Today there is a huge selection of musical instruments. Sometimes it’s even hard to imagine how you can fit several at once at home or in a studio. And if you go to a music store, it turns out that each of them separately costs a lot of money. A midi controller will help solve the problem. A keyboard instrument that, when connected to a computer, can synthesize all kinds of presets.
This article will focus on the selection of classic MIDI devices from the middle and low price categories. We will not give exotic types like midi guitar controllers that resemble the shape of a real instrument. Classic keyboards only.
Akai Pro LPK25 - small and bold
The Akai Pro LPK25 midi controller is one of the most affordable keyboards out there right now. On board has everything you need for a comfortable game. Very portable and lightweight, making it easy to take with you and write songs on the go. Twenty-five independent dynamic keys provide smooth pressing and fast response. All you need is to connect this midi controller to your computer or laptop and start composing music in anymoment.
Simple and convenient design will impress any musician. What's more, this keyboard doesn't require additional drivers, unlike competitors, making it even more portable.
IK Multimedia IRig Keys 25 - simple and tasteful
Another mini-keyboard from the inexpensive segment. This midi controller is made with an emphasis on the minimum number of settings, but the maximum quality of the keys. All 25 keys are velocity and force sensitive - essential for studio recording professionals. But to the detriment of this, you lose a lot of integrated fine-tuning that is present in analogues. Roughly speaking, this is the most basic, but the highest quality keyboard of all presented in today's top. If you don't need advanced settings and built-in mixers, this tool is your option. An important point: this controller consumes little energy, and this is undoubtedly a huge plus.
It is also worth noting that the gift comes with software, the installation and operation of which will be convenient for beginners.
Korg Microkey2-37 - experimenter
The next contender is the Korg Microkey2-37 midi controller. As in the previous version, this keyboard does not have too many settings, however, there is one significant difference - 37 keys. That is one more additional octave. Despite the large number of keys, manufacturers were able to make this keyboard compact. And she still fitstravel and games on the road. Also, this is so far the first keyboard in our top, in which there is a "Modulation" function. The modulation wheel lets you raise/lower the tone as you play. This is a very frequently used option, sometimes even determining the purchase of a device.
Made in the same strict black style. It has a reduced length of keys, which can also be both an advantage and a disadvantage. These keys will definitely take some getting used to. But in the future, playing on such a keyboard will not be a problem.
Included with the purchase you will receive software for connecting to mobile devices. Yes, this midi controller is capable of supporting mobile gadgets. The Korg Microkey2-37 has a jack for connecting a damper pedal.
The totality of this keyboard's characteristics hints that it is designed for experimentation and is perfect for fulfilling the dream of writing non-trivial music.
M-Audio Axiom Air Mini - DJ Studio
Now let's take a completely opposite approach to music. An example to consider is the M-Audio Axiom midi controller. Perhaps this is the most sophisticated keyboard from the budget segment. The fundamental difference from analogues is the presence of eight pads and eight flexible tuning knobs. Pads are very handy for writing beats or writing drums/percussion. In fact, the integration turns your device into a midi drum controller.
In addition, this keyboard is endowed with knobs and buttonswith very flexible settings. Wide functionality becomes a reason to buy for both beginners and professionals in their field. The M-Audio Axiom still falls under the definition of a compact keyboard with 32 keys.
Navigating through an extensive library will not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated music lovers. Of the shortcomings, only the absence of a modulation wheel can be noted. But make sure everything else is there.
Acorn Masterkey 61 - house orchestra
This is the only keyboard that falls into the budget segment and has 61 keys. It would be fair to call it a real analogue of an electronic piano. Moreover, the manufacturers focused on the quality of the keys and the convenience of playing on all octaves.
Of course, this midi controller is already difficult to use as a portable one, but the wide range of sounds is simply necessary for writing really complex melodies.
The developers have pleased us with the modulation and pitch wheel, which also cannot but rejoice, but there are still no more flexible settings. Most likely, this option will suit a person for a measured home game who would like to purchase an electronic piano connected to a computer.
Conclusion
Now you know about the best representatives of midi devices among the low budget range (up to 6,000 rubles). For obvious reasons, the top did not include wireless midi controllers due to the inflated price. We hope this article has helped you make your choice.tool, and in the future you will have no doubts when buying.
