![]() At the least, this ensures that any recommendation we make will feel well-built and playable, and you won’t regret your purchase. ![]() However, you’ll need to make a few decisions yourself. 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. 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. 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. You’re probably familiar enough with synth-action and weighted piano-style keys. 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. However, most of us don’t need a full digital mixing board. If we did, we’d be buying something else. 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. 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. USB MIDI Keyboard -> Computer -> USB MIDI Interface -> 5-Pin MIDI Cable -> Legacy Hardwareįor reference, this is an example of a connection chain to support legacy gear: However, as any laptop user will tell you, ports are a limited commodity. While this shows it’s possible to use USB MIDI controllers regardless, it does present added hassle.Ħ) Pads: Pads are fun, but they’re not a must.
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