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Best Keyboard For Home Recording Studio (2024 Update)
A quality keyboard is a crucial piece of gear for any home recording studio. With so many options on the market, choosing the right keyboard comes down to considering your needs, budget, and studio setup. Before making a purchase, keep these key factors in mind.
First, identify how you intend to use the keyboard. Will it be your main MIDI controller for recording and producing tracks? Or do you need an instrument capable of high-quality onboard sounds for live playing? This will determine whether you require fully weighted, synth-action, or organ-style keys.
Next, think about connectivity. Does your keyboard need traditional MIDI ports or will USB suffice? Do you plan to control DAW functions and virtual instruments? If so, assignable knobs, faders, and buttons are useful. You’ll also want to ensure compatibility with your computer or mobile device.
Of course, sound quality is paramount. Determine which built-in sounds you require, from piano and strings to analog synth tones. Polyphony indicates how many notes can sound simultaneously. And effects like reverb and chorus add polish.
Finally, factor in size, portability, and special features. Do you need a compact controller to fit in tight spaces? Or a workstation-style board for live gigs? Maybe an arranger keyboard offering auto-accompaniment? Identifying must-have specs will guide you.
Choosing the ideal keyboard for home recording takes research and reflection. Which features are non-negotiable? What’s your maximum budget? Answering these questions will lead to the perfect addition to your studio. Ready to keep the music flowing? Start exploring your options today!
20 Best Keyboard For Home Recording Studio (20 Sellers)
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Check Price |
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Reviewers Noted:
Performs well . Ease of setup . Weight . Ease of use . Size
Features:
- Product information
- 88 full-sized keys; no-nonsense
- Essential control
Reviewers Noted:
Search . Quality build . Long battery life . Compact . Ease of use
Features:
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Product 1: fluid and quiet mechanical typing: mx mechanical keyboard features tactile quiet switches that deliver next-level feel and flow with less n.
- Product 1: low-profile keys, more comfort: a keyboard layout designed for effortless precision, with a full-size form factor and low-profile mechanica.
Reviewers Noted:
Performs well . Easy to set up . Ease of use . Visual appeal . Weight
Features:
- Absolute hardware control.
- Easily integrate hardware with your daw.
- The perfect controller for live.
Reviewers Noted:
Performance . Ease of setup
Features:
- Seamless integration with fl studio produce music easily with essential controls at your fingertips.
- Mixer and channel rack control adjust volume and pan with eight knobs.
- Step sequencer take control of fl studio’s step sequencer and program drums easily.
$3999.00$2999.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Quality build . Weight
Features:
- Acclaimed 88-note weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- Seamless workflow with no confusing modes
- Expandable sound engine delivers authentic electronic and acoustic sounds
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Lightweight . Quality build
Features:
- Fun and inspiring keyboard for beginning musicians
- Loop mix allows you to build songs by simply playing notes on the keyboard
- Manipulate the sounds of your loops with intuitive one-touch control
$189.00
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Quality build . Ease of use . Lightweight
Features:
- Feature packed
- Everything you need to get started
- Includes 3-months of skoove premium
Reviewers Noted:
Performance . Size . Ease of setup . Visual appeal
Features:
- Compact and playable natural touch mini keyboard
- Connect with a single usb cable*; supports mac, win, ipad, and iphone
- Connect a pedal, and enjoy full control functionality
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Performs well . Easy to set up . Easy to use . Heavy
Features:
- A complete software studio.
- Your very own vintage keyboard collection.
- So, create powerful combo sounds, split your keyboard into 2 different instruments, and explore the best sounds from 21 historic instruments.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Quality build . Easy to use . Weight
Features:
- This keyboard is in excellent, well-kept condition.
- Made in china.
- Includes power supply and music stand.
$1199.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Weight . Sound quality
Features:
- Zoom function to quick edit zone parameters
- 4 zones assignable to internal sounds or external midi
- Split/keyrange for each zone
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to set up . Performs well . Easy to use . Compact . Attractive
Features:
- Start creating and performing music with your mac or pc with the world s best-selling keyboard controllers:the keystation series from m-audio.
- Simple software control.
- Musical control.
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to set up . Attractive . Performance . Ease of use . Size
Features:
- Arturia logo.
- Music production made easy.
- Arturia s heritage over the last twenty years has been to provide the best vintage sound combined with modern production capabilities.
Reviewers Noted:
Ease of setup . Performs well . Visual appeal . Size . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Mixer control (all channels)
- Transport control
- Clip launch (using impulse's back-lit drum pads)
Reviewers Noted:
Performs well . Easy to set up . Ease of use . Visual appeal . Weight
Features:
- 1 x a male to b male usb
- 1 x alesis asp-2 universal piano-style sustain pedal
- 1 x xpix dual midi cable, dual 5-pin din to same, 3 m
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Easy to use . Quality build . Weight
Features:
- Advanced recording and playback features
- Built-in audio player and stereo speaker system
- Add effects to styles and sounds
Reviewers Noted:
Performs well . Easy to set up . Attractive . Easy to use . Size
Features:
- The building blocks of professional music production.
- Plug-and-go software.
- Vi49 was designed to seamlessly and effortlessly integrate with your music software. a single usb connection to your mac or pc pro…
Reviewers Noted:
Weight
Features:
- Equipped with an expressive 88-note weighted keyboard, fantom-08 has everything you need to create and perform at the highest level.
- Play and produce with thousands of electronic and acoustic sounds powered by roland’s advanced zen-core and supernatural technologies.
- New supernatural pianos with authentic acoustic grand sound and response.
$449.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Performs well . Easy to set up . Heavy . Easy to use . Visual appeal
Features:
- Simply lightweight.
- Powerful and light, the perfect combination.
- True innovation.
$148.78
4.4
Reviewers Noted:
Performs well . Easy to set up . Attractive . Easy to use . Size
Features:
- Midi keyboard with 61 full-sized, velocity sensitive square-front keys, ideal for playing virtual instruments
- Eight velocity and pressure-sensitive backlit pads for beat production and clip launching
- Four assignable knobs and four assignable buttons interface with your music software; seamless, visual feedback via illuminated buttons and knobs
1. Alesis Q88 Mkii – 88-Key Usb-Midi Keyboard Controller
Product Details:
The q88 works with virtually any music software and midi hardware devices. providing the full piano complement of 88 keys, the q88 is a sleek and portable controller, at home on stage or in the studio. a full array of essential controls is onboard, including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, and an assignable data slider. the q88 is the perfect choice for controlling hardware midi devices. compact and portable, the q88 is the ideal foundation for road ready rig. the q88 offers a streamlined lat to maximize sound and performance options. can even send program changes from the q88's keys to change programs, patches, and more.
Specifications:
Reviews:
This controller has a good feel and plenty of keys for the price (60 in our case). Midi out via 5 pin din or via USB connection to computer which also supplies power. Class compliant, so no need for a driver. 49 keys may not be enough for a pianist, but for playing single handed lines its ideal.broadkarnage
For 59 you can't go wrong really. Simple no frills midi keybiard with full size keys. Keyboard action is not weighted but its fine unless you are a concert pianist. Midi out so you can also control outboard midi sound devices for live work. Feels solid and of reasonable quality.oceansystems123
Great MIDI controller. Software package from Alesis better than anticipated. Great value for money.Gregory
2. Logitech Mx Mechanical Wireless Illuminated Keyboard
Product Details:
A full-size keyboard with extraordinary feel, precision, and performance. low-profile mechanical keys in your choice of 3 switch types deliver satisfying feedback with every keystroke. your fingers glide effortlessly across the matte surface of the keys – and dual-color keycaps guide peripheral vision to make it easy to orient your fingers and stay in your flow. the full-size form factor of mx mechanical features an integrated numpad – with a design that promotes better posture and improved ergonomics. backlit keys automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. mx mechanical also boasts multi-device, multi-os connectivity via bluetooth low energy – and usb-c recharging.
