(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best computer recording midi controllers

So assuming that all normal PC components are included (PC, display, keyboard, mouse), as well as monitors or headphones, this is what I'd do:

DAW: Cakewalk by Bandlab [FREE]

• Having a DAW should really be the first thing you look at. I don't use Cakewalk personally but I've tried it and for the price, it's unbeatable.
  
  Interface: BEHRINGER UMC22[$59]
  
  
• A very affordable interface with the very good MIDAS preamp. Great value for all of your initial interface needs.
  
  Mic: Audio-Technica AT2020 [$99]
  
  
• Again, a very affordable, but decent, mic. As it's a large diaphragm condenser, it's extremely versatile and will sound great on everything from guitar to vocals.
  
  MIDI Controller: Alesis VMini [$49]
  
  
• For the budget, you'd only need a basic midi controller and Alesis is a tried and true brand in this price segment.
  
  VSTs/Plugins:
  I'd try to get by using as many free VSTs, as well as what's included in Cakewalk. Here's a list of decent free stuff that'd get you started:
  
  Guitar amp sims: LePuo free collection [FREE]
  
  
• LePou is really the gold standard of free guitar plugins. With a bit of tweaking, they sound great. I'd definitely pair them with the TSE Audio TS-808 tubescreamer (also free).
  
  Drum sim: MT Power Drum Kit [FREE]
  
  
• A Steven Slate-style drum VST with good samples and a decent groove editor. For the price, you can't go wrong.
  
  Other plugins:
  
  
• For synths, effects and other plugins, VST4FREE is your friend. They have a great selection of free stuff.
  
  Assuming your PC is relatively recent and has enough horsepower to run a production suite, and you have monitors/headphones that are fine for mixing, this would be a great place to start out. Also, even after buying extras like cables, mic stands, pop filters etc, I'd say you have about $200-250 left for whatever genre specific stuff you'd want - whether it be a used guitar, a second mic (such as the Shure SM57 [$95]) or a second hand hardware synthesizer, for instance.

My suggestion assumes you already have FL Studio, a capable PC, and $100 to spend on a MIDI keyboard, specifically the Akai MPK Mini mkII because it's widely available and has a little bit of everything for you to learn with. I'm also assuming you have 4-8 hours everyday to spend on production-related things and that you'll use all of that time.

Day 1: Become familiar with the general layout of FL Studio.

• Rearrange the buttons at the top of the screen (right click>edit) so that the things you'll use the most (playlist, channel rack, mixer, piano roll, audio editor) are all in one row.
  
  
• Plug in your MIDI keyboard and configure it in options>MIDI settings to get it working with FL Studio.
  
  
• Open FPC and learn how to map your drum pads to it, and also how to route them to their own mixer channels.
  
  
• Learn how to link the knobs on your MIDI keyboard to the ones in FL Studio.
  
  
• Learn to color-code your sounds in the playlist/channel rack/mixer. It sounds relatively unimportant but it's one of the most important things.
  
  Days 2-10: Get acquainted with your keyboard and drum pads.
  
  
• Label the keys on your keyboard. Start with a piece of scotch tape on each key, then write the letters over the tape, then put another piece of tape over the writing so you don't wipe it off while playing. It's tedious but you only have to do it once, and having that visual aide can be helpful in numerous ways.
  
  
• Learn some scales and chords; D and G scales are a good place to start for making hip-hop beats but there are no actual rules about it, so do whatever sounds good to you.
  
  
• Find a scale you like and play it until you can do it with your eyes closed, then play it with your eyes closed until you can start to improvise with it. Play it forward and backward, then try playing it but skip every other note. Playing every other note in a scale can help you find chords and build your own chord progressions instead of Googling one and boxing yourself in with it every time you go to make something.
  
  
• In FPC, create your own drum layout or find one online that makes sense to you. Once you've made or found one you can jam with, save it as an FPC preset and stick with it so you build muscle memory toward it. Change the sounds, but never the layout.
  
  
• Start putting together a beat for the sake of learning, because you'll need it for the next phase.
  
