Introduction: A Foreword about the Best Midi Controllers Under $300

QUICK RUNDOWN

If you are in a hurry here is a quick comparison:

We are going to start by briefly explaining what a MIDI controller is and what it should do, and then we’ll go over our best picks for MIDI controllers for beginners and musicians on a budget.

Buying Guide: Function and Features of MIDI controllers

A MIDI controller is any hardware (and sometimes software or even both) that creates and transports Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data to electronic or digital MIDI-enabled devices. This is typically done to trigger sounds and control parameters of an electronic music performance. Let’s first take a look at an example of a MIDI controller and explain what it does. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Remote_25.jpg The MIDI controller pictured is a Novation Remote 25 controller which comes with a lot of great features and, by coincidence, also fits our price range.

The MIDI controller pictured is a Novation Remote 25 controller which comes with a lot of great features and, by coincidence, also fits our price range.

In other words, MIDI controllers most often do not produce any musical sounds by themselves. A MIDI controller only sends data about which keys or buttons are pressed to a MIDI-compatible sound module or synthesizer, which then produces the sounds. But exceptions do exist and if you are looking for something special, be sure to take a look at online tutorials and to read the product description carefully. Let’s start our countdown:

1. Alesis VI61 | Advanced 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard & Drum Pad Controller

Description: The Alesis VI61 is a great MIDI keyboard and a powerful tool for composing your own music. The high number of semi-weighted keys and the AIR Xpand!2 virtual instrument make this the best MIDI keyboard for 2018 at this price point. The Alesis VI61 has received countless praises from players and critics. Most important features as noted by users are semi-weighted keys for authentic, responsive playing feel, solid pads, clean and elegant design and the fair price. Details: 61 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminated RGB feedback for beat production and clip launching 48 assignable buttons and 16 assignable knobs interface with your music software Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control Ableton Live Lite (Download) Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech (Download) Also comes in other sizes (49 Keys, 25 Keys)  

2. Roland A-300PRO Keyboard Controller

Description: The USB Bus powered A-300PRO is a great keyboard controller for beginners and comes with the great Cakewalk Production Plus Pack including three incredible instruments and production software. Combining the best of Roland engineering, this is one of the best midi keyboard for Ableton and similar software. The 32 keys configuration feels a little odd, but it can be a quite good compromise between the 25 and 49 configurations. Other advantages include a very solid and sturdy build, great size, fairly light hardware and on top of all, it is quite intuitive and easy to use. To summarize, this keyboard offers quite a lot of value for the price. Details: 32 keys with velocity and channel aftertouch 45 assignable controls: knobs, sliders, buttons, transport and more 8 Dynamic Pads for finger drumming and MIDI triggering Sure-grip Pitch Bend/Modulation Stick Bundled with the Cakewalk Production Plus Pack (three instruments and production software) Works with any DAW on Mac or PC, supports Windows 7 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard Also comes in different sizes (49 Keys A-500 Pro, 61 Keys A-800 Pro)  

3. Novation Impulse 25 USB Midi Controller Keyboard, 25 Keys

Description: The Novation Impulse 25 is very handy, small and portable, but at the same time, it is very useful. The controller works with all major DAWs and Plug-In Instruments and Effects. It features Multi-Function Drum Pads for things like warp arpeggios and roll beats, and the controller works especially well with Ableton Live. The programs included are great and the Automap software is very helpful. The controller is easy to use if you have previous experience, but will be confusing for a beginner. The hardware feels great and looks very modern. Basically, this is a great product for advanced players on a budget, but if you’re just starting out, make sure to look up tutorials and lessons before getting into the action. Details: 8 multi-colour large backlit velocity sensitive drum pads 8 endless encoders (infinite rotation) 1 slider, 6 function buttons (4 with LED indicators), 3 control switch buttons with LEDs (25 note) 6 dedicated transport controls Pitch bend and modulation wheels, Arpeggiator with tap tempo and roll, 2 octave/transpose buttons Custom blue-backlit LCD display Comes in additional sizes (49 keys and 61 keys)

4. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII

Description: If you though that a great MIDI controller has to cost a lot, then you were wrong! The Akai Professional MPK combines great gear and amazing software. 25-synth-action mini-keys, 8 velocity-sensitive rubber drum pads with two banks, and eight assignable control knobs, and the VIP3.0 software are all the tools you need to create an endless amount of tracks. While the Akai Mini MKII doesn’t stand up quite as well to some of the best controllers on the market, it definitely is a great controller for musicians, performers and composers on a tight budget, as well as beginners. This controller feels, looks and sounds great, especially considering the remarkably low price point. That makes it one of the best MIDI controllers for beginners on the market, especially if you are going to use Fruity Loops. Details: Incorporates 5 years of user feedback for an all-new, enhanced design 25 synth-action mini keys, 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with Note Repeat & Full Level 8 assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins, and more Built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range, and modes Ultra-compact design lets you create anywhere, USB-powered, Full-size sustain pedal input jack Also comes in the very elegant, harpsicord-inspired, limited edition white design.

When getting a MIDI controller, a lot of features and sounds will depend on the software that comes with it, but also with the additional software that you will have to download or buy. For that reason, you should consider the hardware quality and the feel first, then the additional features later. Keep in mind, though, that not all software works equally well with every controller and vice versa. Tell us in the comments below which MIDI keyboard controller you liked the most!