Specifications:
| Device Type | Keyboard |
| Backlit | Yes |
| Interface | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth LE |
| Wireless Receiver | Logitech Logi Bolt USB receiver |
| Type | Wireless |
| Hot Keys Function | Backlight control, Easy-Switch |
| Keyboard Technology | Mechanical |
| Key Switch Type | Tactile Quiet |
| Features | Numeric keypad |
| Width | 18.1 in |
| Depth | 5.9 in |
| Height | 2.1 in |
| Weight | 2.49 lbs |
| Interfaces | USB-C |
| Included Accessories | USB-C to USB-A cable |
| OS Required | Linux, Google Chrome OS, Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later, Apple macOS 10.15 or later, Apple iOS 14 or later, Apple iPadOS 14 or later, Windows 10 / 11 or later |
| Type | Rechargeable |
| Run Time (Up To) | 15 days |
Reviews:
I spend many hours on my computer each day. I am either typing and programming, or am involved in design work (using CAD, illustration, and image editing software). On those days when I am doing design work I "fly a mouse" A LOT! And if I have a full size keyboard attached to my computer (with dual 27" monitors) that means my right shoulder "takes a beating" as I try to manipulate the mouse off at the right end of my keyboard. The solution is a TKL or "mini" keyboard. I also prefer mechanical keyboards for the typing I do – the tactile feedback allows me to type as quickly as possible. And I prefer single-color backlighting. So when I decided it was time to make a TKL/mini purchase, I had a strong sense of what I wanted. I found this Logitech MX Mechanical Mini on BestBuy.com and read the specs. At the price, it appeared this little unit would perform very nicely. So I drove out to my local BestBuy and bought it. I took it back the next day. The size of this keyboard required Logitech's designers to make too many compromises. Keys are positioned in places that are unusual, making it difficult to find them (compared to a full size keyboard). And the size of the keyboard also appears to have caused the designers to decide the key caps should "form an uninterrupted plane" – there is little space between key caps, they are not well-differentiated, and it is really difficult to know "where you are" on the keyboard from feel alone. My typing r-e-a-l-l-y s-l-o-w-e-d d-o-w-n. Not what you need when you need to "crank it out". As for the backlighting. Ugh! This is a battery-operated wireless unit. Period. Yes, you can plug in its short charging cable, but it still communicates with your computer wirelessly. So, to save the battery charge, the backlighting turns off soon after your hands move off of the keyboard. It is supposed to sense when your hands are near and turn the backlighting back on – but I had to physically have my fingers on the keyboard for at least half a second to get the backlighting back on. That, combined with the unusual feel of the keys/the keyboard slowed my work flow even more. And, of course, the keyboard requires installation of software to get its "customization" completed. I won't go far into this topic, except to say that the software always caused a hiccup when I went to shut down my computer (it was still running in the background). I just don't get what Logitech was trying to do when they designed this keyboard. Given that I want to switch back and forth from a full size to a TKL/"mini" keyboard depending on the work in front of me, this MX Mechanical Mini was going to slow me down dramatically. It required too many compromises for me to add it to my work flow. It's "pretty", but I just don't get it.Bill
As a long time Mac user I've been through the cycles of being betrothed to the Apple peripherals, and then getting frustrated with them, and then when they release a new version going through the cycle all over again. Logitech seems to be the only vendor who consistently makes good peripherals that I keep coming back – and the MX Mechanical keyboard is now another one to add to my list. I've actually been using the original MX Keys for Mac for a couple of years, and although it's been great for the home office I've been looking for something with a little more feedback and tactile touch. The MX mechanical keyboard delivers, with just enough to keep you in touch with the typing motion but not so loud that it sounds like you're living in an 80's office typing pool. The main reason you're here is to hear about the noise – does it make a noise? Yes, but as I mentioned this is part of the whole tactile experience that people like me miss with regular soft-touch laptop keyboards. The keyboard is available in 3 different 'experiences' ( Tactile Quiet, Clicky and Linear.) so if you're in any doubt, I would suggest a trip to your local Best Buy to try them out in person. The example in my video is the tactile quiet version, which is just the write balance but it will be entirely down to you personal preference. The MX retains all the features I loved from the original MX – with the ability to quick-switch between multiple devices (I use it to control 2 laptops connected to the same monitor). The only thing to call out here is that although you can still pair the keyboard through bluetooth, it no longer appears to support the Logitech Unified receiver – it instead ships with the new Logitech Bolt adapter. I only mention this in case like me you are already using the unified receiver for other devices – you may need to consider upgrading those to to be Bolt compliant. There are some nice options for the backlighting (including a 'random' mode and one where only the key you touch lights up – which is a cool gimmick but practically the only useful backlighting is constant so you can actually see the keys in the dark). I would still recommend this full size keyboard over the mini version – its down to personal preference but the dedicated page navigation and number pad just seem to make my workflow a bit more streamlined without constantly flipping for FN or option keys to get what I need done.DickieUK
The Logitech MX mechanical keyboard is a new professional keyboard that brings the best of gaming keyboards to the business world. The keyboard is wireless and connects with Bluetooth LE or the included Logitech dongle if your computer does not have Bluetooth. The keyboard is rechargeable lasting up to 15 days with lighting on or 10 months with it turned off. The keyboard is outfitted with Low-profile backlit mechanical switches with smooth feel and reduced actuation depth are great for typing. There are 3 switch types available the Tactile quiet, Linear or clicky. I have the tactile quiet keys and I think I would prefer the clicky type as they provide additional tactile feedback. The backlighting has what Logitech calls smart illumination automatically turning on when your hands approach the keys extending the battery life. You can use the Logi Options+ application to change the effects or directly from the keyboard by pressing the Function and bulb key. The keyboard has programmable keys and can be configured to have the function or media keys active with direct keypresses. The Logi Options+ application allows you to set the backlighting pattern, customize key functions, gives status and notifications and supports Logitech Flow. With flow you can copy content on one device and past it to another paired device even across operating systems. You can pair the keyboard with up to 3 devices and it supports all major operating systems. The keyboard layout is optimized for both Windows and Apple Macintosh. The keyboard has a built in battery and has a USB C charge port Logitech includes an USB A to USB C cable. You can get a full days use with just 15 minutes of charging. The build quality is great with an aluminum frame giving a solid feel and good weight. Logitech has made the keys and other plastic parts from 45% recycled plastic. Logitech has created a great keyboard with quality hardware and well thought out software to the business world!Idoc
3. Novation 49sl Mkiii 49-Key Midi Keyboard Controller
Product Details:
The novation 49sl mkiii has been intelligently redesigned to be the centrepiece of your studio. whether you are a producer with extensive hardware and want comprehensive control over midi controllable gear. or you are a software producer that wants to take advantage of the chord and smart play functions of the keyboard? then this is the one for you.the novation 49 sl midi keyboard can be used to give you control over your automation curves and data. additionally, the transport controls will allow you to play, stop, record etc with the same hands-on control as a mixing desk. this controller also comes with a whole host soft software to get your creative juices flowing. as well as the included digital audio workstation software, ableton live lite, the addition of xln audio's addictive keys software which is a premium-grade software instrument.the 49sl mk3 comes with cv gate functionality which will allow you to process analogue signals from external gear. however, the real star of the show is the addition of the 8-track sequencer and the 16 velocity-sensitive rgb pads. add in the rotary knobs, faders, and transport controls as well. you got an entire music production centre in one unit.
Specifications:
Reviews:
I have had this for a while now and have had time to work with it. I am a Ableton Live 11 user and the Launchkey 88 MK3 integrates perfectly with Live 11. I am still learning all the in's and out's with this controller, but for the price you can't beat it. The feel of the keys are what would be expected from a semi-weighted keyboard. My Korg Pax4 is semi-weighted so I am used to the feel of the keys. If you are looking for a good controller that plays well with Ableton Live, then I would recommend looking into the Novation Launchkey 88 MK3. Very good bang for the buck with a lot of control!
Sound: I'm using this keyboard in a hybrid setup. For both controlling hardware desktop synths and Ableton Live. , Features: It's quite easy to control things through USB, Quality: This is about as good as it gets in terms of build quality. Value: These keyboards are in short supply. The price is the same everywhere. Manufacturer Support: There was only one small issue with updating the firmware. But Novation heads this off with a link with instructions on how to quickly solve it. The Wow Factor: Comparing this to Push 2, the SL MKIII is about $100 less. And really, in my opinion, a better value. Creating music with keys rather than a pad grid makes more sense in my mind as a music creator, focused on melodies. Overall: The keys feel perfect. I love touching them and playing with them. Very smooth operation. They really nailed the feel of these keys. All of the other features are actually quite easy to learn. This controller may look complex, but it actually quite easy to learn and get going.Jona
I’m currently using this with Ableton Live 11 Suite and hooked up through MIDI to a Yamaha Modx8. Great keybed, very precise velocity that can be set via a knob or played through manually. The scale modes are a really nice feature with the lights, as it will illuminate the chosen scale! The arpeggiator is also very fun to play with, the pads act as a step sequencer to set your own intervals. It has a nice multicolor standby display. The abilities to control ableton are excellent. This thing is basically plug and play, with only a few settings needed in the DAW to set it up. I highly recommend this, and there are many more features that I haven’t dove into yet.John
4. Novation Flkey 37 Midi Keyboard For Fl Studio
Product Details:
Music producers using fl studio will be psyched for the novation flkey 37, a full-sized midi keyboard controller that provides complete hands-on control over your music production. with controls for fl studio's sequencer, channel rack, and mixer, plus creative scale and chord modes, the flkey 37 will take your production to the next level. sequencer mode maps the flkey 37’s pads to fl studio’s step sequencer for lightning-fast beat production. two pad modes provide realistic human feel to your rhythms. you can also play straight into the channel rack or fpc, and trigger slices in slicex. with note repeat, you can generate crisp hi-hat rolls in record time.
