How to Record MIDI Controller Data?

Best MIDI Recording Tools to Buy in December 2025

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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: 25 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR VERSATILE PRODUCTION.

• DYNAMIC CONTROL: 4-WAY THUMBSTICK FOR PITCH MODULATION AND ARPEGGIATION.

• EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLES: CHOOSE CURATED SOUND LIBRARIES FOR INSTANT CREATIVITY.

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$79.00 $99.00

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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

• COMPACT MIDI CONTROLLER: 25 MINI KEYS FOR PORTABLE MUSIC PRODUCTION.

• DYNAMIC CONTROL: 4-WAY THUMBSTICK & ARPEGGIATOR FOR CREATIVE FREEDOM.

• EXCLUSIVE NKS BUNDLE: ACCESS CURATED SOUND LIBRARIES TO ELEVATE TRACKS.

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$79.00 $99.00

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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

• ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY WITH 25 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR PRECISION.
• INSTANT CONTROL OF BEATS AND SYNTHS WITH 8 BACKLIT MPC-STYLE PADS.
• ACCESS 1500+ SOUNDS AND A FREE 2-MONTH SPLICE SAMPLE LIBRARY.

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$79.00 $99.00

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4

RockJam 25 Key Bluetooth Midi Keyboard

• WIRELESS FREEDOM: BLUETOOTH MIDI ELIMINATES CABLES FOR A CLUTTER-FREE SETUP.
• RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: PLAY ANYWHERE WITH A BUILT-IN BATTERY FOR ON-THE-GO MUSIC.
• VERSATILE CONTROLS: 8 VELOCITY-SENSITIVE PADS & KNOBS FOR DETAILED MUSIC PRODUCTION.

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$40.99 $52.28

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Akai Professional LPD8 - USB MIDI Controller with 8 Responsive RGB MPC Drum Pads for Mac and PC, 8 Assignable Knobs and Music Production Software

• RESPONSIVE MPC PADS: TRIGGER SAMPLES WITH 8 RGB-BACKLIT DRUM PADS.
• TACTILE CONTROL: 8 ASSIGNABLE KNOBS FOR SEAMLESS DAW INTEGRATION.
• PORTABLE PRODUCTION: LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN FOR MUSIC CREATION ON THE GO.

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$59.00

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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

• UNLEASH CREATIVITY: 37-KEY MPK MINI FOR FULL MELODIC PERFORMANCE.

• SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY: CV/GATE AND MIDI I/O FOR ENDLESS SOUND EXPLORATION.

• ENHANCED WORKFLOW: CONTROL YOUR DAW WITH INTUITIVE HARDWARE NAVIGATION.

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$139.99 $169.00

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7

Arturia MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads - White

• ULTIMATE ADAPTABILITY: CUSTOMIZE YOUR MUSIC WORKFLOW EFFORTLESSLY.
• FLUID CONTROL: ENJOY INTUITIVE ACCESS TO INSTRUMENTS AND TRACKS.
• PREMIUM FEEL: EXPERIENCE VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS FOR DYNAMIC PLAY.

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$107.00 $119.00

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8

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

• SMART DYNAMIC SCALE MODE FOR GENRE VERSATILITY & EASE OF PLAY.

• REAL-TIME CONTROL: ARPEGGIO, CHORDS, AND NOTE REPEAT FOR CREATIVITY.

• INCLUDES 40 KEYBOARD COURSES TO BOOST YOUR MUSIC ARRANGEMENT SKILLS.

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$66.49 $89.99

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To record MIDI controller data, you will need a MIDI controller device, a computer or recording device with MIDI recording capabilities, and a software program that supports MIDI recording. Connect the MIDI controller to your computer or recording device using a MIDI cable, and open the software program. Select the MIDI controller as the input device in the software settings, and arm the track for recording. Play the MIDI controller to record your performance, and the software will capture the MIDI data in real-time. You can then edit and manipulate the recorded MIDI data as needed in the software program.

How to loop recorded MIDI controller data in a DAW?

To loop recorded MIDI controller data in a DAW, follow these steps:

1. Import or record your MIDI controller data into your DAW.
2. Select the MIDI data you want to loop.
3. Set the loop points in your DAW to specify the range of the MIDI data you want to loop.
4. Enable loop playback in your DAW.
5. Adjust the loop length and position as needed to create a seamless loop.
6. Press play in your DAW to hear the looped MIDI controller data.

Each DAW may have slightly different steps for looping MIDI data, so be sure to consult your DAW's user manual for specific instructions.

What is the best way to monitor MIDI controller data levels during recording?

The best way to monitor MIDI controller data levels during recording is to use a digital audio workstation (DAW) that has a built-in MIDI monitoring feature. Most professional-grade DAWs such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Cubase have this feature built-in.

Alternatively, you can also use a standalone MIDI monitoring software or hardware device that can display real-time MIDI data levels as you play your MIDI controller. Some popular options include MIDI-OX, MIDI Monitor, and MIDI Solutions Event Processor.

Using these tools, you can easily monitor and adjust MIDI controller data levels while recording to ensure that your performance is captured accurately and without any issues.

How to use MIDI controller data for automation in a mix?

To use MIDI controller data for automation in a mix, follow these steps:

1. Connect your MIDI controller to your DAW or mixing software.
2. Open up the track you want to automate in your DAW.
3. Find the parameter you want to automate (such as volume, pan, or a plug-in effect parameter).
4. In your DAW, set up a MIDI learn function that allows you to link the MIDI controller data to the parameter you want to automate. This is usually done by right-clicking on the parameter and selecting "learn MIDI CC" or a similar option.
5. Play back your track and adjust your MIDI controller to the desired levels or settings. This will record the automation data in your DAW.
6. Fine-tune the automation data by editing the recorded MIDI data in your DAW if needed.
7. Repeat the process for any other parameters you want to automate in your mix.
8. Play back your track with the automation in place to hear the changes in real-time.

By using MIDI controller data for automation in your mix, you can add dynamic changes and movement to your mix, making it more engaging and interesting for the listener.