  Days 10-15: Learn about common mixer effects, and practice applying them to a variety of sounds. This includes but is not limited to:
  
  
• Compression
  
  
• EQ
  
  
• Reverb
  
  
• Delay
  
  
• High Pass/Low Pass Filters
  
  
• Distortion
  
  There are stock plugins for all of those effects in FL Studio, so you'll at least be able to mess with those.
  
  Days 15-20: Learn Automation. It is a key part of adding motion and life to your tracks.
  
  Days 20-30: Make some beats, and try to use as much of your knowledge as you can in every beat. Don't take more than a day or two to finish each one, because at the beginning it's most important to repeat all of the aforementioned steps until you get to a point where you can sit down and work without thinking too hard about the technical process.
  
  The day numbers are irrelevant because everyone learns at a different pace, but that's the order you should do things, in my opinion.
  
  A few side notes:
  
  
• At some point you should get some new sounds (drum kits, VSTs, mixer effects) and the better you are at pirating things, the more you'll have available to you, so I suggest learning the basics of torrenting as well if you're not rich or above it.
  
  
• If you end up with a bunch of different drum kits, make a folder for all the drums you use the most so you don't have to look for them every time. Do everything you can to minimize the amount of time you spend setting up or finding things, so you maximize the time you spend on the creative process.
  
  
• The Akai Mini is a good starter keyboard, but eventually you should upgrade to one with 49 keys so you can play a wider range with both hands and learn more advanced piano/keyboard techniques. When you get to that point, I highly recommend the Akai MPK249 because it would also be an upgrade to your drum pads and give you MIDI faders to automate things with as well.
  
  Hope this helps, even if it's not exactly what you were hoping for.

GarageBand is super easy, and more capable than you might think. It definitely has limitations (some of which I ran into making this track), but you can definitely put together interesting music with it. For making Homestuck/chiptune-sounding stuff, you'll want the magical 8bit plugin.

My biggest recommendation would be to use premade samples carefully. The GarageBand sample library is very high quality, but not very big, so a lot of the best samples are pretty overused and will immediately stand out to an experienced listener.

So yeah. I'd recommend picking up a cheap USB MIDI controller--something like this would work--and seeing what you can come up with. It's a lot of fun

Honestly, a 49 key midi controller would be perfect. I use mine for practicing piano as well, but it's great for recording music as well. Since you have logic pro, you're probably better off finding the best cheapest midi keyboard, because the more pricey ones have more features, and include more software which doesn't seem necessary for your situation. This could work for you, but I'd also check out M Audio keyboards as u/Dawn_Light mentioned already. They're pretty solid. Check craigslist too because I always see 49 key midi controllers there for really cheap. Hope some of that helped!

I'm definitely not looking to go above 49 keys atm. I've been using my computer keyboard to produce music at this point and I am no piano player, so 25 will probably be enough to start but maybe I should make the jump to 49 now so it's a little future proof. Unfortunately I don't have a nice enough laptop that I would want to produce with or I'd take the 25 for mobility alone.

Interesting you say that about the quality of the pads, /u/dillpickle108 says pretty much the exact opposite as you. I've also read online that Novation makes great products but you're the second person ITT now to say otherwise, maybe I should avoid them, but the Impulse especially looked really great.

The biggest thing I'm worried about with the Akai is that it doesn't have a screen for selecting the channel and all that, which seems really useful - as do the wheels on the side of the others. It looks great tho and I like the size and position of the drum pads. I'm curious what you think of the Nektar? Seems to have the best of everything I want with the lower price tag, a little worried about the quality tho and I don't enjoy the look of it as much, but that's hardly important.

Software: Reaper.fm (DAW comparable to Pro Tools but only $60 rather than like $1,250). Also the demo never expires so you can keep using it forever. But if you actually start making $ with your music don't be a dick - buy the software.

Hardware: Any MIDI keyboard would work. If you have a Guitar Center nearby they probably have like 50 MIDI keyboards for less than $40.

Also a 'drum pad' is an electronic device that lets you tap out drum beats onto little buttons. Way easier than programming a beat manually. Examples

Some nicer MIDI keyboards even come with drum pads built in. Example

As for digital instruments, a google search for 'free VST instrument' should bring up a couple hundred thousand different ones for you to play with.