Reviews:
5. Roland Fantom 8 88-Key Workstation Keyboard
Product Details:
The fantom-8 88-note workstation keyboard from roland is the latest addition to their workstation line up. it is designed as a kind of creative hub made for rapid production and expressive performance. built to inspire on-board production to deliver authentic acoustic and electronic sounds, it is equipped with an expandable sound engine that delivers depth, control, and tools for deep computer integration with the ability to combine and shape them in exciting new ways. it can be used for live stage, theater, and recording applications.
Specifications:
| Multi-Effects | 16 systems, 90 types |
| Part EQ | 16 systems |
| Drum Part COMP | 6 systems |
| Insertion Effect | 2 System, 90 Type |
| Chorus | 8 types |
| Reverb | 6 types |
| Mic Input Reverb | 6 types |
| MIDI Tracks | 16(Internal/External) |
| Group | 16 |
| Pattern Length | 32 mesures |
| Recording Method | Realtime recording, Step recording, TR-REC |
| Maximum Polyphony | 8 |
| Number of Samples | 16 Pads x 4 Banks |
| Headphones Jack | Stereo 1/4-inch phone type |
| Mic/Line Input Jacks | (1,2) (1/4 inch phone type/XLR type) |
| Pedal Switch | DP series, RPU-3 |
| Expression Pedal | EV-5 |
| Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) | FANTOM-8 |
Reviews:
I really like and love this keyboard. Things are logical. The sounds are awesome and impressive. Roland is easy In my opinion. the only thing I complain about is it's not available. I got the 61 key version but should have gotten the 76 key version. Wanted the 7. But they were out. I got the 61, cheaper and love it, But now see the Fanton 0 line. and I see why the regular Fanton was cut short on supply. The 88 key version is so heavy. But would go for that if available if I could do it over.J
Roland has been capable of supplying the best of instruments for a long time. I purchased many of their products over the years and while many have been awesome to play, my Fantom 8 is the best. I needed a keyboard with the highest quality sounds. The pianos, organs, electric pianos, drums and everything else are as good as they get. Synths turn into adventures. Virtual vintage synthesizer instruments are amazing. All connected to a keybed with ultimate feel. Wooden keys. Luxury for my weary fingers. I wanted a controller and connectable instrument to get me writing music. This is it. The quality of sounds inspire and the tools facilitate.Schoolboy
General : No encoder control to regulate the line-in/mic-in input volume. You would think there would be one encoder available for this out of the several dozens this console contains. Metronome light is perpetually blinking …(drives me nuts ) Limits performer to 32 measure continuous midi recording, so If you want to record a long piece in one take as a midi file then you can't do it. No Skipback sampling , so if you want to improvise to a track and a nice idea comes out, then you are out of luck because you can't go back and play it like you would on a Fantom G9. Sampling : No chop (has a very limited truncate option really basic, my phone does more LOL ) No sample play rate adjust No sample tempo play rate Limited to only 64 samples (you got 128 in the Fantom-G) Can't play the samples from the keyboard, only triggered from the pads, very basic sampling capabilities Pads: Pads don't synchronize to startup of a loop or pattern it just starts (Fantom-G waited for the downbeat). No Sample Volume sensor on the Pad No RPS mode Rhythm patterns are limited to Intro, Fill1, verse1, fill 2, Verse2,Ending. (pretty boring) Keyboard : Can't shift the oct for an individual zone if the zone is set to a Vpiano. I was splitting the keyboard for brass and bass, placed the piano on the left and tried offsetting the oct for the zone, it does not work, Tried it with a bass or synth and it works , but not for the Vpiano. (Lame) Song Seq interface: Terrible not intuitive interface, hides the content of what is playing from the user, whoever thought of this is not a musician, Fantom G series has a much more intuitive recording interface more like any regular recording software Eg: pro-tools, cubase, logic,etc. Song Seq interface: Terrible not intuitive interface, hides the content of what is playing from the user, who ever thought of this is not a musician, Fantom G series has a much more intuitive recording interface more like any regular recording software Eg: proJay
6. Roland Go:keys – 61-Key Music Creation Keyboard
Product Details:
Roland go keys go-61k portable keyboard. excellent condition, includes manual and power supply. unit features 128 voice polyphony, 500 sounds, tuneable, multi-effects, and built-in bluetooth connectivity for either streaming music through its internal speakers, or transmitting midi to your smartphone or daw. compact, light weight, and is battery operable.
Specifications:
| Media Card Slot | No |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| Product Width | 34.6 inches |
| Recording Feature | Yes |
| MIDI | Input/output |
| Velocity-Sensitive Keys | Yes |
| Number Of Sound Effects | 3 |
| Digital Effects | Yes |
| Drum Pads | No |
| Stand(s) Included | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Number Of Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Speaker Type | Built-in |
Reviews:
The USB output jack broke loose inside this keyboard while unplugging a cord—after just a handful of plugs/unplugs. The loose jack inside the keyboard then caused the main board to malfunction. Roland's customer service department refuses to honor the warranty and has determined that the damage done to the keyboard is not a result of defects in materials and/or workmanship. Customer service states that "with this unit being almost a year old, the cause of the damage was due to normal wear and tear." A company cannot have a 1-year warranty covering parts for defects in materials and/or workmanship and then claim that said parts should typically break in less than 1 year following prescribed use. Buyer beware! This is a cheap product, and, from my experience, Roland will attempt to breach their warranty agreement to avoid paying for repairs.Jamison
I originally got the Go:Piano version of this keyboard but wanted some additional sounds so went for this Go:Keys version, and am very happy I did. It has many voices to play with, including piano and organ sounds. It's perfect for those times when I don't want to fire up my big keyboard setup. It has a mini jack output which can connect to headphones or an amp for additional usability. The quality of sounds are pretty good, especially for the price. The keyboard action is about what you would expect from a keyboard in this price range. Overall, I'm happy with this purchase.mapleglo
I needed a new keyboard as the one I had been using had its lcd display go dark. So, I didn't have a lot of money to spend so I used the 8 pay on AMS to get this. So the keys feel good and feel semi-weighted and not just light touch like many synths. The other benefit is that the sounds are pretty good and are the same as some of the higher priced Roland products. Using a sustain pedal with this makes it work well. It is lightweight and the size makes it easy to transport. As for drawbacks, the output is 3.5mm instead of 1/4". I don't like that and it seems to be a bit touchy with the 3.5mm to 1/4" cord I got to be able to send to an amp and recording mixer. It also doesn't have the ability to split the sounds to either half of the keyboard. So, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for gigging due to the output jack but it will do if you need something inexpensive to get you by and lightweight. It also can run on 6 AA batteries if power is not available and you can run with its internal speakers.Bob L
7. Alesis Harmony 61 Mkii 61-Key Portable Keyboard With Built-In Speakers
Product Details:
The alesis harmony 61 keyboard has 61 velocity-sensitive keys with adjustable touch response, built-in speakers and many realistic built-in sounds that cover a wide variety of instruments – pianos, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, mallets, guitars, synths and even sound effects! you can layer multiple sounds together in layer mode, or split two sounds across the keyboard in split mode. harmony 61 also has built-in songs with easy learning tools and built-in accompaniment rhythms that enable you to instantly create songs in a wide variety of genres. you can even record your own songs using the record mode! harmony 61 features a large led backlit screen with a grand staff that displays the current notes being played and it also has a complete chord dictionary. this is an excellent point of reference for students learning to read sheet music, and it also saves time for composers who need to quickly figure out chords. harmony 61's lesson mode enables you to learn any song. in the first lesson, you learn the rhythm only. in the second lesson, you learn the melody. in the third step, you'll learn to play the melody and rhythm together. after each of these lessons, melody 61 grades the student, letting you know when to move on to the next lesson.
