10 Best Keyboard For Music Production 2022 – Reviews & Guide
Finding the best keyboard for music production can be daunting because there are a lot of things to consider. It is not enough that you buy any old keyboard at the store, but you need to ensure that it has all the features that you require to make your music sound amazing. To help you get started, we have put together this guide on how to choose a good keyboard for producing music.
As a music producer, you need to be able to work with your instruments like a professional. One of the most important instruments that you need to master is the keyboard. But before you can even begin to play with it and create beautiful music, you first need to find the right keyboard that fits your musical needs. There are so many options out there and it can be overwhelming when trying to find the best one for you.
It can be hard deciding which keyboard is best for your needs as a musician or producer. There are a variety of different brands and models out there with all sorts of features! You might be wondering if one type will really make any difference in your output when it comes time for recording or performing live shows – but don’t worry! We’re here today sharing our picks for the top ten best keyboards used by musicians and producers alike.
The best keyboards for music production are both reliable and versatile. Many of them have built-in features that make it easier to produce specific genres or styles. You can also find keyboards that come with their own sampling libraries, which can be useful if you’re interested in creating your own sounds.
Are 49 keys enough for music production?
49 keys are enough for music production if you’re using a 49 key MIDI controller to trigger one or more synthesizers or soft synths. A 49 key MIDI controller has the same functionality as a full-size 88 key MIDI controller, it just has less keys.
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Assuming that you have access to a computer and a DAW (digital audio workstation, a program like Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio etc), you can use any number of different sound generators and effects in combination with your MIDI controller (be it 49 keys, 61 keys or 88 keys).
What keyboard do professional musicians use?
There are three different types of keyboards that professional musicians use:
1. Digital Pianos
2.Synthesizers
3.MIDI controllers
- 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 Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller features a compact and portable design. It’s small enough to fit into a backpack, however, it’s jam-packed with all the features you need to create
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII – 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Drum Pads, 8 Assignable Q-Link Knobs and Pro Software Suite Included
The Iconic MPK Series Redefined: Experience expanded control of your VST instrument and effect collection with MPK Mini MKII and Akai Pro VIP3.0 (Free Download Included a $99.99 Value). VIP3.0 provides you with unparalleled access to your virtual instrument and effect collection, seamlessly integrating the hardware / software experience and grants the unrestricted freedom to create in a user-friendly, intuitive format. The combination of VIP and MPK Mini MKII maximizes workflow and ensures a playing experience that feels natural and enhances creativity – the natural, tactile feel of hardware fused with the unrivalled processing capability of virtual Instruments.
Premium Software Suite Included: Akai Pro MPC Essentials, SONiVOX Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech are included in the box. Expand your sound palette by downloading even more free content from our website.
Expression in Your Performance: Go beyond simple pad triggering with Note Repeat and Full Level playing modes for precise rhythmic effects; explore four programmable memory banks for instant recall of your favorite setups.
- Keyboard Description: Virtual
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, PC
- Brand: Novation
- Color: Black
- Number of Keys:25
- Style:25 Keys
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:19.88 x 4.72 x 12.6 inches
- Number of Buttons:61
The Novation Launchkey 25 MK2 is a 25-note USB keyboard controller with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, dedicated navigation and control buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, and a sustain pedal input. The controller is optimized for controlling Ableton Live, but can also be used to control other DAWs. There are 16 rotary pots to tweak filters and effects, plus the eight velocity-sensitive RGB pads are great for firing off loops and samples.
You can use the Launchkey 25 MK2 to play virtual instruments on your computer or iPad. It is class compliant and can be used without installing software drivers on a Mac or Windows PC. The controller also includes an embedded MIDI interface that allows you to connect legacy controllers or other MIDI hardware to your computer. Additionally, it features continuous control faders that work immediately with any virtual instrument or effect plug-in in any DAW application.