May also have better luck in /r/WeAreTheMusicMakers, the sub where the producers all hang out.

EDIT: If at all possible I'd try to buy everything used. The only music equipment I don't buy used is microphones and that's because used mics taste like stale beer and cigarettes. Guitar Center and Sam Ash should both have decent used gear selections. Also I've bought a few big guitar amps MusicGoRound and have nothing but good things to say about them.

Why not both! The theory is the same, it's just the hand skills that are different. You'll probably find yourself gravitating to one or the other which is fine. Practice 30min - 1hour a day and you should pick it up pretty quickly. Tons of online tutorials for both instruments, just make sure you actually play along and do the exercises because just watching isn't good enough. Money wise you could get both a uke and mini keyboard for under $200 total.

​

Kala makes cheap ukuleles that sound pretty damn good. Their more expensive ones are good too, but no need to spend that much yet. Lohanu's are super popular and sound good as well.

Soprano is the more traditional size, Concert is a little bigger with a bit more fret spacing which is nice if you have big hands.

Ukes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F543PAW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015XD4YLY

Useful accessories:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JI3XDDK

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QL1EZC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MC5TMJB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D1N49MC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RALL

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Midi Keyboards (Note: these connect to your computer):

Komplete Kontrol M32 (best software bundle by far)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N2VQ1NH

Arturia MiniLab MkII 25

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSNIVKE

Akai MPK Mini MKII

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJ6QAO2

Novation Launchkey Mini 25

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVNOMGI

​

Too lazy to do useful accessories for this at the moment.

my boyfriend has been really into music (mostly hip hop/rap) since he was a kid and has recently expressed an interest in the producing side of things. he’s mentioned a couple of times that he’d like a keyboard or synthesizer, so i thought i’d get him one for Christmas this year.

i should emphasize that he’s never played an instrument before; i’m sure he doesn’t know how to read notes or anything. i played the piano for about 10 years growing up so i at least can help him out with some of the basics, but what i don’t know anything about is keyboards or synthesizers.

i just want to get him a solid option for beginners. i don’t want to spend too much money (hopefully $150 or less?) in case he tries it and isn’t into it. i don’t know if a keyboard or a synthesizer would be a better fit for him and his interests. below are a few options i pulled from amazon, but again, i don’t know anything about any of this so if you have suggestions please let me know! i really really appreciate all your help in advance, i’ll send gold to a few of those who reply later this evening :)

1

2

3

4

5

6

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Novation and M-Audio are usually best sellers, and are fairly common in home studios. I prefer the feel of the Novation Impulse line, and the M Audio Axiom Air series. I would probably choose an M-Audio midi controller if all you have is around 200. Behringer used to be ok, but major companies (Musicians Friend, Guitar Center) have dropped them from their product line, and support is nearly impossible from Behringer. I had to order a piece from Behringer for a customer, and it took 2 months just to get a hold of the right part number, then another month to get the part shipped from the factory.

Alesis is great as well, if you dont need all the drum pads, knobs, or sliders.

In the 200 dollar range you should do just fine, I would grab an Axiom Air 25, or a Novation launchkey 49. If you need the 61 keys, get a basic M-Audio keystation, or Oxygen. Those UXM610 feel like spongecake, and have connectivity and mapping issues.

Get this one for 61 keys.

Links for days!

here

here

and here

Let me know if i can help you out!

No, it's the same thing as with these pianos. The sound quality difference between a 500 dollar upright and a 20 000 dollar grand is pretty big, let's say the grand piano sounds 10 times as good!. But the sound quality difference between a 20 000 dollar grand and a 200 000 dollar grand is not 10 times anymore, not even 2! And between a 200 000 dollar grand and a 2.5 million dollar one, it's even smaller!

It's the same with headphones. Does a HD660S give better sound then a sennheiser amperior? yeah of course, but that difference is small enough that it does not warrant the price increase.

We are trying to get the best price/quality remember! There are midi controllers especially for playing software piano's that are better than that Roland A-88 (Kawai VPC1 for example) but they are not twice as good but they are twice as expensive!


