Looking to play your VST synths in a DAW on your laptop or PC, then you will want the best portable MIDI keyboard. This will give you more flexibility as to where you can make your music.

What is Midi?

Firstly what is MIDI? MIDI stands for musical instrument digital interface. It is a way of connecting hardware music synthesisers, sound modules, drum machines and other sound generating equipment. It can also connect to your digital audio workstation. This allows you to play software versions of synths and drum modules and other devices like effects. Midi can be connected via a dedicated 5 pin midi port or via USB or Bluetooth.

There are many midi keyboards on the market with different functionality, size and portability. So it is important to define how and where you will be using it before making your purchase. Of course price is always a determining factor so finding the best cheap midi keyboard will be important.

Size and Portability

For this article we will concentrate on portable midi keyboards for those musicians who make music on the go.

A particular favourite of ours is the AKAI MPK Mini MKII which is a 25 key USB connected and powered keyboard. It has velocity sensitive mini keys that are surprisingly playable. It also has 8 backlit pads for playing drum sounds, for instance in your Ableton drum rack. There are 8 assignable knobs to map to your soft synth to control filter cutoff for example, and a 4 way joystick. You get octave up and down buttons and an arpeggiator with adjustable modes and resolution. Note repeat is another nice touch to quickly create runs of 8^th, 16^th etc. notes. And when you register your MPK Mini you get some great free sounds. These from the likes of Splice and Loopcloud which is the largest sample library around.

The Arturia Minilab MkII 25 Note controller keyboard is another excellent choice and matches up to the Akai MPK. Also with 25 velocity sensitive keys, it offers 16 rotary encoders to give you huge mapping possibilities. These will allow you to tweak all sorts of parameters to your heart’s content. And the two touch strips give you pitch bend and even more modulation possibilities to get creative with your sound. This is a really great small midi keyboard and it comes with a version of Ableton Lite. Also included is Arturia Analog Lab 2 that gives you sixteen fantastic synths, pianos and organs.

The Arturia Microlab is the option if you really want to go compact. It is extremely compact and with only four buttons and two touch strips, you still have loads of control. A great feature is playing chords with just one note, a bonus for those who don’t have great playing skills. The USB port is recessed so no cables protrude making it easy to transport. And a rubberised case help protect it during travel. Comes with free software and fantastic value for money make it a no brainer.

Use With Ableton Live

Next up is the Novation Launchkey 25 Mk2 Midi Controller keyboard. Again like the others mentioned, it offers 25 synth action keys and excels with 16 velocity sensitive RGB pads. These will get those finger drummers tapping away and there are also 8 knobs for tweaking. Like the others, it comes with great software including Live Lite and Novation’s own excellent V and Bass Station synths.

The Launchpad has been designed specifically to integrate with Ableton Live. Ableton is probably the most popular DAW on the market. Just connect via USB and you get immediate hands on control of your synths, drum racks and session view parameters. Start moving those faders on the mixer and effects dry/wet controls for example. The pads can be used to launch and stop your session view clips. And get this, the RGB colour pads will match the colour of the clips in the software. Nice! This would be a top choice as the best midi keyboard for Ableton.

Another great Novation option.

Sticking with Novation, if you were looking for the best midi portable keyboard for Logic Pro X then the Novation Impulse 61 Keys would have to be a major contender. The Impulse differs in that it is a full size piano style semi-weighted, ultra responsive keyboard with aftertouch that has been designed for those who play keys. It will adapt to playing instruments such as piano, organ or synthesiser. As such this is not a particularly portable midi keyboard controller but that aspect is more than made up with all that it offers. Definitely a choice for the more proficient keyboardists out there.

For Logic users you get mixer, transport and plug in control of Logic’s own plugins as well and VST versions. 9 faders, 8 backlit drum pads, 9 assignable buttons, 8 control knobs and 6 transport buttons give you tremendous control over your DAW , instruments and effects. It does weigh 6.5Kg so will be suited to be your main studio midi controller keyboard. The choice for those who want playability more than anything else, this would be a leading contender as the best weighted midi keyboard.

Less well known brands.