Specifications:
| Instrument Type | Electronic keyboard |
| MIDI Controller Interface | USB |
| Learning Function | Yes |
| Auto Accompaniment | Yes |
| Split | Yes |
| Layer | Yes |
| Connections | Headphones Sustain pedal USB |
| Features | Auto power off, transpose function |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Velocity Sensitive Keys | Yes |
| Velocity Sensitivity Levels | 3 levels |
| Preset Tones | Piano, chromatic percussion, organ, guitar, bass, strings and orchestral, ensemble, brass, reed, pipe, synth lead, synth pad, synth sfx, ethnic misc, percussive, sfx, drum |
| Preset Songs | 100 preset songs |
| Styles | Pop, rock, dance, soul and funk, jazz, country, latin, traditional, piano |
| Effects | Reverb, sustain, fade in/out, intro/ending, sync start |
| Auto Harmonize | Yes |
| Octave Shift | Yes |
| Amplifier Output Power | 5W + 5W |
| Display | LCD display |
| Display Languages | English |
| Controllers | Pitch bend wheel, play button, record button, start/stop button, metronome button, sustain button, dual button, volume knob, store button, M1-M4 buttons, 1-touch button, lesson button, L/R part button, chord dict button, up/down tempo buttons, DSP button, sync start button, intro/ending button, fill A button, fill B button, fade in/out button, chord button, voice button, style button, song button, function button, mixer button, touch button, lower button, number buttons |
| Voltage Required | DC 12 V |
| Included Accessories | Music rest, power adapter |
| OS Required | Microsoft Windows 7 or later, Apple MacOS X 10.7 or later |
| Width | 37.6 in |
| Depth | 14.2 in |
| Height | 5.7 in |
| Weight | 12.13 lbs |
Reviews:
Decent keyboard for beginners or for kids to just play around with. It is not bulky and doesn’t take up much space. I like that it has a lot of features: many tones, rhythms, recording, fun songs to listen to, and more. The adjustable bench is small and comfortable. Sound quality is on the cheaper end though. You can hear it when playing the keys. Also the microphone is very low quality, you must speak so close that your mouth touches it… still you can’t hear it well in the speakers. The headphones seem good quality. This could be a glitch just in our keyboard but the first number on the screen isn’t showing correctly. Overall, lower quality keyboard but has everything you need in the bundle.AVB
First of all, it does not sound like piano at all. We got it as a second one for my son's practice. I like the set overall, the adjustable stool, headphones and microphone, the stand and piano. Great price for the set, also. It is great for having fun, not for playing real music or learn to play piano. The sound is pretty much artificial, the volume settings are weird, it is too loud or silence. Piano itself is very lightweight, keyboard does not feel like real keyboard. For it's price this is a great set, But if you really want to learn to play piano, you need something elseShura
This Alesis Harmony 61 set up has literally everything you Could need to start keyboarding. It comes with the following items Keyboard stand adjustable bench mysic reat for sheets or books Microphone and headphones. The keyboard itself is fully decked out With all the bells and whistles you could imagine. 300 rhythms included. It has a digital led screen on the Keyboard. This is sleek and stylish. It is attractive and portable But still a very nice size. The keyboard has built in speakers and 61 keys on the portable keyboard. This is a nice set up for the Beginner or advanced player. I give 10 stars.momofthree
8. Korg Microkey2 61 Key Compact Midi Keyboard
Product Details:
Korg microkey 2 61 midi keyboardwith all of the endless options, configurations, and choices that modern technology offers musicians today, in the end, the simplest solution is often the best solution. an uncomplicated, straightforward design, compact size, and easy connectivity made the first-generation microkey series a bestseller. the second-generation microkey lineup retains those attributes and adds ipad and iphone support*, plus a damper pedal jack for improved playability. korg have also added a 49-key model, for the player who needs a few more keys in a still-compact format. in all, the microkey series has evolved to become even more convenient and versatile, making it an ideal choice for first-time and more established players alike. whether you're producing in the studio, or creating on the go, the microkey will give you exactly what you need and nothing you don't.
Specifications:
| Weight | 3.77 lb |
Reviews:
It was a 21st birthday present. The grandson had researched the website and knew what he wanted. He loved it!Margaret D.
Bought the Korg microkey 61 as a birthday present for my wife and she is very pleased with the item.Kevin
9. Arturia Keylab 61 Mkii Midi Keyboard Controller (Black)
Product Details:
The arturia keylab 61 mkii, black builds on the success of the original keylab midi keyboard controller, with a range of premium-grade components. the keybed is borrowed from arturia's flagship matrixbrute, providing added expression for fluid playability. the keylab 61 mkii also boasts modular connectivity, ideal for use with external modules and synths. 16 multi-function rgb performance pads are ideal for finger-drumming and triggering samples. nine large faders and rotary knobs are also included, allowing you to control parameters such as automation in your favourite daw. additionally, the keylab mkii comes complete with ableton live lite, piano v and analog lab software to get you started right away.
Reviews:
Delivery was 3 days earlier than my delivery date (4 days). The keyboard is brilliant. I had a an Alesis V49 keyboard before this which served its purpose of getting notes into the DAW but it was time for an upgrade. I was torn between this one or the Komplete Kontrol 61 and decided on this one and so glad I did. The feel of the keys is SO much better than my Alesis V49 and the setup and installation process was a breeze. The keyboard has a premium feel and is a nice weight. I've got everything mapped out to use in FL Studio. The included software is great and theres so many sounds to choose from. Overall I'm very happy. My Dad was due an upgrade and after using mine for 5 minutes, his mind was made up and he's bought one from here too and is over the moon with it. Would highly recomend it to anyone.
My husband played a real piano & keyboards he was younger but hasn't played for years. He wanted to start again and debated between the KeyLab 88 MKII and a more traditional stand alone piano-type keyboard. He's so happy we went this route. He uses it with Logic Pro and feels the KeyLab offers the perfect amount of features without adding unnecessary things. He hasn't yet figured it all out, but it's great to sit down and play freely or to record using the software and create a song. The build is excellent, with a metal body and wood accents. The action of the key bed is excellent and is much closer to a real piano than non-weighted keys. The additional weight of the keys makes playing at different volume levels very easy. One complain that he had was the lack of documentation on how to set it up and integrate it with different DAWs, but Arturia's tech support is top notch and quickly replied with a long and detailed emailing showing step by step directions on how to set it up with Logic Pro. Plus, their website has a great FAQ section and detailed user manuals that cover how to use most of the keyboard's features. In addition to a great keyboard, the unit comes with some wonderful software. It includes Ableton Live Lite for those who don't already have a DAW. It also comes with Piano V/V2, which is a piano software add-on worth $249 by itself and Analog Lab, which is a collection of older (from the 80s I think), classic synthesizer sounds worth $199. So, the keyboard itself is a great item for the price, but when all the additional software is included, the KeyLab 88 MkII is a wonderful item.Nancy B.
Thought this could be the ultimate controller for both my Microfreak as well as Pigments. I know Arturia makes phenomenal software, but the firmware needs improvement. Went through some frustrating times when it defaults to 'DAW mode' and all the knobs inexplicably control individual track panning. Have to constantly switch to 'Analog lab' mode. Recording automations with the knobs in Ableton can be funky, but occasionally works. Contrary to what I read somewhere on the internet, the keys do not have aftertouch. That would've been nice to have when controlling the microfreak.Christopher
10. Alesis Recital Pro 88-Key Digital Piano With Hammer-Action Keys
Product Details:
You can easily customize the voices by combining any two at once in layer mode for a full, rich tone by using the intuitive onboard controls and display screen. voices can also be assigned to only the left or right hands in split mode. you can even add adjustable modulation, reverb and chorus to further tailor your sound. recital pro delivers ultra-realistic sound with an authentic playing experience. the alesis recital pro has an incredibly useful feature called "lesson mode". this enables both the student and teacher to easily watch each other and play together without having to take turns or reach over one another. recital pro also features an easy "record mode" that enables you to record your playing and then critically listen back to your performance.