Why pay 2000 dollar instead of 1000 dollars for something that is only marginally better?

$200 dollar amperior sennheisers (if you can still find them) are not entry level headphones. They are price quality masters. I would never ever pay more than 300 dollars for headphones, it's just not worth it. Put that extra money in something that matters more. Bang for buck you know.

For some reason Sweetwater site just doesn't load for me, but I'm sure google will help.

Based on what I've got from your post APC key25 seems like the best choice - 25 semi-decent keys + 40 pads for triggering tracks/clips + 8 knobs in one controller. I doubt drumming on keys will be comfortable, but its a start (:

Will probably get a separate pad for drums later down the line.

Many thanks!

I recently impulsively bought a Roland JD-Xi, as my first ever synth and music instrument in general, at Guitar Center after visiting and seeing it was $100 off. There's a 45 day return policy so I'm can always get my money back if I end up regretting my purchase, though I'm enjoying it so far.

However, I'm itching to practice playing the keyboard itself, so that I can both play songs I know and also create more interesting tracks on my synth, but I'm finding the 37 mini-key keyboard on the JD-Xi to be a bit limiting. I'm considering buying a separate 61 key MIDI controller and connecting it to my JD-Xi, and putting them both on some two-tier stand.

Does this seem like a waste to have the JD-Xi then? Would I be better off getting the MIDI controller and a synth with a smaller/no keyboard that's cheaper? The 4-track pattern sequencer is one of my favorite aspects of the JD-Xi, and I don't really see another synth with something similar.

Or, rather, would getting a separate MIDI controller help me bring out the most of the JD-Xi?

Also, in terms of controllers, I'm not looking to spend a ton since I just spent a decent amount on the synth, just a basic velocity sensitive 61 key keyboard with MIDI out, and possibly some knobs that can be assigned to control some of the menu parameters for the JD-Xi. Here's some of the ones I found:

midiplus i61 [$84] Pretty basic

midiplus Origin 62 [$126] Has a bunch of knobs and such that I can use for the synth, but apparently the velocity sensing is mediocre

Nektar Impact GX61 [$120] Pretty good reviews, has some MIDI assignable buttons. I'm assuming it has 5 prong MIDI out, but it's hard to tell from the picture.

M-Audio Oxygen Series 61 [$120] Seems decent all around, but again, it doesn't look like it has a 5 prong MIDI out, just a USB.

Any suggestions?

Hey man, I was thinking in the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MKII, but it has mini keys (smaller that the normal size). The same for the other you mentioned.
So I changed my mind and I bought the Alesis V25, which is the same price ish, and it has really nice keys (not the heavy ones, but heavy enough). It also has 4 knobs, 4 cc buttons, 8 pads with pretty cool sensibility and more.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/V25-USB-Keyboard-Controller-Alesis/dp/B00IWWBSD6/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1481470496&sr=1-1&keywords=alesis+v25

Anyway, I recommended you go to the shop and try then in the flesh!
Please let us know your choice.
Cheers!

Get a MIDI keyboard they range from $50 to $500 I have the Alesis VI25 and I love it. After that get some form of software and don't be afraid to pirate it if necessary so you can learn and then later purchase (Fruity Loops, Ableton, Reason, Logic, Pro Tools) the list goes on and on. After that get used to using the software and practice setup of equipment. Once you're at this point, just mess around make an eight bar drum beat that changes up a little bit at the end and learn by experience; there are 30 minute tutorials on things you can learn in 30 seconds by experimenting. Good luck.

My current setup is:

• Alesis VI25 MIDI Controller
  
  
• FL Studio 12 the $200 version I forgot the name though
  
  
• Mackie MK3 studio monitors ( CR3's are great also from what I've heard and KRK Rokit's are probably the most common)
  
  
• MXL 990 Condenser microphone
  
  
• channel mixers, guitar cabinet, microphone shield, amp, record player with sampler, it goes on and on.
  
  At the end of the day to get started you need:
  
  MIDI keyboard- $50-500
  My keyboard- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWVL3SW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_zqPrxbAG99C9H
  
  Software- $50-1000+
  My Software- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WARLG8G/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_OrPrxbNFP6ZW8
  
  I hope this helps if you need anymore information PM me.
  
