10 Best Keyboard For Making Beats 2022 – Reviews & Guide
If you are trying to make beats and are looking for the best keyboard for making beats, then this article will help you. I have a list of different keyboards that can help you when it comes to making beats.
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Whether you’re a budding producer, or a seasoned veteran when it comes to making beats, having the right keyboard can go a long way towards making your tasks easier and more enjoyable.
You want to make sure you get the best possible keyboard for your budget. To help you do so, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular keyboards for beatmakers and producers out there today.
Can you make beats on a keyboard?
Yes, you can make beats on a keyboard. You don’t need a MIDI controller that has drum pads. You can use the keyboard keys to trigger the sounds. But it is not easy and you will be very limited in what you can do.
A keyboard with full-size keys is not good for making beats, because it makes it difficult to play different notes at the same time.
The best way to make beats on a keyboard is to use a MIDI controller that has drum pads or drum machine-style keys (like a mini keyboard). These are designed specifically for making beats and will be much more fun and productive to use than just a standard keyboard.
What is the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a keyboard?
The Main difference between a keyboard and a MIDI keyboard is that a keyboard can produce its own sound, whereas a MIDI keyboard cannot. A MIDI keyboard has to be connected to a computer or other sound module in order to produce any sound. A MIDI Keyboard will usually have more keys than an electronic keyboard and may also have pads, knobs, and sliders that can be used to send MIDI signals to control other devices.
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which is a technical standard for communicating musical information between different devices.
A MIDI controller device such as a MIDI keyboard typically doesn’t make its own sound but instead sends information like button presses or knob movements to trigger sounds on another device. This can often be a computer with music production software running, or it could be something like a synthesizer.
- Brand:Akai Professional
- Style:Old Model
- Color:Standard
- Model Name:Old model
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:7.13 x 12.52 x 1.73 inches
The MPK mini is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed for the traveling musician and the desktop producer. With an array of hardware controls, MPK mini lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAWs whenever inspiration strikes.
It features 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation manipulation, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads in 2 banks, and 8 assignable Q-Link knobs. Plus, two banks expand the number of MPC drum pads to 16 for extended creative capabilities. The MPK mini includes all the essentials for quickly laying down and expanding upon your musical ideas.
Its compact size makes the MPK mini ultra-portable, it is easy to transport inside a laptop bag or backpack so that you can be sure to have a MIDI controller on hand at all times. When its time to produce your tracks in the studio or perform them live onstage, simply plug its USB cable into your Mac or PC and start composing with minimal setup time required.
- Brand:Novation
- Style:49 Key
- Model Name:MIDI and CV Equipped Keyboard Controller with 8 Track Sequencer
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:11.8 x 3.94 x 32.15 inches
- Item Weight:6800 Grams
For years, Novation have been making music equipment that helps electronic musicians around the world to make better music. With their new flagship MIDI keyboard controller, the SL MkIII, they’ve made what they think is their best MIDI keyboard ever.
It gives you everything you need to create music with your DAW. Unlike other MIDI controllers on the market, SL MkIII lets you easily control your plug-ins and instruments from its screen and dedicated controls. The screen shows the parameters of whatever plug-in or synth you are controlling so you don’t have to look at your computer screen. And when you want to get creative with scales, chords or arpeggios, SL MkIII’s keyboard has an intelligent scale mode that tells you which notes you’re playing in any scale as well as a chord mode for building chords from single keys.
SL MkIII comes with Ableton Live Lite and XLN Audio’s addictive keys virtual instrument so you can start producing right out of the box. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of software including XLN Audio Addictive Keys (choose one electric piano or acoustic piano), Novation Bass Station VST and AU plug-in synthesiser, Loopmasters sample content library and software synths from Softube and Klevgrand R.
- Brand:Korg
- Color:Black
- Style:88 Key
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:63.1 x 19.3 x 11.3 inches
- Item Weight:66.03 Pounds
The KRONOS2 is a powerful 9-engine synthesizer that runs on the most advanced synthesis system ever. It guarantees you the ultimate sound of any style, including the ability to mix and match different sounds, which has been extended to allow up to 16 timbres in one program.
