the parameter it is mapped to. Make any necessary adjustments to the mapping to ensure the knob responds accurately to your movements.
- Save your MIDI mapping settings to ensure the calibration is retained for future use.
By following these steps, you can calibrate your MIDI knobs to accurately control parameters in your music production setup.
What is the correct order for calibrating different MIDI controls?
The correct order for calibrating different MIDI controls is as follows:
- Calibrate MIDI keyboards or controllers by setting the correct velocity sensitivity, key range, and pitch bend range.
- Calibrate MIDI faders or knobs by adjusting the minimum and maximum values for controlling volume, pan, or other parameters.
- Calibrate MIDI buttons or switches by assigning the correct MIDI message and mapping it to the desired function.
- Calibrate MIDI pedals or footswitches by setting the correct polarity, MIDI channel, and assignment for controlling sustain, modulation, or other functions.
How to calibrate MIDI controllers for different software programs?
Calibrating MIDI controllers for different software programs typically involves setting up the controller within the software's settings or preferences. Here is a general guide on how to calibrate MIDI controllers for different software programs:
- Connect your MIDI controller to your computer using a USB cable or MIDI interface.
- Open the software program you want to use with your MIDI controller.
- Go to the software's preferences or settings menu. Look for a section related to MIDI devices or controllers.
- In the MIDI devices/controllers section, you should see a list of available MIDI devices. Select your MIDI controller from the list.
- Some software programs may have a calibration tool that allows you to adjust the sensitivity, range, and mapping of your MIDI controller's controls (such as knobs, sliders, pads, etc.). Follow the instructions provided in the software to calibrate your MIDI controller.
- If the software does not have a built-in calibration tool, you may need to manually assign MIDI controls to specific functions within the software. This process may involve mapping MIDI messages to parameters or controls within the software.
- Test your MIDI controller to ensure that it is working correctly with the software. Check that all controls are responding as expected and make any necessary adjustments to the calibration settings.
- Save your settings and preferences within the software program to ensure that your MIDI controller is properly configured for future use.
Remember that the exact steps for calibrating MIDI controllers may vary depending on the software program you are using. Refer to the software's documentation or online resources for more specific instructions on how to calibrate your MIDI controller for that particular program.