  
  
  
  

Nektar IMPACT LX25+

The integration of the Nektar line with Reason is incredible. Basically it allows you to switch banks in any of the instruments using the keyboard (no mouse). It auto maps all of the dials and pads as well. Yes it's got some stuff you seemingly won't use, but it's well built and pretty amazing for $100.

Thanks PotatoJo, that's my understanding as well. I want an 88 key keyboard so I guess I'm not sure if I'm better off getting

1. a Push and a super cheap lightweight midi keyboard
   or
   
2. a more expensive midi keyboard like this or this

I have a Kawai VPC1 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNUIOX6) that I use almost daily for early morning practice so I don't disturb the neighbors with our acoustic grand. I use it solely for classical playing, but since it doesn't make sound on it's own and you have to hook it up to a computer for sound, it should be pretty flexible if what it can do. Only caveat is that it's pretty heavy so moving it around can be a hassle if you plan on bringing it places.

​

It is a bit out of your price range, but throwing it out there as you may stumble across a used one.

Hi and thanks for your post!

I'm trying to find a 61 key MIDI controller or keyboard, with the most important aspect for me is its size. I need it to be small, specially its height, because I want it to fit right behind my PC keyboard, on the drawer, which is relatively large.
The space of my keyboard drawer is 33"15"2.5".

I've found this keyboard which seems alright. Any other recommendations? How about narrower keys so it doesn't choke up the drawer space?

Thank you!

I like Akai stuff, but there is a lot of good stuff out there. Yamaha is also great.

My first keyboard was one of these. It was pretty good but I recently replaced it with an Oxygen 61 which has better keys IMO.

If you are trying to get the Keyrig 49 look around for second hand ones.

I'm assuming you want weighted keys since you say you're wanting to learn piano and you want a "good feel".

Yes, you are rightly skeptical, because anything under $300-$400 will not have weighted keys, except for maybe the Casio CDP when on sale, so I didn't even need to click the link to verify that. Note: "semi-weighted" is NOT weighted, it's the same as springy unweighted action.

There aren't many pure midi controllers that have weighted keys, and the ones that do seem to be pretty pricey (usually $1000+). You can usually get a full weighted keyboard / digital piano, which of course still acts as a midi controller, cheaper than a fully weighted midi controller -- the difference being that with the digital piano you rarely get all the extra assignable knobs/sliders that you typically get in a midi controller. So if you don't need the knobs/sliders, look at weighted keyboards / digital pianos (and you may find it's handy to not always have to connect it to your computer). See our FAQ in the sidebar -- Purchasing a Digital Keyboard for advice, and look at the Casio PX series and Yamaha P-series online. Make sure they have USB Midi to make it easier & cheaper for you to connect to your computer.

You'll still usually be looking at $500+ for those keyboards. As a comparison though, the cheapest midi controller with 88 weighted keys that I could find in a quick search was the Akai Professional MPK88 and it's still $700.

These other threads may have some info for you:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/piano/comments/2rgd8o/getting_a_keyboard_midi_controller_need_advice/
  
  
• http://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers/comments/11nj5x/looking_for_recommendations_on_a_88key_weighted/
  
  
• http://www.reddit.com/r/WeAreTheMusicMakers/comments/ne1u2/can_anyone_recommend_good_fullyweighted_keys_or/
  
  
• 88 key midi controllers: http://www.sweetwater.com/c518--88_Key_Controllers (remember: anything under $400 has unweighted keys)
  
  

I have no idea what your answer is gonna be. But mine is making music.

I recommend doing something creative. Because I guarantee you, there's no end to it. It's as time consuming as you want it to be. And the more time and work you invest, the more you get out of it. There's always new heights you can achieve.

And you will be rewarded with pleasures greater than any game could ever give you. It's hard to explain, there are no words for it.

You could try producing, since you have habit to be at your computer anyway. Here's what you'll need:

A midi keyboard and a program of your choice. Cubase Elements, Ableton Lite, Fruity Loops, etc.