Reviews:
Once my new students learn basics on a piano with basic springback keys, the next step is to get them something with weighted keys to get the feel of an acoustic piano. Since this piano is around $300, most parents don't object to this model for further learning. And if they improve to a semi-professional level with this Alesis piano, they are on their way to succeed as a musician.PianoStylist
I bought this piano as a present for my daughter. I chose this one because she told me that she wanted an electric piano that had the feel of a real piano. We are both learning on it. Although it does not have as many bells and whistles as some of the others in this price range; it is sturdy, you can tell is of quality construction, and it sounds and feels like a real piano.Jonny L
11. Studiologic Numa X Piano 88 Key
Product Details:
This item was returned in mint condition. it is free of any performance issues, and has no scratches, blemishes, or other cosmetic flaws.the numa x piano from studiologic represents a real revolution for digital piano players. the numa x features high-end sounds and effects that can be controlled and organized with easy, intuitive controls this piano offers a four zone midi controller derived from the renowned sl line, along with a 4-tracks digital mixer, a powerful combination for studio and live gigs. the sound engines are based on a powerful mix of sampling, wave shaping and real physical modeling. besides the 8 insert fx, two for each zone and the master delay and reverb (with fdn technology) sections, the acoustic piano sounds each have dedicated dsp effects to simulate strings and duplex resonance, plus release, key off and damper noise sounds. numa x piano models are equipped with the most up-to-date evolutions of fatar hammer action keyboards.
Specifications:
| Piano Type | Digital Piano |
| Number of Keys | 88 Keys |
| Key Material | Synthetic |
| Keyboard Action | TP/110 Premium Hammer Action |
| Display | Yes |
| Effects | Multiple Effects |
| Recording | No |
| Lesson System | No |
| Split Mode | No |
| USB | Yes |
| MIDI I/O | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Pedal Inputs | 3 |
| Sustain Pedal Input | Yes |
| Sustain Pedal Included | Yes |
| Stand Included | No |
| Bench Included | No |
| Battery Powered | No |
| Power Requirements | Input: 100-240V / Output: 12V-2,5A |
| Power Supply Included | Yes |
| Length | 50" |
Reviews:
Mein kawai mp 7 hat mir viele Jahre gute Dienste getan. Aber mit 21 kg – man wird nicht jünger. Mein neues Arturia keylab mark 2 88 ist ein Träumchen. Aber eben auch nicht leicht und immer muss der Rechner mit. Mein neues Studiologic numa x 73 hat da für mich nun die genau richtige, bunte Vielfalt: Es ist leicht (11 kg), es hat die neue Fatartastatur inkl. Aftertoruch wie ich sie vom Keylab schätzen gelernt habe; es hat die Gene eines Masterkeyboards und die bunten Knöpfe sind dermaßen intuitiv – ich kann dem Studiologic-Team nur ein Bravissimo entrichten. Was mir gesonders gefällt – hier muss ja nicht die ganze Produktbeschreibung aufgeschrieben werden: 300-stimmig und 4 Layersounds können übereinander gelegt werden. Die Sounds werden beim Wechsel nicht abgeschnitten. Besonders gefällt mir die Piano- und die Stringsection; man darf mal gespannt sein, was da im Laufe der Zeit noch an Sounds von Studiologic heruntergeladen werden kann. Das was jetzt an Sounds geliefert wird, genügt m.E. den meisten Bands. Momentan hat daher für mich dieses Instrument, was Preis, Leistung und Haptik anbelangt, die beste "bunte Vielfalt". Ich bin mal gespannt, wie haltbar das Numa x ist. Mein kawai mp 7 konnte ich nach 10 Jahren guten Gewissens in gute Hände abgeben.
Klang Das Numa X Piano klingt authentisch. Die Samples werden per Algorithmus modelliert und klingen deshalb auch extrem natürlich. Die Internen-Sounds schlagen folglich meine Midi-Instrumente um längen. DAW Weiterhin ist das Numa X Piano eine DAW – 4 Mono-Eingänge, die Wahlweise per Knopfdruck auch zu 2 Stereo-Eingängen werden. Master ist natürlich auch mit an Bord. Das Numa X Piano selbst kann 4 interne Instrumente (z.B. Synth, Strings, E-Piano, Grand) gleichzeitig auf die Klaviatur legen. Es gibt dazu eine Effektsektion, die auf jedes der 4 Instrumente einzeln angepasst werden kann. –> Die Entwickler haben sich dazu eine extrem intuitive Bedienung überlegt, die in der Praxis sau gut und schnell funktioniert. Raus gehen dann Midi per USB oder Midi über den klassischen Midi-Anschluss. Per USB lässt sich auch direkt der schöne Klang der Intnernen Sounds an PC, DAW oder sonstiges zu schicken. Ansonsten gibts noch einen Kopfhörer und die Lautsprecherausgänge (Links/Rechts – verlangt aktive Lautsprecher). Für wen ist das Gerät? Tolles Gerät für den Musiker von heute. Das Piano ist viel mehr als ein reines Keyboard – es ist eine DAW und extrem viele intuitive Möglichkeiten schnell kreative Sounds zusammen zu basteln. Würde ich mir das Keyboard auch kaufen, wenn ich ein reiner Konzertpianist wäre? – wahrscheinlich nicht. Wer nur nach einem digitalen Piano für das Klavierspiel sucht, wird hier NICHT enttäuscht – findet aber wahrscheinlich auch andere Produkte. Wer aber gerne an Sounds bastelt und vielleicht noch weitere Instrumente spielt (in einer Band oder Solo), der findet nichts vergleichbares auf dem Markt. Ich bin ein Fan 🙂David
12. M-Audio 61-Key Keystation Usb Midi Keyboard Controller (Mk3)
Product Details:
Take your creativity to the next level. the m-audio keystation 61 mk3 usb controller is the third addition to the immensely popular keystation series. the keystation is revered in the production world for its streamlined design and seamless integration with daws. the 61-note keybed features velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys, providing a natural feel and fluid playability. it also includes transport control for controlling music software/daw (digital audio workstation). it comes complete with a comprehensive software bundle including ableton live lite and premium-grade virtual instruments. additionally, a 5-pin midi output allows connecting to your favourite analog synth.
Specifications:
| Length | 9.25 in |
| Height | 0.1 in |
| Width | 41 in |
Reviews:
Considering the price this is a sturdy and extremely capable device. I purchased it to give me a practise keyboard but find it so useful when just doodling on the DAW (Cubase or Studio One). DAW settings took a bit of setting up as there are no pre-set configs for this device, however once the principle is understood it was easy to configure the 8 buttons as controller inputs. Keybed feels sort of OK, if you are used to a piano or weighted Synth it feels pretty light on but honestly it has enough feel, keys are a little slippery especially the whites which are super smooth. The Blacks have a small amount of texture. Overall, I'm super happy!CGTS P. L.
The price of the unit was discounted due to some damage to the metal housing on the back of the keyboard and for whatever reason it was caused. But, everything seems to work perfectly. I could not be more happy that a found this Hammer88 at the price I got it for. Thank you very much Sam Ash! The Hammer 88 has an amazing feel and build quality. Excellent buy at the price! Though, it doesn't have but a mod wheel and pitch bend, there is plenty of space on the unit body to add your own extra devices, should you choose, as I have.P
I'm not a music pro, just a hobbyist. I'm also not a great keyboardist; I play mostly stringed instruments. What I'm really saying is I don't know that much about keyboards and synths. I have a Yamaha YPG-635 with USB capabilities, but it's hard to operate a DAW on my computer while sitting a distance at the piano. I wanted a keyboard that would fit on my workstation desk. The M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 fulfils my needs nicely. I use it for recording, just to add different sounds to the mix. It comes packed with Lite versions of Ableton, Reason and Pro-tools. I've been using Mixcraft Pro, and the keyboard works fine with it. Mine isn't the full sized model, but 61 weighted keys are enough for me. The optional M-Audio sustain pedal has a squishy feel, so I would recommend the KSP-100 pedal, which responds much more naturally. I have one with my Yamaha and much prefer it. Connecting to a computer is super easy. Just plug into a USB slot and wait for your OS to recognize it. No special drivers to download. The bundled software may require a learning curve if you are new to DAWs, but they also include plenty of useful tutorials. I took some piano as a kid, and I can mess with chords and simple arpeggios, but I don't sight read. Buying this keyboard has inspired me to start online keyboard lessons!
13. Arturia Minilab 3 Midi Keyboard Controller (White)
Product Details:
With arturia’s unmatched dedication in synthesizer research and design, it’s no surprise that the latest iteration of their mini midi machine would elevate itself from its predecessor. the minilab 3 continues the 25-key arrangement, boasting a slender profile and weighing just over three pounds. an ergonomic form factor includes two capacitive touch sensors for pitch and modulation control, respectively. eight touch- and pressure-sensitive pads are broken into two banks, totaling 16 fully assignable, rgb-backlit slots. eight rotary encoders are accompanied by four high-quality sliders to accommodate versatile control schemes. a new mini display includes a clickable browsing knob, providing real-time feedback on tweaks and mods made to any one of the minilab 3’s 500 presets. intuitive functionality allows for straightforward control of transposition by octave or semitone, hold and chord modes, and the built-in arpeggiator. custom daw scripts are tailored for integration with major workstations, alongside seamless compatibility with arturia’s extensive library of software instruments. the usb-c connection provides painless use with nearly any system. the midi 5-pin din output quickly connects you to external midi gear, and the external control input means greater expressive expansion. our studio experts agree that the minilab 3 is a worthy heir to the name and a must-have for studio setups of any size!