The unit can be bus powered via USB 2.0 if using the included cable that comes with the unit. If using the iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately) you will need an external power supply (sold separately).
- Keyboard Description: USB
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Compatible Devices: Tablet
- Brand: Keith McMillen Instruments
- Color: Black
- Number of Keys:25
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:12.8 x 3.3 x 0.43 inches
- Number of Buttons:25
- Language: English
- Operating System: Mac os
K-Board is a powerful and durable smart keyboard. It will give you the control you need to create amazing music, games and other cool stuff – no matter where you are.
K-board is the first smart keyboard of its kind. Now artists, musicians and creators can make music or control software from the keys of a completely portable, durable device.
K-board has plug & play functionality with iOS, Android, Mac OS, Windows. The K-Board works with any MIDI software program you use to make music and also works with games when plugged into any computer.
The touch sensitive keys allow you to shape sounds based on pressure or finger tilt! We’ve tested K-board to survive drink spills, super soakers, and being run over by a car!
We designed K-Board to be affordable for everyone because we believe that everyone deserves access to the best tools available.
- Brand: M-Audio
- Size:25 Keys
- Style: Keyboard
- Model Name: Oxygen 25 IV
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:19.37 x 9.56 x 3.7 inches
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.
The Oxygen 49 IV features 49 full-size keys with a synth action design. It also includes eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads that let you launch clips or finger drum with exceptional response. Eight assignable knobs are onboard for manipulating effect plugins and virtual instruments: you can also use these controls to tweak your mixer, too.
Oxygen 49 IV’s DirectLink mode maps its controls instantly to common DAWs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and more. This mode makes it easy to manipulate volume faders and pan pots, trigger transport controls and auto punch in/out functions, mute tracks on your DAW and even manipulate plugin parameters–all from your MIDI controller.
- Keyboard Description: USB
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Compatible Devices: Tablet
- Brand: Keith McMillen Instruments
- Model Name: Keith McMillen
- Color: Black
- Number of Keys:13
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:12.8 x 3.3 x 0.43 inches
- Number of Buttons:25
- Language: English
QuNexus is the smartest little MIDI keyboard you’ve ever seen. It combines universal USB and 5-pin MIDI capabilities with a full-size, 25-key keybed that’s velocity and pressure sensitive. Add its compact footprint, flexible Smart Sensor keys and onboard touchstrips to the mix, and you’ve got a musical Swiss Army knife of inspiration.
The QuNexus’ Smart Sensor keys detect pressure, velocity, and tilt with polyphonic after touch — giving you dynamic control like you’ve never had before. And it’s not just for MIDI control: 2 CV/Gate inputs let you connect your modular rig directly, while 3 CV/Gate outputs allow you to send signals to your modular synth or to other gear.
QuNexus is designed for music makers on the move: it’s lightweight, USB bus powered, comes equipped with a built-in editor (Mac OS X/Windows) and doesn’t require any drivers.
- Brand: ARTURIA
- Item Weight:2.27 Pounds
- Platform: Windows, Mac
The MiniLab MkII is tailor-made for the musician on the move. Ultra-portable and lightweight, it’s the perfect travel companion for when you’re off on your adventures, wherever they may take you.
Designed to fit in a backpack or laptop bag, it’s easy to see why this has quickly become the go-to MIDI keyboard for so many musicians around the world.
But don’t be fooled by its size – the MiniLab MkII is loaded with features, and offers everything you need to make music on the move.
The eight assignable encoders let you control anything from your DAW software to your plug-ins and virtual instruments, while the 16 pads are velocity sensitive and backlit, giving you a dynamic and expressive way to play drums, launch clips or use them as simple buttons in Ableton Live Lite.
- Brand: Native Instruments
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:6.57 x 18.7 x 1.96 inches
- Item Weight:1 Kilograms
- Hardware Interface: USB 2.0
- Keyboard Description: USB
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 Controller Keyboard is a slim, sleek and solid MIDI controller keyboard for studio and stage. It feels heavy-duty and well constructed for regular gigging but still lightweight enough to throw in your bag.