Go to a local music store, you might get a good deal including both keyboard and program.

Honestly this will be good for starting out. https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-IMPACT-LX25-Impact/dp/B01M0KBF9F

​

This is what I use. Bought it at a pawn shop for $80 https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Oxygen-25-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B00IWTZZ8S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=m-audio+oxygen+25+mk+iv&qid=1572493501&sr=8-3

​

Either one is great for beginning. Don't blow 4k on a bunch of stuff. keep an eye on sales for plug in's too. I have got a few good ones that cost me no more then $15 on sale. Hybrid 3 was on sale the other day for a few bucks. Get it if it still is. Also black friday/cyber monday is coming up. I also got a serum subscription for $10 a month.

If you want cheap, the M-Audio Keystation is very basic, but awesome, and it comes with synthesizer software or can be used as a controller for other ones like FL Studio.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-49-Note-Controller-Keyboard/dp/B0002A9V6C

I got mine for $60, so take a look around!

A midi-device would do this with a media player / effects player that allows hotkeying. I stream audio from my Mac (streaming from Windows, but my Mac is where my audio lives) and use the program Soundboard by Ambrosia. I'm not aware of ones for PC, but I'm sure they're out there. You can use a midi-controller like this or something similar to customize to your liking.

Get a full size 88 (or 61, or 49) key midi keyboard to use in FL Studio and learn piano on it too. They cost around $100.

Here's a good starter one: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-49-Note-Controller-Keyboard/dp/B0002A9V6C/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1369189875&sr=1-4&keywords=M-Audio+Keystation

And if you want more controls on one get this:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-OXYGEN49MK3-Oxygen-MIDI-Controller/dp/B009ZUKY52/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

If you have a bit more to spend:
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-Keyboard-Controller-Semi-Weighted/dp/B0006676A0/ref=sr_1_12?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1369189875&sr=1-12&keywords=M-Audio+Keystation

Good Luck Finding the right instrument or midi controller!

Firstly, you should watch some videos of people using different gear and giving it reviews to see if it fits what you want.

I'm not sure why you would want a mixer unless you had a lot of physical instruments and/or mics that you need record at the same time. If you really want some sliders there are things like MPDs or APCs. I can't play the piano, so I don't mind having a little keyboard. I like the keystation mini 32, because it has a lot of keys, but it is very small.

There are more simple pads like the Korg padKontrol.

If you really want an abelton specific controller consider getting the push. It's expensive though.

As I said, look up videos of everything.

That controller has pads, and I think it will be fine. But if you really want a 61-key controller with pads, then look at the Nektar Impact LX61+. You can get something cheaper if you don't need the pads (like the GX61), but LX61+ is one of the more affordable 61-key controllers with pads built-in. There's also the Alesis V61, but I would skip that one because it lacks dedicated transport controls (something I use often), and the VI61 is somewhat better (although more expensive).

There are two full-size 61 key MIDI controllers with MIDI Out for sale new for less than the Nektar Impact already mentioned: the Midiplus X6 Mini ($105) and the Midiplus i61 ($83). Those are really bottom of the barrel though; the Nektar is probably at least decent.

If you want a the cheapest new 61-key synth (not just a controller), you could try the Korg Kross 61. It's Korg's entry level workstation and it's pretty awesome. Weighs less than 10 pounds, tons of sounds, and great live performance functionality. I bought a demo model for $630 (new it's $700) and have been nothing but happy with it both live and in the studio. There's also the Yamaha MX61 ($700) which is fantastic, and the Roland Juno DS61 (also $700) which I have no experience with. All three have similar features.

Of course, there are also plenty of 61-key digital pianos and home keyboards.

Since you were comparing to first act I showed the cheapest possible. IMO if your goal is to determine if you are interested in getting further into keyboard playing I would recco something large enough to do normal two-handed stuff on (like https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-Impact-GX61-Controller-Keyboard/dp/B01EN0FWUU). If you just want to be able to enter notes easy instead of click a midi grid or keyboard type in a DAW or something, those tiny ones will do fine though.

Would this be a good option so its kinda best of both worlds maybe?