Specifications:
Reviews:
i'm totally new to the world of music making. thought it'd be good to get this as a first step. happy to say i was correct – very easy and comfortable to use. controls are pretty straightforward. some people might think the construction feels cheap, but hey, it's $100…to me, it's more than sufficient. i'm impressed and pleased with it and look forward to using it more.
14. Novation Impulse 25 25-Key Usb Midi Controller
Product Details:
Impulse is a range of professional usb/midi controllers. as well as a precision keyboard, drums pads and a full control surface, it comes with an updated version of novation's award-winning automap control software – automap 4 – which makes getting hands-on with your daw/plug-ins fast and simple. impulse also comes with ableton live lite, novation's bass station synth and a loopmasters sample pack. feel galorethe ultra-responsive keyboard is semi-weighted with aftertouch so it feels like a musical instrument. impulse enables highly expressive playing styles due to its high scan-rate. this means it sends very accurate information about your playing style to your music software, translating subtle differences in dynamics extremely effectively. you can add further character to your performance with the pitch and modulation wheels. the 8 drum pads are perfect for sketching beats and triggering samples, but they do so much more: all 8 are back-lit with multi-coloured leds which means they can step through arpeggiator sequences, allowing you to warp and change the pattern in real time! there is also a beat roll function, which enables you to improvise with drum patterns on the fly. in addition to this, the drum pads can be used to trigger clips in ableton live. they light up yellow if a clip is loaded, green if it is playing and red if it is set to record. stay in controlimpulse is designed to give you full hands-on control of your music-making software. the knobs, faders and buttons give you control over your daw's mixer as well as plug-in instruments and effects. the included automap control software has been designed solely to connect hardware controls to your software – even vst/au/rtas instruments and effects that don't come bundled with your daw. the large custom lcd screen shows important information about what you are controlling. impulse has transport buttons that allow you to play, stop, record, loop and move forwards and backwards in your software. impulse can be usb powered from your computer or if you want to power it independently you can use a simple usb power adapter (not included). there are expression and sustain pedal inputs on the rear panel, and it has midi in and out ports so you can use it as a usb-midi interface. this means that you can control external midi instruments with impulse, and you can also use it to enable your music software to trigger external midi instruments. features- precision semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch – professional control surface gives you full control of your daw including mixer, transport and plug-in instruments and effects – novation's automap control software makes it fast and simple to assign knobs, faders and buttons to your music software – back-lit drum pads allow you to warp arpeggios and improvise with rhythm patterns – they also launch clips in ableton – large lcd screen displays control information – hardware design is tough and rugged – comes with ableton live lite, novation's bass station synth and a loopmasters sample pack – usb powered, with expression and sustain pedal inputs as well as midi in and out ports for connecting external midi instruments.
Specifications:
| Key Size | Full |
| Product Width | 13 inches |
| Recording Feature | Yes |
| MIDI | Input/output |
| Velocity-Sensitive Keys | Yes |
| Color | Black |
| Drum Pads | Yes |
| Manufacturer's Warranty – Parts | 2 Years |
| Manufacturer's Warranty – Labor | 2 Years |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Product Height | 3.9 inches |
| Sustain Pedal Jack | Yes |
| USB Port(s) | Yes |
Reviews:
Excellent velocity sensitivity, channel aftertouch is nice. Knobs/fader/buttons are all very solid feeling. Enough range for anyone not playing classical piano pieces. Looks great, easy to get used to LCD interface. Automap 4.4 is a pain with Reaper, but since my purchase Reaper has been included in an OS update. Works great with those overused NI synths. Works with osc/hui perfectly so Automap is really unneccesary at the end of the day. I'd rather have two of these than any digital stage piano. With the excepton of the digital stage piano having polyphonic aftertouch; something that is almost never implemented by software synthes effectively and therefore not worth the price increase to the consumer or manufacturer. Worth it to buy a drum pad alongside as the velocity sensitive pads are great/easy to use for arpeggiation. Fours stars due only to my lack of experience with competing hardware.loganm2977
An excellent controller – nice job Novation! I gig and record continuously and rely on soft synths running on my MacBook Pro for my sound. My main controller has been a Korg Karma, which I've used for years, but recently I wanted something with more convenient knobs, plus drum pads. I got that and so much more with this controller. I really like the semi-weighted keys on here. Perfect for synth players. The aftertouch works as it should. The keyboard simply has a "right" feel. The knobs are great too. More often than not, if I want to work the cutoff or other parameter, I want to use my right hand, so the layout on the Impulse works well. I love knobs! I have a Waldorf Microwave XT with 44 of them, a Kore controller, and others. The feel of these knobs is totally usable. Actually, I think I rather prefer them to others I have used. The drum pads have an excellent feel. It seems like competitively priced controllers usually come with terrible drum pads, but these are the real deal. Great feel – very satisfying, and multiple light colors if you use Ableton. All of the push-buttons feel good – solid yet spongy in the right way. Overall, I have been super impressed with this piece of hardware. The automap software is excellent – I had the first mappings from controller to logic set up in under 5 minutes. It will take some work to completely customize to my setup, but that it to be expected as my setup is complex. The simple fact that it can be customized the way I want it to is praise for this gear. There are many controllers fighting for dominance in this price range and I checked out most of them before getting the Novation Impulse. I am completely happy with my purchase – Novation has made a fan out of me with this product.Avahara
The Impulse controller keyboard feels great for my situation, which is live performance. I am a keyboard player playing "bass" synth parts with my left hand, while playing keyboard with my right hand on another keyboard. Before purchasing the Impulse I was looking for a good quality controller that had a little more weight in the keys than other keyboards that I was using. The Impulse is perfect in keyboard action and response. Haven't tried using it in my studio recording yet, but I'm sure it will work great as it has a nice feature set for integrating it into a studio setup. The only negative thing and very minor (not a deal breaker) is the fact the the keyboard is usb only powered, meaning that I could not turn it on before first buying an adaptor. I would have much preferred a regular detachable ac power cable, but I know that hasn't been in vogue for a long time. I found a nice USB power adapter for this keyboard that's made by myvolts on Ebay.hotkeyman1
15. Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 Usb Midi Keyboard Controller (37-Key) With Xpix Pro Dj
Product Details:
The novation launchkey 25 mk3 is a 25-key midi keyboard controller integrated with ableton live for you to dive into creating and performing music. the launchkey gives you all of the tools to create new tunes and build your musical vocabulary with scale and chord modes an arpeggiator and custom modes. with the launchkey you get access to a variety of digital audio workstations including ableton live logic and reason cubase pro tools and studio one. use scale mode to transpose keys the arpeggiator to get melodies moving or use the novation components to configure a custom mode. the launchkey is perfect for users of all experience levels and can even be used without a computer as a standalone module. includes:. 1 x a male to b male usb. 1 x alesis asp-2 universal piano-style sustain pedal. 1 x xpix dual midi cable dual 5-pin din to same. 1 x xpix pro dj headphonesspecifications. weight: 144 lbs
Specifications:
| Package Dimensions | 28.7 x 18 x 8.8 inches |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Number of Keyboard Keys | 37 |
| Instrument | Piano |
Reviews:
I have had this for a while now and have had time to work with it. I am a Ableton Live 11 user and the Launchkey 88 MK3 integrates perfectly with Live 11. I am still learning all the in's and out's with this controller, but for the price you can't beat it. The feel of the keys are what would be expected from a semi-weighted keyboard. My Korg Pax4 is semi-weighted so I am used to the feel of the keys. If you are looking for a good controller that plays well with Ableton Live, then I would recommend looking into the Novation Launchkey 88 MK3. Very good bang for the buck with a lot of control!
