Best MIDI Controllers to Buy in November 2025
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)
- TOTAL CONTROL: 4-WAY THUMBSTICK & BUILT-IN ARPEGGIATOR
- EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLE: CHOOSE FROM CURATED KOMPLETE 15 OPTIONS
- 1500+ SOUNDS INCLUDED: COMPLETE YOUR PRO PRODUCTION SETUP
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), Grey
- TOTAL CONTROL: DYNAMIC PITCH & MODULATION VIA INNOVATIVE 4-WAY THUMBSTICK.
- RICH SOUNDS: 1500+ SAMPLES, MPC BEATS, AND VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDED.
- EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLE: CHOOSE FROM CURATED KOMPLETE 15 SELECT PACKAGES!
RHYMO 25 Key MIDI Keyboard Controller, USB Bus-Powered Portable Piano with Arpeggiator, Tap Tempo, Sustain Pedal, Compatible with GarageBand, FL Studio, Ableton for Mac/PC/iOS
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ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: COMPACT, USB-C POWERED, NO BATTERIES NEEDED!
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INSTANT SETUP: PLUG-AND-PLAY COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL MAJOR DAWS!
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CREATIVE CONTROLS: X-Y JOYSTICK, ARPEGGIATOR, AND 10-OCTAVE RANGE!
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration), Black
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TOTAL CONTROL WITH 25 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR ANY GENRE!
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EXPLORE SOUNDS WITH COMPLIMENTARY NKS BUNDLES TAILORED FOR YOU.
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UNLOCK A FULL MONTH OF SPLICE FOR LIMITLESS MUSIC CREATION!
Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4 — Portable 25 Mini-Key, USB, MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, Drum Pads, and Arpeggiator. Includes Music Creation Software Bundle
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ALL-IN-ONE DAW CONTROLLER: PREMIUM KEYBEDS & 16 RESPONSIVE FSR PADS!
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INTUITIVE WORKFLOWS: FLAWLESS INTEGRATION WITH ALL MAJOR DAWS!
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UNLOCK CREATIVITY: POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CHORDS, ARPEGGIOS, & MORE!
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 and Native Instruments Sound Package
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FULL CREATIVE CONTROL: 37-KEY MPK MINI FOR 3 OCTAVES OF MELODIC PERFORMANCE.
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ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: CONNECT TO CV/GATE, MIDI I/O, AND SOUND MODULES.
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EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLE: CHOOSE FROM CURATED KOMPLETE 15 SELECT PACKS.
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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VERSATILE CONTROL: CUSTOMIZABLE FEATURES ADAPT TO YOUR UNIQUE WORKFLOW.
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PORTABLE DESIGN: LIGHTWEIGHT AND ROBUST, PERFECT FOR MUSIC ON THE GO!
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INCLUDED SOFTWARE: ACCESS TOP-TIER TOOLS FOR INSTANT CREATIVITY AND FUN.
AKAI Professional LPD8 - USB MIDI Controller with 8 Responsive RGB MPC Drum Pads for Mac and PC, 8 Assignable Knobs and Music Production Software
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MPC DRUM PADS: TRIGGER SAMPLES AND LOOPS WITH 8 RGB-BACKLIT PADS.
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HANDS-ON CONTROL: 8 ASSIGNABLE Q-LINK KNOBS FOR PRECISE MIXING.
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PORTABLE & STURDY: LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN FITS EASILY IN ANY LAPTOP BAG.
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
- SEAMLESS CONTROL: PERFECTLY INTEGRATES WITH ABLETON LIVE FOR ALL SETUPS.
- CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY: 64 RGB PADS FOR INSTANT CLIP LAUNCHING AND MIXING.
- HANDS-ON MIXING: 9 ASSIGNABLE FADERS FOR PRECISE VOLUME AND DEVICE CONTROL.
Programming MIDI controllers for live performance involves mapping specific functions or parameters within your software or hardware to the various knobs, sliders, and buttons on your MIDI controller. This allows you to control different aspects of your performance in real-time, such as adjusting volume levels, activating effects, triggering samples, and more.
To program your MIDI controllers effectively, it is important to first determine what specific functions or parameters you want to control during your live performance. This could include things like adjusting the tempo, changing synthesizer settings, or triggering loops or samples.
Once you have identified the functions you want to control, you can then use MIDI mapping software or the built-in mapping features of your music production software to assign these functions to the corresponding controls on your MIDI controller. This may involve specifying which MIDI messages (such as note messages, CC messages, or program change messages) will be used to trigger each function.
After mapping your controls, it is important to thoroughly test and practice using your MIDI controllers before your live performance to ensure that everything is working as expected. Make sure to save your mapping settings so you can easily recall them during your performance.
Overall, programming MIDI controllers for live performance allows you to have greater flexibility and control over your music, enhancing the overall experience for both you and your audience.
How to save and recall MIDI controller mappings?
To save and recall MIDI controller mappings on a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), follow these steps:
- Open your DAW software and navigate to the MIDI mapping or control surface section.
- Set up your MIDI controller and assign MIDI messages to the parameters you want to control.
- Once you have completed your mapping, look for an option to save or store your MIDI mappings. This might be labeled as "Save Mapping" or "Store Mapping."
- Choose a name for your mapping and save it to a specific location on your computer, ideally in a folder dedicated to your MIDI mappings.
- To recall your saved MIDI mappings, simply load the mapping file from the location where you saved it. This should automatically apply the mappings to your MIDI controller in your DAW.
- You can create and save multiple MIDI mappings for different projects or setups, allowing you to quickly switch between configurations as needed.
By following these steps, you can easily save and recall MIDI controller mappings in your DAW, streamlining your workflow and making it easier to control parameters in your music production projects.
What software is compatible with MIDI controllers?
Some software that is compatible with MIDI controllers include:
- Ableton Live
- Logic Pro
- Pro Tools
- FL Studio
- Cubase
- GarageBand
- Reaper
- Native Instruments Maschine
- Reason
- Studio One
These are just a few examples of software that can be used with MIDI controllers. It is important to check the specific compatibility requirements of the software and the MIDI controller you are using to ensure they will work together seamlessly.
What is MIDI mapping?
MIDI mapping is a process in which MIDI signals from a MIDI controller (such as a keyboard, pad controller, or DJ controller) are assigned to various parameters within a software program or hardware device. This allows users to control and manipulate different settings and functions within the program/device using their MIDI controller. By mapping different MIDI signals to different parameters, users can create customized control setups that suit their workflow and preferences. This can be particularly useful in music production, live performance, and DJing.
What are some creative ways to use MIDI controllers in live performance?
- Set up a MIDI controller to trigger visual effects or lighting cues during a performance, creating a fully immersive experience for the audience.
- Use a MIDI controller to manipulate and trigger different audio effects and samples in real-time, allowing for dynamic and unique performances.
- Use a MIDI controller to control and manipulate visual projections or graphics during a live performance, syncing the visuals with the music seamlessly.
- Incorporate a MIDI controller into a live looping setup, allowing for on-the-fly recording and layering of different musical elements.
- Use a MIDI controller to control a modular synthesizer setup, allowing for endless possibilities of sound manipulation and experimentation during a live performance.
- Set up a MIDI controller to control and manipulate video footage in real-time, creating a multimedia experience for the audience.
- Use a MIDI controller to trigger and manipulate different virtual instruments and plugins in a DAW, allowing for a versatile and customizable live performance setup.