Top 30 Midi Controller Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Midi Controller Includes Akai, Novation, Korg, Van Damme, Roland, Arturia, Nektar, Alesis, Native Instruments, Behringer among many others.

1

Akai

Popular Brand

Akai Professional is a firm that creates unique, intuitive, and creative goods. The firm invented the first professional MPC workstation and has remained a pioneer, continually producing the best technology for artists, music producers, and DJs. It creates music production gear and software for music performance, education, and entertainment. MPK controllers are built by musicians for musicians, whether you generate electronic beats or play conventional instruments like guitar or piano. They use the best technology to expand on the time-tested MPC instruments.

2

Novation

Popular Brand

If making electronic music is your passion, you're looking at the right place. Novation is a global music and audio products group offering launchpads, groove boxes, synthesizers, and keys. Novation provides both hardware and software products. It recognizes its responsibility toward nature, and in the long run, its team is working on designs that are positive towards the environment. Their products are also sustainable.

3

Korg

Popular Brand

For nearly 50 years, Korg has been meeting the demands of musicians and music fans worldwide. Their products have evolved alongside music technology, from analog synthesizers and rhythm machines to digital workstations. Their most recent inventions, including a whole line of portable keyboards, touch pianos, and electronic instruments, will open up new realms of creative expression for musicians of all skill levels. Professionals worldwide utilize their products for everything from composing and studio recording to live performance. They are known for their commitment to grade, enactment, and creation.

4

Van Damme

Best Brand

VDC is a manufacturer and supplier of audio and video cables, that supplies products to both types of clients - personal and professional. Its products are of ultra-high quality, being a choice of researchers even. The brand supplies cables for all uses, be it stage, studio, lighting, music, Hi-Fi, connectors, broadcast, and video. It even supplies bulk cables to its customers—Silver Series, Classic XKE, Analog Multicore, Console Cables, Tour series, Ambicore, etc.

5

Roland

Best Brand

Roland has a long history of music industry innovation. It creates and manufactures electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos with outstanding sound quality and unique features as one of the world's top makers of electronic musical instruments. The company's goods are offered through authorized dealers in over 100 countries. It specializes in the production of keyboards, synthesizers, and a variety of other electronic musical instruments. Its product lines include audio production and sound reinforcement equipment, electronics, and software.

6

Arturia

Best Brand

Arturia will help you discover music with its curated instruments that enrich the sound your instruments produce. Their community embraces diversity and credits it to play an important role in the evolution of music. Their newsletters deliver expert sound tips and keep you updated regarding everything you need to know to create the sound of tomorrow. Moreover, their website involves inspiring articles of artists and their quest of unraveling the depths of music. Arturia also supports music education by supplying equipment to music instructors. They also believe in sustainability for the future and continue to work on environmental projects.

7

Nektar

Best Brand

Since its founding in 2009, Nektar Technology, Inc has been dedicated to bridging the gap between sophisticated music software and controller hardware. A myriad of instruments and effects have become available as software continues to advance. Music creation has become more approachable to the many, not just the wealthy few, thanks to software that can run on even the most basic computers. Unfortunately, the improvement of computer music hardware has lagged behind that of software, therefore the company set out on a quest to produce transparent and straightforward tangible solutions.

8

Alesis

Best Brand

Alesis is involved in the music industry. The company was established in 1980 by a music lover. They have been...

9

Native Instruments

Native Instruments combines technology and music. It is one of the leading manufacturers of hardware and software for Computer Based...

10

Behringer

Since 1989, Behringer has been engaged in the production of professional audio equipment like Microphones and Amplifiers. They make portable...

11

IK Multimedia

IK Multimedia took its roots in a small town in Italy. The town was small, but the minds were innovative,...

12

Samson

Samson Iga is a grocery company that runs multiple grocery stores across the country and also sells products through its...

13

ROLI

Nothing is better than getting all the essential tools and devices for sound-making and engineering under one roof. ROLI is...

14

MOTU

MOTU stands for 'Mark of the Unicorn' and is an engineering-driven music technology company. Its products help you in producing...

15

TASCAM

TASCAM is a music industry pioneer because of its products' quality. They have a worldwide professional customer base that loves...

16

Keith McMillen Instruments

Keith McMillen Instruments develops cutting-edge hardware and software to enable musicians to engage with computers in novel ways. The technology...

17

Line 6

Line 6 was founded as a maker of guitar effects and amplifier modeling devices. The idea behind this company is...

18

Rocktron

The new Mainline Series Power Amplifiers from Rocktron culminate years of experimentation and expertise in producing premium-end, great-sounding amplifiers. With...

19

Studiologic

Studiologic makes digital pianos, synthesizers, home organs, and other instruments. Digital pianos, keyboards, and organs with the best quality sound...

20

CME

The leading wireless MIDI business is CME. They create and provide Bluetooth, USB, and wired solutions for musical instruments. World-class...

21

tech21

Tech21 is a pioneer in developing protection solutions for Apple, Samsung, and other device manufacturers. For over 15 years, they've...

23

Reloop

Reloop was established in 1996 by a youthful gathering of music innovation specialists. Today they offer an exhaustive scope of...

24

AirTurn

Technology has advanced a lot over the last few decades and at present all the work needs to be done...

25

One Control

A guitar becomes excellent when you have the right accessories and gear. One Control offers high-quality products and replacement parts...

26

Omnitronic

27

faderfox

28

Gemini

Gemini has the most incredible prices on pro audio equipment and offers free delivery on all orders. Their range of...

29

Artist

Artist Guitars US, founded by Ian Bush in 2009, is a guitar manufacturing brand that produces guitar accessories and bags...

30

Apogee

Apogee Acoustics was initially based in Boston and was later rebranded in 2001 in Australia. It comprises a small group...

