This isn’t a big deal if you’re connecting to a laptop directly, but it locks you out of some tabletop modules like the previously mentioned Analog Four MKII.Ī workaround is to use a USB MIDI interface, which allows you to send USB MIDI signals through traditional 5-pin MIDI. If you’re looking at the Nektar GX49 for instance, but don’t need the controls, you can get the same keybed on the stripped-down Nektar SE49.Ĥ) Aftertouch: Typical pressure sensitivity tracks the pressure on the down press, but aftertouch continues to detect how hard you’re pushing down until you let go.Īssigning this to an effect such as rotary speaker speed for organs is great for adding extra layers of expressivity to your performances.ĥ) 5-Pin MIDI Support: MIDI controllers are sometimes marketed as “USB only,” which means the manufacturers don’t offer MIDI connections. If we did, we’d be buying something else.

However, most of us don’t need a full digital mixing board.

Semi-weighted keys are quite rare in the realm of digital pianos (though we did see them on the 73-key Nord Stage), but they strike a balance between versatility and responsiveness.ģ) Number of Controls: Knobs and buttons are good to have and easy to assign software functions with MIDI Learn.

You’re probably familiar enough with synth-action and weighted piano-style keys. We find that 49 keys are good enough for synthesizer-focused players, whereas 61 keys are a good amount for keyboardists who need organ-style keys.Ģ) Key Type: Synth-action keys are most common, but semi-weighted and weighted options exist as well. Hence, you’ll need to judge the following on your own merits:ġ) Number of Keys: More keys mean a higher price and more bulk, which might be unnecessary if you’re not playing classical pieces. Some MIDI controller models come in different keybed sizes, ranging from a miniature 25-keys to the full piano-sized 88, and the models are essentially the same apart from the number of keys. However, you’ll need to make a few decisions yourself. At the least, this ensures that any recommendation we make will feel well-built and playable, and you won’t regret your purchase.

That’s a short list due to the important factors you need to consider.

Nice-feeling keys (which means it must have keys).

There won’t be the typical 88 weighted key rule here, because as we just discussed, we aren’t looking for the best piano replacement.įor MIDI keyboards and controllers, we are looking for: Unlike our usual lists, we’ll be a bit more lenient with our choices.

Best keyboard for fl studio