It features 32 compact keys, which is perfect for producers who don’t need a full-size keyboard but want to control all their instruments and effects with ease. You can play melodies or chords on the keys, or use them to browse your Komplete library and launch sounds.
The Komplete Kontrol M32 comes with an impressive software package including synths Massive, Monark and The Gentleman, plus basses, drums, effects – plus Ableton Live 10 Lite DAW software. It also has a powerful built-in arpeggiator with syncable rhythms, note divisions and step sequencer modes.
The controller’s OLED display shows you everything you need to know about your plug-ins and KOMPLETE Instruments – at a glance. Its touch-sensitive knobs give you intuitive control over your sound’s essential parameters in real time, letting you shape your sound with precision and finesse.
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Compatible Devices: Laptop, PC
- Brand: Novation
- Color: Black
- Number of Keys:49
- Style:49 Keys
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:30.51 x 3.5 x 10.62 inches
- Number of Buttons:61
It’s the perfect keyboard for the electronic music producer on the go. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is a 32-key USB MIDI keyboard. It’s equipped with powerful software including synths, basses, drums, effects – plus Ableton Live 10 Lite. The keys are fully assignable, and you can even customise them to fit your workflow. This keyboard features a sleek and solid design, fused with professional production features.
The NI Komplete Kontrol M32 comes with a powerful software package including synths, basses, drums, effects plus Ableton Live 10 Lite. There’s also a massive range of sounds from Native Instruments’ world-famous virtual instruments included too!
The Komplete Kontrol M32 has 32 compact keys to control all your instruments and effects. These are fully assignable so you can customise them to fit your workflow. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 features touch-sensitive knobs to tweak your sound’s essential parameters in real-time.
- Brand: Novation
- Color: Black
- Style: 61 Keys
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:38.98 x 4.72 x 12.6 inches
- Item Weight:9.26 Pounds
The Launchkey 61 from Novation is a 61-note USB keyboard controller for Ableton Live. It features 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, 8 knobs, and dedicated navigation and control buttons. The Launchkey 61’s 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads can be used for launching clips in Ableton Live, playing drum racks, or controlling your mixer. There are also eight knobs that you can use to tweak effects, instruments and plug-ins in real time.
The Launchkey 61 is class-compliant and supports plug-and-play connectivity to Mac and Windows systems, eliminating the need to install any drivers. The controller is also equally at home with iOS devices via the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately).
The included software bundle includes Ableton Live Lite music making software, Novation Bass Station VST and AU plug-in synthesizer, Novation V Station VST and AU plug-in synthesizer, Loopmasters sample pack, XLN Audio Addictive Keys virtual instrument from XLN Audio and more.
- Brand: ARTURIA
- Color: White
- Item Dimensions LxWxH:38.19 x 4.76 x 12.4 inches
- Item Weight:7.05 Pounds
- Hardware Interface: USB
This is a full-featured MIDI controller keyboard, but what makes it stand out from the crowd is that it comes with a full software package included. All the software is a great value on its own, but getting it bundled in makes this an even better deal. I love the feel of the keys and the faders, and I love having all those knobs to tweak my sounds.
For me, the most impressive part of this keyboard is the Analog Lab software. It comes with 5000 synth sounds for you to browse through, so there’s a lot of variety there. You can also browse by type of instrument — basses, leads, pads, and so on. And you can edit the sounds however you want to make them your own.
The first thing I did was start browsing through all the different piano sounds that were included with this package. There are vintage pianos and modern pianos, upright pianos and grand pianos, even electric pianos like Wurlitzers and Rhodes pianos. They all sound great! My favourite is probably the UVI Grand Piano Model D — it’s just so expressive and playable!
You can also use this as a universal MIDI controller with other software too — just map it using MIDI learn mode or download.