One other option to look at is the Nektar Impact LX25. Not one of the more well known brands, but this one has pretty much everything you need to take control of your synths and fx. A very good option for the best mini midi keyboard, the Nektar offers integration for all the major Daws like Ableton, Logic, Reason, Bitwig, FL Studio, Reaper and others. In fact this model seems to be highly favoured by the Reaper community and once registered comes with a downloadable zip file to get to get you set up and configured straight away. Having a great build quality, you get octave control buttons, “hyper sensitive” led illuminated drum pads that are easily assigned and transport controls which is something we really love. With all these controllers, the software they come with determines how easy it is to set up and play.

Auto selection of parameters

The Nektar allows you to control parameters as soon as you select an instrument track which is assigned automatically. It also has a “grab” mode so you can temporarily assign parameters by simply holding “shift” and clicking and adjusting a parameter on the software, then moving  the control on the Nektar. Very useful for quickly tweaking a parameter that was not automatically mapped. This one has to be a choice for the best budget midi keyboard.

How will you use your best portable midi keyboard

All in all the choice for a small midi keyboard depends on your how you want to use it, your space requirements and how important portability is for you. Having so many available that all cover basic requirements for controlling midi on your software or hardware standalone units, you are truly spoilt for choice.

Most portable midi keyboard

The Arturia Keystep 37 is a MIDI controller and polyphonic sequencer produced by Arturia. It’s an extended version of the original Keystep, offering additional features and a larger keyboard.

The keyboard feels very solid and weighty but without being so much so that you wouldn’t use it as a portable keyboard. Key action is probably the best we’ve used at this price point and size of keyboard.

Here are some key features and details about the Arturia Keystep 37:

1. Key Features:
   • 37 Slim Keys: The Keystep 37 features a 37-key, slim-key keybed that is velocity-sensitive and aftertouch-enabled.
   • Polyphonic Sequencer: It includes a polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps per sequence, allowing for complex and evolving patterns.
   • Chord Mode: The Keystep 37 has a Chord mode that enables you to play chord voicings with a single key press.
   • Arpeggiator: An arpeggiator is included with multiple modes and settings for creating rhythmic and melodic patterns.
   • Touch Strip: The touch strip can be used for pitch bend, modulation, and various other performance controls.
   • Connectivity: It offers various connectivity options, including MIDI in/out, USB, CV/Gate outputs, and Sync in/out for integration with other modular or MIDI gear.
2. Compact and Portable:
   • The Keystep 37 is designed to be compact and portable, making it suitable for musicians on the go or those with limited studio space.
3. Integration with Software:
   • It can be used as a MIDI controller with software instruments and virtual synths, making it versatile for both hardware and software setups.
4. Build Quality:
   • Arturia is known for its build quality, and the Keystep 37 is expected to maintain the same level of craftsmanship.
5. Software Integration:
   • The Keystep 37 integrates well with Arturia’s software instruments and analog synthesizers. It often comes bundled with Analog Lab, providing a wide range of sounds.
6. MIDI and CV/Gate Connectivity:
   • With both MIDI and CV/Gate outputs, the Keystep 37 is suitable for controlling a variety of synthesizers, including modular setups.

Thoroughly recommend the Keystep 37 as an excellent portable midi keyboard.

Music making has never been easier with the help of midi controllers and finding the best portable midi keyboard will get you up and running in double quick time.

If you are a DJ starting out and want to go the computer route, then your logical question will be what is the best DJ controller around? You might also be considering playing on hardware like the Pioneer CD or IDJs or even going the vinyl route. So what are the pros and cons of each and how do you go about deciding?

How affordable is the best DJ controller

Firstly cost will be a major determining factor in which way you choose to go. In general, DJ controllers are a lot cheaper than their hardware equivalents. Having said that, the assumption will be that you already have a laptop computer if you’re looking to be a serious DJ. Or if not, you will have  tablet running a software DJ app for less demanding situations, be they a home dj party or just in your bedroom spinning for fun. So if you add up the cost of a reasonably spec’d laptop or higher end tablet with a DJ controller, then you are almost on a par with standalone hardware units.

There are quite a number of controllers for DJ’ing on the market these days, but the two brands that stand out are the Pioneer range and Native Instruments Traktor. Both have long established software applications in Pioneer Rekordbox and NI Traktor Pro. Both are also stable, user friendly and offer very sophisticated features to both the beginner and pro DJ. They are used in clubs the world over by many of the top DJs who perform to thousands every night.

Why would you choose a controller over a standalone hardware equivalent?

