Best MIDI Controllers to Buy in December 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)
- COMPACT MIDI CONTROLLER WITH 25 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS
- CONTROL YOUR SOUND: 8 MPC-STYLE PADS WITH NOTE REPEAT
- EXCLUSIVE ACCESS: CHOOSE YOUR NKS BUNDLE WITH PURCHASE
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
- CREATE BEATS EFFORTLESSLY WITH RESPONSIVE 25 MINI VELOCITY KEYS.
- CONTROL PITCH AND MODULATION WITH DYNAMIC 4-WAY THUMBSTICK.
- UNLOCK 2 MONTHS OF SPLICE ACCESS FOR A VAST SAMPLE LIBRARY.
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), White
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25 MINI KEYS + VELOCITY SENSITIVITY FOR EXPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE!
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INNOVATIVE 4-WAY THUMBSTICK OFFERS PITCH & MODULATION CONTROL!
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NKS INTEGRATION: ACCESS NATIVE INSTRUMENTS PRESETS & LIBRARIES!
RockJam 25 Key Bluetooth Midi Keyboard
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WIRELESS FREEDOM: BLUETOOTH MIDI CONNECTIVITY FOR A CLUTTER-FREE SETUP.
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PORTABLE POWER: RECHARGEABLE BATTERY LETS YOU CREATE MUSIC ANYWHERE.
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VERSATILE CONTROLS: 8 TOUCH PADS AND KNOBS FOR COMPREHENSIVE MUSIC PRODUCTION.
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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RESPONSIVE RGB PADS: TRIGGER SAMPLES & LOOPS EFFORTLESSLY WITH 8 BACKLIT PADS.
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CUSTOM PRESETS: SAVE & RECALL MAPPINGS INSTANTLY WITH 4 PROGRAMMABLE SLOTS.
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PORTABLE & DURABLE: SLIM DESIGN PERFECT FOR MUSIC ON-THE-GO, EASY TRAVEL.
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O and Native Instruments Sound Package, White Limited Edition
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TOTAL CONTROL: 37-KEY MPK MINI FOR SEAMLESS DAW INTEGRATION.
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EXPAND YOUR SOUND: ADVANCED CV/GATE AND MIDI I/O FOR VERSATILE CONNECTIONS.
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EXCLUSIVE BUNDLES: CHOOSE FROM THREE CURATED NKS 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
- EFFORTLESS CONTROL FOR PERSONALIZED MUSIC CREATION AND WORKFLOW.
- FLUID INTEGRATION WITH INSTRUMENTS, TRACKS, AND DRUM PADS.
- ENJOY PREMIUM VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR DYNAMIC PERFORMANCES.
Donner USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller, 25 Key Portable Mini MIDI Keyboard with 8 Drum Pads, OLED Display, 16 Smart Scales, Arpeggio, Replay, 4 DAW Software and 40 Teaching Courses, DMK 25 Pro Black
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CREATIVE FREEDOM: CONTROL PARAMETERS IN REAL-TIME WITH INNOVATIVE WHEELS.
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VERSATILE COMPOSITIONS: 16-SCALE TONES FOR DIVERSE MUSICAL GENRES AND STYLES.
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COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING: ACCESS 40 ENGAGING KEYBOARD COURSES FOR ALL LEVELS.
Vangoa Wireless Midi Controller Mixer Mute, Portable USB Midi Keyboard controlador Mixing Console 43 Backlit Button, 8 Channel Faders with LED indicator, 8 Assignable Endless Knobs for Daw, Mac, PC
- 43 BACKLIT BUTTONS EMPOWER INSTANT CREATIVITY IN MUSIC PRODUCTION!
- 8 CUSTOMIZABLE FADERS ENHANCE TRACK MIXING WITH PRECISION CONTROL.
- PORTABLE DESIGN ENSURES MUSIC PRODUCTION CAN GO ANYWHERE YOU DO!
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.