I just bought a 25 key midi/synth controller. I have no idea why, but I'm gonna be creatin' some sweet tunes. I know it's a good brand, so that may be why I impulsed it.

Yes, just make sure you get the MK3. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-MK3-Semi-Weighted-USB-Powered/dp/B07DDN6TP6

​

I think 49-key is plenty, as you also have the Octave switch to move up or down the scale if you need to. Also, $99 for a decent 49-key semi-weighted is a good price.

Thanks for the tip, but I am really ONLY interested in a synth/ beatpad combo. Something along the lines of these for example:

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Graphite-49-MIDI-Controller/dp/B0077AMRWU/ref=sr_1_21?keywords=keyboard+pitch+shift+and+sample&qid=1571178373&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-21

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https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK249-Semi-Weighted-Workstations/dp/B00IJ7FGSC/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=keyboard+pitch+shift+and+sample&pd_rd_i=B00IJ7FGSC&pd_rd_r=7d27dee6-cbcf-4dbe-adcc-ed95caf9c6dc&pd_rd_w=SfeBg&pd_rd_wg=2JSbM&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=CYRBAP4E7NZM5FDZSQHN&qid=1571178373&s=musical-instruments

There aren't any good ones new for < $100. That being said the best of the 'rest' is probably the Arturia minilab 25. A few alternates are the Alesis q25 or Akai MPK MINI.

If you can save up for it, I prefer the Nektar LX25 and the Alesis VI25

I feel like USB-only "MIDI" keyboards are generally somewhat cheaper - I have a cheap Acorn 49-key that's held up pretty well (http://www.amazon.com/Acorn-Instruments-Masterkey-49-Controller/dp/B005EU6KYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410399433&sr=8-1&keywords=acorn+keyboard) for several months.

Mac mini. No comparison.

$5-600 bucks. Has garageband and itunes and a bunch of other cool apps right out of the box.

Then get this USB pre-Amp to plug in a mic and/or a guitar, and get this MIDI Keyboard and you're totally in business.

It uses whatever monitor/keyboard/mouse you want to put on it,

You don't have to worry about spec'ing drives or power supplies or whatever. Plug it in and it works and it jams.

It will also give you a long road to follow until you need to upgrade to the mac pro.

As far as power, it has what any home studio will need -- I know web designers that run graphics packages on mac mini's and it works for them.

Stick with a mac and you'll be happy you did.

I’ll see what they say! Thanks for the advice. It certainly puts the price up - I was initially [looking at this though.](Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs and Buttons Plus Production Software Included https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IWWHIUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_0YHbAbBCMN6EA)

This thing. It works fine, but I only used it twice. I since got a Prophet '08, and its keys are of course much better, so I use it to control everything.

Definitely https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWVL3SW?psc=1 if you are looking under 200 dollars and he doesent require many keys(and it doesent sound like he does).

APC 40 is not for making beats. You can use it to trigger loops but not as a drum pad.

The first generation PUSH is only $70 more new on amazon than an apc40 and can be used to make beats as well do anything the APC can do.

https://www.amazon.com/Ableton-Push-Controller-Touch-Sensitive-Encoders/dp/B00AZ98TVS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1466804698&sr=8-6&keywords=apc40

Ok so I found a laptop that fits the budget and requirements. The guy even confirmed it worked with reaper. Since I have a bit left over should I still use reaper or would you recommend a different program.
This was the only midi I could find. Will it do?

http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-APC-Key-Performance/dp/B00J3Z4Y8C/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450722745&sr=1-2&keywords=akai+mpk+mini&refinements=p_36%3A1253547011

found more complaining on amazon reviews Even with velocity settings changes, sometimes it feels like you have to strike too hard to get the velocity you like but maybe this free MIDI Polysher can help a bit.

Unfortunately, synthesizers don't run that cheap. For a 61-74 key synth, you're looking at $500-1000. However, if you're not looking for the keyboard to produce it's own tones, the Alesis v61 is pretty good.

Then you may want to grab something like this. Bit expensive but totally worth it.