The standard equipment in most of the major clubs is the Pioneer range. Formerly CDJs when compact discs were the predominant format, now IDJs which read the tracks direct from flash drives. The great advantage of these is that you can carry all you music on a couple of USB sticks, slot them into the players and you’re ready to start the party. But the top end players like the Pioneer CDJ Nexus digital media player cost near enough £2000/$2500 each while cheaper models are still around half that price each. So price is very much an issue for the bedroom DJ.

Is an All In One the way to go?

However the Pioneer All In One DJ controller uses the same Rekordbox software that the standalone hardware versions do. Not only that, using and learning on one of their higher end controllers which have most of the same functions of the CDJs will make the step form bedroom to club pretty seamless. Even a relatively cheap DJ controller like the DDJ-400 Rekordbox has the same basic layout to enable you to progress to the Nexus range eventually. And the DDJ-200 costs even less while still giving you jog wheels, buttons and knobs to mix tracks from your PC or Mac or from apps on your smartphone or tablet.

WeDJ for iPhone is one such app that provides a tutorial to get you up and running so you can learn about the hardware. You will also be able to mix tunes depending on your device from your iTunes library or stream tracks from the likes of Soundcloud and even Spotify.

Native Instruments Traktor has been around for many years and is a very popular option. The Traktor Pro software offers huge flexibility and a multitude of features for a very low price. Four decks, hot cues, looping on the fly, loads of effects, beat sync and time stretching and so much more. The library allows you to tag your tracks by BPM, genre etc. and organise and search for them quickly and easily. Remix decks for further looping and one shot samples give you options to start creating new music within your DJ set.

Traktor DJ controllers

The best dj controller for Traktor is undoubtedly one of their own models. The S2 and flagship S4 controllers are specifically designed for complete integration with their own software. These will be set up and ready to play out of the box. Jog wheels, pads, faders and knobs give you direct control for sculpting your own unique sound. The options are virtually limitless when it comes to putting your own individual stamp on your DJ set. There are also the smaller Z1, F1 and X1 controllers if you want to start small but still have direct control of the software. The Z1 makes a great companion with the Traktor DJ app for smartphones and tablets.

Traktor software is also mappable so you’re not restricted to only using the Traktor hardware. Look around for the best dj midi controller that fits your needs and you can midi map the controls you want to customise your set up the way you want it.

Whatever route you choose to go down, the range of technology for the modern DJ is now so incredible that there is something to suit everyone. From those just starting out to seasoned professionals playing the clubs of Ibiza, the beats will keep sounding for a long time to come.

What is the best dj controller for beginners?

There are a few DJ controllers that are well-regarded for beginners due to their user-friendly features, affordability, and functionality. Here are a few DJ controllers often recommended for beginners:

1. Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3:
   • The Pioneer DJ DDJ-SB3 is a popular choice for beginners. It is designed to work seamlessly with Serato DJ Lite, and it offers features like Pad Scratch for easy and creative performances.
2. Numark Mixtrack Pro 3:
   • The Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 is a budget-friendly option with features like touch-sensitive jog wheels, dedicated filter knobs, and performance pads. It comes with Serato DJ Intro.
3. Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300:
   • The Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300 is specifically designed for beginners, featuring an Intelligent Music Assistant (IMA) to help with learning DJ techniques. It comes with DJUCED software.
4. Denon DJ MC4000:
   • The Denon DJ MC4000 is a more advanced controller that offers a good balance for beginners and intermediate DJs. It has a solid build, professional features, and compatibility with Serato DJ Lite.
5. Numark Party Mix:
   • The Numark Party Mix is an ultra-affordable and compact DJ controller with built-in light shows. It’s a good entry-level option for those who want a simple setup to start learning.
6. Roland DJ-202:
   • The Roland DJ-202 is a compact and feature-packed controller designed for beginners. It integrates with Serato DJ Lite and comes with a built-in drum machine.
7. Pioneer DJ DDJ-400:
   • The Pioneer DJ DDJ-400 is a controller that closely resembles the layout of club-standard CDJs and mixers. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly and includes tutorials in the rekordbox software.
8. Reloop Beatpad 2:
   • The Reloop Beatpad 2 is an iOS-compatible DJ controller that works well with popular DJ apps. It offers a range of features and is suitable for beginners looking to use their iPad for DJing.

When choosing a DJ controller for beginners, consider factors such as software compatibility, build quality, ease of use, and the specific features that align with your learning goals. Additionally, check for the latest models and read reviews to ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date and well-received equipment.