Midi Controller Buying Guide

If you are a musician, producer or DJ, considering purchasing a MIDI controller is a smart move. It not only allows you to manipulate digital audio workstations (DAWs), but also provides you with manual control over your sound in live performances. MIDI controllers have become an essential tool for music production and can range from compact portable units to larger, more complex models. In this article, we will be discussing the different factors to consider when buying a MIDI controller and suggest some of the best options available on the market.

What is a MIDI controller?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a communication protocol that enables devices to talk to each other in a standardized manner. A MIDI controller is a device that sends MIDI messages to another device, such as a synthesizer, sampler or DAW. This allows musicians and producers to manipulate sounds and parameters using physical knobs, faders, pads, and buttons.

MIDI controllers come with different features and specifications. So it is important to choose the right one that best suits your needs and budget to avoid disappointment. Below are some factors to consider when selecting a MIDI controller.

Type of MIDI Controller

There are different types of MIDI controllers to choose from, depending on your preferred playing style, genre of music and live performance setup. The following are some of the most common types:

  • Keyboard Controllers: As the name suggests, these are MIDI controllers that come with piano-style keys, just like a keyboard. They allow you to play and record melodies, chords and basslines easily. There are different sizes and configurations available, ranging from compact 25-key models to larger 88-key models. If you are a pianist, then a keyboard controller would be the best option for you.
  • Pad Controllers: Pad controllers are designed to trigger drum samples, sequenced loops and digital percussion. They come with a set of pads which can be configured to send different MIDI notes or CC messages. Pad controllers are popular amongst hip-hop, EDM and beat makers who use them to create grooves and beats.
  • Knob/Fader Controllers: Knob and fader controllers provide manual control over plugin parameters, such as EQ, compression, reverb, and filters. They are ideal for live performances, as they allow you to adjust levels and effects in real-time. They come in different shapes and sizes, with some featuring motorized faders for enhanced precision.
  • All-In-One Controllers: These are MIDI controllers that combine all the features mentioned above into a single unit. They are ideal for producers who need a versatile solution for both studio and live use. However, they tend to be more expensive than single-purpose controllers.

Connectivity

Another important factor to consider when choosing a MIDI controller is the connectivity options. Most MIDI controllers come with USB ports, which allows them to connect to a computer directly. However, some models offer alternative connectivity options, such as MIDI In/Out, CV/Gate, and Bluetooth.

MIDI In/Out ports are useful for connecting to external synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers. CV/Gate outputs are used to control analog gear such as modular synthesizers. Bluetooth connectivity is useful for wireless connectivity to mobile devices and computers.

Build Quality

The build quality of a MIDI controller determines its durability and longevity. High-end models tend to be made of high-quality materials, such as aluminum, and have solid construction. Cheaper models tend to use plastic materials, which may not be as robust. It is important to choose a MIDI controller that can withstand the rigors of travel, touring and live performances.

Number of Controls

The number of controls on a MIDI controller is another important factor to consider. The number of controls you need depends on your playing style, the type of music you produce, and the size of your live/performance setup. If you are a keyboard player, you may want a MIDI controller with a full set of piano-style keys and multiple knobs, faders and buttons to manipulate sounds. If you are a beat maker, you may want a pad controller with a large number of pads to trigger samples and loops.

Software Integration

Most MIDI controllers come with dedicated software that allows you to configure and customize the device's controls. Some controllers are specifically designed to work with certain DAWs, such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro X. Make sure to check if your chosen controller is compatible with your preferred software.

Price

The price of a MIDI controller varies depending on its features, build quality and brand. Cheaper models tend to have fewer controls, limited connectivity options and lower build quality. High-end models, on the other hand, tend to have more features, better construction, and enhanced connectivity options. It is important to choose a MIDI controller that fits your budget.

Top MIDI Controllers on the Market

Now that we've gone through the factors to consider when choosing a MIDI controller, let's take a look at some of the best options available on the market.

  • Akai MPK Mini MK3: The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a compact and affordable keyboard/pad controller with 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 pads, 8 knobs, and 4-way joystick. It comes with a comprehensive software bundle that includes AIR Music Tech's Hybrid 3 and Toolroom Expansions, as well as a copy of Ableton Live Lite. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent choice for producers who need a portable and versatile controller.
  • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32: The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is a compact keyboard controller with 32 keys, 8 touch-sensitive knobs, and a built-in OLED display. It comes with Komplete Start, a software bundle that includes over 2,000 sounds and effects from Native Instruments. The Komplete Kontrol M32 is an ideal choice for producers who use NI's Komplete audio software.
  • Novation Launchpad Pro MK3: The Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 is a pad controller with 64 RGB pads, 32 assignable buttons, and a customizable touchstrip. It also comes with a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, and it can be used to control external hardware via MIDI or CV/Gate. The Launchpad Pro MK3 is ideal for producers who need a powerful and versatile pad controller.
  • Arturia KeyLab MKII: The Arturia KeyLab MKII is a high-end keyboard controller with 49 or 61 keys, 16 RGB pads, 9 faders, and 9 rotary encoders. It also comes with a comprehensive software bundle that includes Analog Lab, Arturia Piano V, and Ableton Live Lite. The KeyLab MKII is an ideal choice for professional producers who need a full-featured and customizable keyboard controller.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right MIDI controller requires careful consideration of your playing style, live/performance setup, software compatibility, and budget. It is important to choose a MIDI controller with the features and controls that best suit your needs, and that is built to last. The Akai MPK Mini MK3, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32, Novation Launchpad Pro MK3, and Arturia KeyLab MKII are some of the best MIDI controllers available on the market today.

Categories Similar to Midi Controller

Top similar topics to Midi Controller Includes Electronic Keyboards, Recording Studio, Audio Interface among many others.