The new SGX-2 Grand Piano engine provides more detailed piano sound with enhanced authenticity over a wide dynamic range, with improved damper resonance, multi-release samples, and sympathetic string resonance.
The new Berlin Grand is a reproduction of an Imperial Bösendorfer 290 grand piano that has been modified for a modern pop and rock music sound by renowned piano tuner Martin Miller. It features rich low tones and a singing voice in the high register.
The KRONOS also offers an upgraded set list mode, an updated color TouchView display with touch drag functionality, and a newly developed User Interface library that includes many new pre-installed programs.
- Brand:Akai Professional
- Style:49-Key
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:12.28 x 29.06 x 3.39 inches
- Item Weight:12.94 Pounds
- Connector Type:USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
The MPK249 performance controller is engineered to be the ultimate musical toolbox for performing keyboardists, producers and beat makers. The MPK249 features 49 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 8 assignable knobs, faders, and switches, 16 MPC pads with RGB feedback, and onboard transport buttons—all in a compact chassis.
Designed in collaboration with Akai Professional’s legacy of music production equipment over decades, the MPK249 combines cutting-edge performance and production capability into a single musical device. Based on the iconic MPC series workflow, the MPK249 introduces next-generation hardware controls alongside powerful software tools that enable today’s musicians to develop their craft at their own pace.
The MPK249’s 49 semi-weighted keys feature an all-new keybed design that delivers an ultra-responsive feel and aftertouch. An extended pitch bend/modulation control section with 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable switches gives you unprecedented control of your virtual instruments and plugins. The 16 RGB backlit pads are velocity-sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts or triggering samples live from the pads. Each key zone includes four banks for a total of 64 assignable pads accessible via the Pad.
- Brand:Alesis
- Size:61 Keys
- Style:LCD Screen
- Color:Black
- Model Name:VI61
The VI61 is an advanced USB/MIDI keyboard MIDI controller that lets you take command of your music software with a series of pads, knobs, and buttons. With 61 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and Octave Up/Down buttons, you can expand the keyboard to the full melodic range and play bass lines, chords, and melodies. The 16 assignable pressure-sensitive pads are great for launching clips, triggering drums and percussion samples, playing melodies, or even controlling parameters in real time.
The 16 assignable velocitiy-sensitve trigger pads are great for creating beats and triggering loops or samples. You also get control over your virtual mixer thanks to the 10 assignable sliders with illuminated buttons. There’s also 48 assignable buttons to trigger samples, effects, or transport controls in any DAW software you choose to use.
Advanced functionality like built-in arpeggiators and chord modes make the VI61 a breeze to create music on the fly. You can use arpeggiators to trigger samples without having to touch a key or activate effects on all channels simultaneously with a single button press.
- Brand:M-Audio
- Model Name:Axiom Air Mini
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:15.6 x 1.5 x 7.7 inches
- Item Weight:1.13 Kilograms
- Keyboard Description:Ergonomic
The Alesis VI61 is an advanced USB/MIDI keyboard MIDI controller that lets you take command of your music software with a series of pads, knobs, and buttons. With 61 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and Octave Up/Down buttons, you can expand the keyboard to the full melodic range and play bass lines, chords, and melodies.
The Alesis VI61 features 16 assignable knobs and 48 assignable buttons for manipulating effect plugins and virtual instruments: open and close filters, adjust volume levels, activate effects, tweak parameters, and more. Its 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminated RGB feedback are great for beat production and clip launching. The VI61 also has four memory banks for instant recall of mappings.
Pitch bend & modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control. You can instantly see what you’re doing on the VI61’s bright LED screen. The Alesis VI61 also features USB-MIDI and MIDI out jacks.
To get you started making music right out of the box, the Alesis VI61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition – one of the most popular performance and production.
