The world of funds MIDI keyboards is aggressive to say the least. There are numerous corporations cranking out keyboards underneath $300, ranging in dimension 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 onerous to go fallacious selecting any of them—they’ll all get the job achieved.
Nonetheless there are just a few, relying in your specific wants, that rise to the highest. In the event you’re a person of Arturia or Native Instrument plugins, your finest bets are their respective KeyLab Important and Komplete Kontrol A sequence. However in case you’re not locked into a selected firm’s ecosystem, or in case your DAW (digital audio workstation) of alternative is Ableton Dwell, then Novation’s Launchkey sequence 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 via and thru. The bigger 49- and 61-key fashions have semi-weighted keybeds which can be first rate, however not nice. (The 37- and 25-key fashions have synth-action keybeds which can be much more meh.) It’s principally plastic. And connectivity choices are fundamental however sufficient: 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 countless encoders, 16 pads, and numerous buttons. The faders and pads are fairly mediocre. The faders really feel a little bit low cost and free, and the pads simply can’t compete with these on Akai controllers. They’re fantastic for launching clips, however I wouldn’t need to finger drum on them. The buttons are pleasantly clicky, although, and the transfer from potentiometers to encoders means you don’t should cope with the chaos of parameters unexpectedly leaping round as you flip knobs.
{Photograph}: Terrence O’Brien
