How to Buy a Midi Controller Keyboard

If you’re getting into computer recording, you can’t do much without a midi controller keyboard. Sure, you could record guitar, drums, voice, and other live instruments, but you’d be missing out on everything recording software has to offer. With a midi controller keyboard, you can record everything from grand piano, to sitar, to laser effects. But all keyboards do not come equal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Between roughly $100-$400

1. Choose the number of keys. Keyboards can come in as few as 25 keys to a full 88. With fewer keys, you’ll need to control the octave on the keyboard if you want to hit very high or low notes. This is not recommended if you want access to all the notes at once. If you’re just looking to trigger samples, a smaller keyboard can work.
2. Determine what features you need. Some controllers will have play/record/stop buttons right above the keys—very convenient. Less expensive keyboards will not include these controls. The more knobs on a controller, the more you can control a software program from the keyboard—giving a more analog, tactile feeling to recording than point and click.
3. Check for on-board memory. On-board memory is important if you plan to play with the keyboard live, as you won’t necessarily have to cart along your laptop. A controller can trigger a number of other synthesizer modules on stage.
4. Test out a few in the store. See if the keys are comfortable. If velocity-sensitive, weighted keys are important, make this a priority. These keys feels closer to an actual piano. You have the choice of weighted hammer, semi-weighted, and synth action keys.
5. Check for durability and portability: especially important if you’re going to be taking the keyboard out on the road.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re in the market for a keyboard and audio interface (a port to plug in a guitar or mic) you can get a controller with an interface built-in.
• Remember, midi controller’s don’t make a sound without software to trigger: so you’re going to need software to trigger effects or to upload sounds to a controller’s on-board memory.
• Keep good care of the keyboard. Most keyboards are built well, to a point. Don’t bang them around and keep the keyboard dust-free.
• Make sure the controller works with your operating system. If it doesn’t, you’re out of luck. Some controllers are plug and play (no software) but others aren’t.