- Item Weight:1.98 pounds
- Product Dimensions:9.45 x 9.45 x 0.98 inches
- ASIN:B00YR47GQQ
- Item model number:AMS-LAUNCHPAD-S-MK2
The Novation Launchkey is a range of 25, 49 and 61 note keyboard controllers with up to 50 physical controls including 16 velocity-sensitive multi-colour launch pads. They are USB bus powered, class compliant and supports USB-MIDI connectivity. The Launchkey is designed for Ableton Live. It gives you everything you need to start creating in Ableton Live – and it’ll fit in your bag.
Launchkey (MK2) is Novation’s easiest MIDI keyboard controller. It is pretty much plug-and-play, and is built for the way you work, so you can spend less time setting up and more time playing music.
The keys are full sized and semi weighted, making them fast to learn on and great for playing live or writing music. There are 16 velocity sensitive multi coloured launch pads which will trigger clips in Ableton Live, as well as 8 rotary controls that can be assigned to any parameter in Ableton Live or used to control mixer volume, pan and sends.
There are also dedicated navigation buttons so that you can browse your library quickly without using the mouse or track pad whilst using Ableton Live.
- Color:MultiColored
- Brand:Roland
- Model Name:FA-08
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:55.8 x 13.4 x 5.6 inches
- Item Weight:36.7 Pounds
The FA-08 Music Workstation is a solid workhorse that provides all of the sounds you need for a wide range of live performance and music production applications.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the FA-08 packs an enormous collection of features into its light, mobile body. The 88-note Ivory Feel-G keyboard offers great playing feel, while the lightweight design and strong construction ensure that you can take it anywhere. It’s also compatible with Roland’s three-tier stand systems, so you can integrate it seamlessly into your stage or studio environment.
With over 2000 sounds from Roland’s flagship INTEGRA-7 sound module, there’s nothing “light” about the FA-08’s sounds. From acoustic pianos and organs to drums, percussion, synths, strings, brass and beyond, these professional quality tones are ready for any musical situation.
The onboard sequencer makes recording your ideas simple and fun. The 16 backlit pads make it easy to trigger loops when you’re performing live (as well as record them into the sequencer).
- Brand:M-Audio
- Size:61 Keys
- Style:Keystation 61 MK3
- Colour:Black
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:99.5 x 6.8 x 18.9 Centimeters
M-Audio pioneered the portable MIDI controller market with the Oxygen series of keyboard controllers. Today, M-Audio continues to be a leader of this technology by developing intuitive controllers for software-based music production and performance.
Thanks to continued innovation over the course of nearly a decade, the new Oxygen series controllers offer more control, deep hardware/software integration, and come equipped with a reliable build that enables you to make music on the go or implement these controllers into any studio.
M-Audio’s latest generation of Oxygen USB MIDI controller keyboards tweaks and refines the best-selling series with enhancements that include direct link to your DAW, improved knobs, faders and buttons and an assortment of music software titles at no additional cost.
The Oxygen 61 USB MIDI controller delivers next-generation functionality from M-Audio®, the leading innovator in mobile music production technology. Equipped with a sleek, compact design and unmatched in its price range, this versatile 61-key controller serves as the perfect solution for performing and producing with virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAWs, and more.
- Brand:Arturia
- Size:49 Keys
- Colour:White
- Model Name:ARTURIA
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:78.4 x 24.8 x 7.6 Centimeters
Most musicians need three things from a controller keyboard: powerful DAW control, software instrument integration and efficient navigation of presets. Essential is one of the few controller keyboards that satisfy all of these requirements in an elegant and affordable package.
Essential includes a full function DAW control area and a central screen section that allows instant access to the 5000+ included Analog Lab 2 presets. All the knobs, faders, buttons and keys are velocity sensitive, ideal for tweaking your sounds or playing live. The keyboard includes a DAW transport panel, allowing easy navigation of your session without cluttering up your workspace.
Essential comes with Ableton Live Lite 9, Arturia’s Analog Lab Lite software with 500 of the best preset sounds from our award winning V Collection 5 plus UVI Grand Piano Model D software.
If you are new to music production you can start making tracks right out of the box. If you are an experienced producer then Essential will make an ideal addition to your studio, giving you an ergonomic way to control your favorite software instruments.
