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.
Best MIDI Controllers of November 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
2
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
8
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
9
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 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.
