The world of funds MIDI keyboards is aggressive to say the least. There are numerous firms cranking out keyboards below $300, ranging in measurement from 25 keys to 88 keys. There are mini controllers for tossing right into a bag. Controllers with tightly built-in software program for simplifying sound design. Keyboards with MPC-style drum pads. Actually, it’s kinda exhausting to go flawed selecting any of them—they’ll all get the job finished.
Nonetheless there are a number of, relying in your specific wants, that rise to the highest. In case you’re a person of Arturia or Native Instrument plugins, your finest bets are their respective KeyLab Important and Komplete Kontrol A collection. However in case you’re not locked into a specific firm’s ecosystem, or in case your DAW (digital audio workstation) of alternative is Ableton Live, then Novation’s Launchkey collection is a transparent standout. And, with the brand new MK4 revisions, it makes a strong case for finest funds MIDI controller interval.
{Photograph}: Terrence O’Brien
{Hardware}
There aren’t actually any surprises on the {hardware} entrance. The LaunchKey MK4 is a funds MIDI controller by means of and thru. The bigger 49- and 61-key fashions have semi-weighted keybeds which are first rate, however not nice. (The 37- and 25-key fashions have synth-action keybeds which are much more meh.) It’s principally plastic. And connectivity choices are primary however enough: only a USB-C port, maintain jack, and five-pin MIDI out.
There are a wealth of hands-on controls. 9 faders (on the bigger fashions), eight limitless encoders, 16 pads, and numerous buttons. The faders and pads are fairly mediocre. The faders really feel slightly low cost and free, and the pads simply can’t compete with these on Akai controllers. They’re superb for launching clips, however I wouldn’t wish to finger drum on them. The buttons are pleasantly clicky, although, and the transfer from potentiometers to encoders means you don’t should take care of the chaos of parameters unexpectedly leaping round as you flip knobs.
{Photograph}: Terrence O’Brien