I have this one . It’s fantastic

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-MK3-Semi-Weighted-USB-Powered/dp/B07DDN6TP6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542507862&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=midi%2Bkeyboards&psc=1&th=1

Is this a good midi keyboard? any issues or better recommendations?

Why not get the Akai? About the same price and much better IMO
https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-AP-CON-020-MPK249/dp/B00IJ7FGSC

It'd definitely be possible with a 25 key midi keyboard

Looks like this:


https://www.amazon.com/midiplus-X6-mini-Controller-white/dp/B01MFHGQOG

Its looks like Acorn Instruments Masterkey 49 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard

I don't think so, here is a screenshot from my computer of the Amazon page for the model I bought. http://imgur.com/a/h4ffG

And here is the Amazon page itself.

Controllers could go from 2k - ~70k. It depends, do you want a lot of knobs/sliders/pads to play with? If not I guess something like this should be enough.

i had my eye on the alesis v-mini cause its got some drum pads and some control things that i would probably be confused about and it looks pretty

I got a similiar keyboard to this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Acorn-Instruments-Masterkey-49-Controller/dp/B005EU6KYG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412430540&sr=8-4&keywords=midi+controller+49

for 90$ and I cant really complain.

This is the product

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/MIDI-Controller/Novation-AMS-LAUNCHPAD-S-MK2-Launchpad-Mk2-Ableton-Live/B00YR47GQQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482107674&sr=8-2&keywords=launchpad

It's the 88 key. It's an $800 controller: http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK88-Hammer-Controller/dp/B002QXLJ6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449780234&sr=8-1&keywords=akai+professional+mpk88

I have this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EN0FWUU - you can plug it into your laptop and make songs on GarageBand. I’m a beginner and it works for me.

Your rent is $30?

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-OXYGEN-25-Key-Controller-9900-41392-00/dp/B000ED4CUW

Amazon.com has it for US$149, which is 29 pounds cheaper than AmazonUK. Shipment prices to Portugal are $12.99 per item plus $3.49/lb. Weight for the Launchpad = 2lbs, so total price = $170, or 137 British pounds.

[Alesis VI25 Advanced 25-Key USB MIDI Pad/Keyboard Controller] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWVL3SW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_6GEnub0MBA9ZJ)

Or if you can go slightly over $200-

[Alesis VI49 Advanced 49-Key USB MIDI Pad/Keyboard Controller] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWVWUWA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_TIEnub1KMDMZT)

I've had the alesis q49 for about 2 years, now with not one single issue. And it's been through some hell.

I had the original mpk mini, and the USB port stopped working within a year, and it never left my desk.

That AKAI thing has 3.5-4 star reviews, which is in "suck" territory. If you want to get picky, find something with 4.5-5 star reviews. Your stated price / attraction to the AKAI is 1/2 of retail price. I would hardly call that a decision point. -and $400. is still a lot of money. https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK88-Hammer-Controller/dp/B002QXLJ6S

READ THE REVIEWS

Basically, these things are ass. I don't know what's going on inside of these things but something isn't working right in its internal design. Something is flawed overall. I'd say go to guitar center and find a good hammer action keyboard. This thing may look up to snuff but it's not. Save your money for a piece of gear more reliable.

___

This has 5 star reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-IMPACT-LX88-MIDI-Controller/dp/B01LYAA8GN/

I have just realised that I linked the wrong keyboard. Instead of the Akai, it would be this Nektar Impact LX25+ USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with DAW Integration https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M0KBF9F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_i5-OCbTX36NHS . Does that sway your decision at all?

Agreed on massive disappointment. I missed the boat on FIFA 15...

I'm close to trading in my consoles and game time for this and start learning to produce music again.

arturia minilab mk2

if you want full size keys try this or this

stay away from the launchkey it has terrible keys that feel like ass, it's only good if you want the clip launching features for ableton

the akai mpk mini is okay while it lasts but eventually the keys will break off. not might, will. Akai also just released an updated version of this controller, no idea if the keys are any more reliable on it though.

$200 is a bad amount of money to spend. either go cheap ($100) or go expensive with midi controllers and get something like this or this, everything "mid range" feels like ass for the price you pay & you will be disappointed with it.