Sound: I'm using this keyboard in a hybrid setup. For both controlling hardware desktop synths and Ableton Live. , Features: It's quite easy to control things through USB, Quality: This is about as good as it gets in terms of build quality. Value: These keyboards are in short supply. The price is the same everywhere. Manufacturer Support: There was only one small issue with updating the firmware. But Novation heads this off with a link with instructions on how to quickly solve it. The Wow Factor: Comparing this to Push 2, the SL MKIII is about $100 less. And really, in my opinion, a better value. Creating music with keys rather than a pad grid makes more sense in my mind as a music creator, focused on melodies. Overall: The keys feel perfect. I love touching them and playing with them. Very smooth operation. They really nailed the feel of these keys. All of the other features are actually quite easy to learn. This controller may look complex, but it actually quite easy to learn and get going.Jona
I’m currently using this with Ableton Live 11 Suite and hooked up through MIDI to a Yamaha Modx8. Great keybed, very precise velocity that can be set via a knob or played through manually. The scale modes are a really nice feature with the lights, as it will illuminate the chosen scale! The arpeggiator is also very fun to play with, the pads act as a step sequencer to set your own intervals. It has a nice multicolor standby display. The abilities to control ableton are excellent. This thing is basically plug and play, with only a few settings needed in the DAW to set it up. I highly recommend this, and there are many more features that I haven’t dove into yet.John
16. Korg Ek-50 61 Key Entertainer Keyboard
Product Details:
Korg s ek-50 is a 61-key keyboard designed to deliver a wide range of versatile tones and simple operations for students, tutors, musicians playing at home, educational establishments and live performances. with 280 auto-accompaniment styles and upwards of 700 sounds to compliment a wide range of genres and compositional requirements. each of the ek-50 s styles include 2 intros, 4 variations, 2 fills and 1 one count-in. set list mode offers you the opportunity to arrange the sounds you need into a simple to access list. jam along with your favourite songs via the integrated wav/mp3 audio player and utilise the internal recorder to record your song ideas! the ek-50 s bright lcd screen and led buttons to deliver user-friendly navigation and setup. interface the ek-50 with your laptop/computer and flash drive (sold separately) through a usb/midi device and host connectivity. the ek-50 has a built-in stereo speaker capable of pumping out 10w per channel, allowing you to hear clearly no matter where you re playing. choose from up to 148 effects and variations for the 4 stereo multi-effects processors 2 for the selected style, 2 for the current sound to add a uniqueness to your performances and jams!
Specifications:
| Weight | 25 lb |
Reviews:
This Korg keyboard has great tones, is light and portable and intuitive to use without having to dive into a manual all the time. The key action is very nice with smooth operation and touch sensitivity. It seems to be solidly built and should last years if properly looked after. I am very pleased with it. An added bonus is that it is possible to layer three sounds in the upper register whereas most entry level keyboards are limited to two. This makes for a fuller.richer sound. The keyboard has 20 watts of amplification which makes it more than loud enough for home and intimate gig use without additional amplification.
If you need a great arranger or synthesizer then you are looking at the wrong keyboard. If however you want a keyboard to play beautiful music that is also fun to play, look no further. The Korg ek50 is fantastic. It is easy to learn and play since it was designed for exactly that use. The keyboard sounds great and the sounds are truly realistic. The music styles cover just about every type of music that exists and add total realism to every thing that you play. This is the finest sounding keyboard that I have heard in my 65 years of involvement with music.Jim
17. Alesis – Vi49 – 49-Key Usb/midi Keyboard Controller
Product Details:
Make the most of today's popular software. the vi series combines illuminated pads and controls with full-sized, semi-weighted keys to unlock new levels of control. easily assignable knobs and buttons combine with dedicated transport buttons for effortless control. the included preset editor software makes setup a snap. pitch and mod wheels-even a sustain pedal input-add performance capabilities. octave shift buttons access the entire note range. the rgb backlit pads feature an extremely versatile "roll mode" for added on-the-fly expression. one usb cable provides both power and a midi data connection to any computer. the 5-pin midi din output and optional power supply allow for standalone use with other midi devices. each vi series usb midi controller includes ableton live lite alesis edition.
Specifications:
| Instrument Type | MIDI controller |
| MIDI Controller Interface | USB |
| Connections | MIDI output USB Sustain pedal |
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Key Type | Semi-weighted |
| Number of Drum Pads | 16, velocity-sensitive |
| Display | LCD display |
| Controllers | Pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, 8 assignable knobs, octave shift buttons, transport buttons, tap tempo button, roll/edit button, 36 assignable buttons, preset down/up buttons |
| Voltage Required | DC 9 V |
| Included Accessories | USB cable |
| Included Software | Ableton Live Lite, Xpand!2 |
| OS Required | Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Apple MacOS X 10.7 – 10.9 |
Reviews:
Good kit for the price. Excellent feel of the keyboard, a good amount of functionality. Knobs could be larger – they are tricky to use at first because of they’re small size and stiffness but they do loosen up. I am using this primary as a controller for analogue synth emulators so knobs are very important to me.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I bought this as a gift to my partner, who is the type to tinker with tech. I am not that person. Currently, we are both using the controller with ease. I use it for vocal lessons, and it is simple for me to use as just a piano keyboard. My partner likes to use it for more creative endeavors, and tests its limits more than I could ever think to. It is his first MIDI controller, and he is enjoying all of its capabilities. I would highly recommend this controller. The value is excellent, and it is very flexible for all levels. PS – the salespeople at the Lexington, KY location were top-notch and helped my decision tremendously. Sky was particularly knowledgeable, and I would buy from them again in a heartbeat!Mariah
The Alesis V49 MIDI controller is my first MIDI keyboard. I wanted something functional, aesthetically appealing, and fairly simple that would enhance my recordings. I typically would create my MIDI tracks with a piano roll in Reaper, but found it to really be lacking a human element. Since purchasing this item, I have discovered it to be very useful in my workflow. I no longer have to sit in a MIDI editor for an extended period of time to have lifeless recordings. The simplicity of use out of the box is great. I plugged it into my computer and within 5 minutes had it set up and playing some VSTi's out of my studio monitors. It get's more complicated when you want to go about programming the drum pads and assorted knobs. In fact, the included documentation (which was sparce) did not provide this information. I've gone online and I'm sure I could figure it out in time, but it just seems very tedious and over-the-head of a novice when it comes to setting up MIDI controls. This lack of instructions is disappointing and renders part of the buy useless until I have time to figure it out. That said, some knobs work right out of the box. In particular the pitch and mod wheels, which is one of the reasons I wanted this as well, to create expressive recordings unattainable in a MIDI editor. They work very well and are fluid. The velocity component of the keyboard is hit-and-miss. It is not as sensitive as I would have liked. At times a light push of the keys can trigger a far louder sound than expected. Considering the price, the sensitivity isn't "that" bad at all, but there are better options on the market no doubt. Overall, what I wanted was an affordable and relatively easy to use MIDI keyboard for home studio recording purposes. It fits my studio perfectly and is aesthetically pleasing. The 49 keys are great. Not too small and not to larger, plus there is an easy to use set of buttons that allows you to shift octaves for more range on the fly. I would have liked more instructions to be included, but can't help but praise this item as it works very well for the relatively low cost. I bought through Musicians Friend because they offered a free set of AKG headphones with the purchase.Chris
18. Roland Fantom-08 88-Key Workstation Keyboard
Product Details:
This leaves the workstation behind and morphs into a play station with tight integration with your computer. fantom-0 brings your creative world together, combining the sonic power and fluid workflow of the top-of-the-line fantom series in streamlined instruments that go everywhere your inspiration takes you. equipped with an expressive 88-note keyboard with weighted action, fantom-08 has everything you need to create and perform at the highest level. play and produce with thousands of roland’s best sounds and unleash your musical vision with a color touchscreen, hands-on controls, and deep computer integration derived from the flagship models. fantom-0 includes thousands of professional sounds from roland’s immense, trendsetting library, with further expansion available through roland cloud. create with synthesizers and rhythm sounds that have defined entire musical genres. build organic compositions with pianos and other acoustic instruments. or shape sounds of the future with fantom-0’s deep array of modern synthesis tools. designed for non-stop music creation, fantom-0 lets you shape sounds and make music without interrupting the flow. with the hands-on knobs and sliders, color touchscreen, quick sampling features, and clip-based sequencer, every session with fantom-0 is inspiring, productive, and fun. fantom-0 slides seamlessly into modern production setups with a built-in 4×32 usb audio interface, while native integration with logic pro, mainstage, and ableton live lets you interact with the software using the touchscreen and hardware controls. going further, you can freely combine soft synths with fantom-0’s onboard sounds and interface with your favorite midi hardware via the dedicated midi output.
Specifications:
| Parts | 16 zones (Internal + External) |
| Scenes | 128 scenes x 4 bank |
| Tone Remain | 8 zones |
| Tone Search/Scene Search | Rating, Character |
| Part EQ | 16 systems |
| Drum Part COMP | 6 systems |
| TFX | 1 system, 90 types |
| Input MFX | 1 system, 90 types |
| Chorus | 9 types |
| Reverb | 7 types |
| Input Reverb | 7 types |
| Input EQ | 1 system |
| Preset Setting | 10 |
| Set | 100 |
| Group | 16 |
| Pattern Length | 64 measures |
| Recording Method | Realtime recording, Step recording, TR-REC |
| Song | 1 (per Scene) |
| File format | Original, SMF export/import supported |
| MIDI tracks | 16 |
| Tempo range | 5-300 BPM |
| Transpose function | -5-+6 semitone |
| Track Mute | Yes |
| Track Solo | Yes |
| A/B loop function | Yes |
| Number of Multisamples | 128 |
| Maximum Polyphony | 8 |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Chord Memory | Yes |
| Motional Pad | Yes |
| AIRA LINK | When connect to MX-1 (sold separately) |
| SUB OUT STEREO (PHONES) jacks | Stereo miniature phone type PHONES Support |
| Mic Input jacks | 1/4 inch TRS type |
| Line Input jacks | (L/MONO,R) (1/4 inch phone type) |
| External Memory | USB Flash drive (sold separately) |
| Power Supply | AC Adaptor |
| Power Consumption | 1,300 mAh |
Reviews:
Awesome keyboard . Much prefer it to FA08!Reviewed by Absolute Music custo
Für den Preis kann man nicht mehr Funktionen bekommen!
19. Studiologic Sl88 Studio 88-Key Midi Keyboard Controller
Product Details:
Studiologic sl88 studio lightweight midi controller with 88-key hammer action keyboard the sl88 studio is the perfect extension of the sl controllers line, providing the perfect combination of lightness and power. the user interface is perfect for quick navigation and setup, and also gives you excellent in-depth control. the sl88 studio adopts the latest hammer action key bed technology from fatar, giving the best piano touch feeling. tp/100lr is remarkably lighter than any other. each of the keys provides 3 contacts for superior performance, and the weighted touch guarantees a fluent and authentic feel. with its compact profile, the sl88 studio is an extremely portable professional controller. thanks to a perfect integration with the tp/100lr keyboard, it weighs in at a mere 30 pounds. the sl88 studio is stage and studio ready with a rugged full metal casing. sculptured end-caps, made of a highly resistant synthetic material, help shield the key bed perfectly and provide a safe grip when handling and transporting. studio logic is synonymous with high quality midi controllers and ground breaking digital pianos, organs, and pedals.
Reviews:
Overall: Actually I would buy this keyboard ASASP if it was marked down $150. After all, it's not a REAL piano that generally doesn't depreciate. Practically all electronic devices depreciate in price except higher-end electronic keyboards. This keyboard was released 7 years ago so the electronic guts and features would be dated compared to something released today. The same could be said for the Yamaha P125 which was release 5 years ago and its price, too, hasn't budge in a long while. I don't blame the retailers since it's likely the music manufacturers are behind this. Fine by me but they're only depressing their sales in the end by bucking against the normal sales practice of offering some kind of discount to move old inventory. I'm sure there are many potential buyers like myself feel the same way. Food for thought.
I got rid of my old StudioLogic controller that I had back from 2007-2010 because it had a known problem that the company just wouldn't fix: the modwheel constantly sent MIDI data out on CC1. It wouldn't stop. I had hoped that now, 12 years later, and buying a more expensive model, that the MIDI problem would've stopped – but no. Now, absent a modwheel, the expression pedal inputs are constantly adjusting MIDI data. Same happening for a friend with the identical keyboard. Happens with both pedal input options, regardless of pedal brand or type. Park the pedal at any value from 0-127, say at 60 — and in your recording or MIDI input window you'll see a constant flow of data 60-61-60-61-60-61-60-61. And it's not the pedal: it's the keyboard. If you plan on using this as a MIDI controller, be forewarned, and go with a different brand.Kerry
The Studio Logic, SL88 is one of the most diverse studio controllers on the planet. This is the engineer/Producers keyboard controller. Four banks of ability to control the DAW at your fingertips. The Stage Performers Dream, to immediately switch patches on stage. The diversity in this box is more than can be asked for. These features stand out right away. I have had this board 4 months now, it surpasses anything I have had before. A particular con is the learning curve but once you get pass that you will be on your way. There is so much more as you begin to explore the midi controls, and the digital attachment mixer/controller to even more readily control the keyboard. Studio Logic is the keyboard bed for professionals, this feel is comparable the actual piano keyboard as the SL88 Grand is as well. I recommend this controller, I have had quite a few, but this one takes the show. You will be certainly more than satisfied with the performance of this keyboard controller. it will more than meet your expectations.Rex H
20. Alesis V61 – 61-Key Usb Midi Keyboard Controller
Product Details:
Creative controlthe v61 mkii has the in-demand features that producers and creators need from a usb midi keyboard. the 8 backlit percussion pads respond to your playing expressively, delivering complete control for programming drums or playing back samples. the pads also have classic note repeat and full level functionality to mimic the world’s most popular drum machines and sequencers. need a unique melody or some fun inspiration? the v61 mkii’s arpeggiator has 6 modes with tap tempo and easily adjustable time division, gate, and swing controls. you can also control your daw and software instruments without ever taking your hands off the v61 mkii – 4 assignable knobs can be midi-mapped to your most important software functions.production software bundlethe alesis v61 mkii comes with an mpc beats music production software bundle to start creating right out of the box. mpc beats is the fully featured, beat-making software based on the legendary mpc workflow to quickly make great sounding beats. to make sure that all tastes are covered, the v61 mkii also includes (7) mpc beats expansion packs spanning a variety of genres. additionally, the v61 mkii also includes easy point-and-click midi editor software that enables customizing the midi messages that each of its controls send, as well as fine tuning the key and pad response to your personal taste. if you’re just learning to play, or just want to sharpen your keyboard skills, the v61 mkii also includes 60 free lessons from melodics, the best way to learn piano.
Reviews:
This was an answer to prayers. I absolutely love this keyboard. I was looking at some of the reviews and pondered on one of the comments of the responsiveness of the product. It is actually REALLY responsive. Funny thing is, it may depend on the program your using with the midi keyboard a well; it my not entirely be depended on this, but it does have some effect. The first program I used was Studio One, and each time I played, no settings changed on the keyboard or within the system, it had some effect of delay. That was a little frustrating, in all honesty but with knowing that there was a problem with the delay, there must be something to control it right? Eventually, it can be monitored and delt with in the system settings of program you are using to interact with the midi Keyboard. I recently changed to Ableton Live (A lot easier to understand) and was able to see exactly which effect were causing the delays. That may answer some of the worries a customer may have about the ratings of this product. Overall, this is an amazing keyboard for an amazing price and it is high-quality-built in my opinion.jea.jessi
My experience with this product has been frustrating and very disappointing. When I first plugged it in I had to poke the keys very forcefully to get any response from this device. I downloaded the V49 editor software hoping that would help me fix the problem, but my Norton Antivirus kept rejecting the exe file. I posted a request for help on the Alesis support website last week – no response. So, I called them on the phone, waited 45 minutes on hold, and a technician told me there was nothing wrong with the V49 Editor software, and that I should try again to load the software and reset the velocity on the keys to "1". When I finally got the V49 Editor installed, I reset the velocity for the keys from 4 to 1 – and this made a marginal improvement – but the keyboard sensitivity at 1 is still unacceptably unresponsive. I also have discovered that the V49 seems to default the velocity on the keys back to 4. So I have to keep resetting the velocity. I really tried to make this work out of customer loyalty to Alesis because I have one of their other products – which I am very happy with – their SR-16 drum machine. However, I am throwing in the towel on this V49 – I am going to return it.MICHEAL
I wanted a MIDI controller with enough good features for the price, this one was the best one. I have played MOTIF and high end AKAI keyboards before even though it doesn't compare, for the price its amazing. Out of the box I noticed while I was going into Logic the keys were touchy, the curve of the sensitivity of they keys were way off for me. I tried to see if the software could fix it and there is a curve setting for the keys. I tried changing it from 1-8 which are all the curve settings and it didn't do anything having to find out you have to send the setting to the device(V49) so it will save it. It works great now! The keys feel fine and all the settable knobs and drum pads feel great! They light up too! I highly recommend this one for a home recording studio or a secondary controller for a live set up. Thats exactly what I use it for! Just make sure you have the curve setting that you like and send the setting to the hardware device to change it on the keyboard.Michael Panda
