- Free Midi Downloads For Keyboards
- Virtual Midi Keyboard Online
- Midi Keyboard Software Windows 10
- Free Software For Midi Keyboard
- Free Midi Keyboard Controller Software
We are having a look at the best MIDI keyboards available in 2020 and giving our thoughts on what we consider to be our top 10.
Like other Android MIDI controller keyboard apps mentioned before, you can use it to manage frequency, tempo, velocity, and so on and so forth. MIDI Commander is a free to use app with no ads. MidiPiano is a free software to play piano on your computer. To play piano on your computer with the help of this freeware you need to use your moue and keyboard. With the help of this freeware you can play MIDI files as piano. It also gives you the option of recording MIDI files. MidiPiano gives you the option of changing the layout of the keyboard.
To help you choose we have included small MIDI keyboard reviews with each one along with our pros and cons.
Let’s get started!
Here are the best MIDI keyboard controllers 2020:
- AKAI MPK Mini MkII – A Personal Favorite
- M-Audio Hammer 88 – Best Weighted Keys
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 – Best All-Rounder
- NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII – Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)
- Akai MPK Road 88 – Best for Touring/Gigging
- Novation Launchkey 49 MkII – Best for Ableton Users
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII – Best Beginner Controller
- Roli Seaboard Block – Best Alternative Choice
- Studiologic Numa Compact 2x – Best Hybrid
- Alesis V61 – Best Budget Controller
Akai MPK Mini MkII – A Personal Favorite
Since the first version of the MPK Mini, it has been one of the most popular MIDI controllers on the market. Despite its small stature, this little MIDI keyboard is a producers dream.
The main selling point of the MPK Mini MkII is the authentic Akai MPC drum pads. There are 8 pads that can be used for triggering drums, samples, or patterns. Samples can be assigned to bank A or bank B meaning you effectively have the use of 16 pads (8 at a time) and you can switch between banks instantly during a performance.
The MPK Mini MkII comes with 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys with octave up/down functionality. While 25 keys don’t exactly provide a huge range it’s more than enough to lay down chords and lead lines.
There are 8 assignable knobs that allow you to edit parameters like cut-off, resonance, etc, in real-time. Some other nice performance features are a powerful arpeggiator and a note repeat trigger. Instead of a wheel, Akai has opted for a thumbstick to control pitch bend and modulation which is very intuitive.
Like most Akai controllers you get a pretty good software bundle with the MPK Mini MkII that includes MPC Essentials, Sonivox Wobble, and Air Music Tech’s Hybrid.
Between the included software you have some powerful production tools and some really high-end synth, bass, and piano sounds. All of it is brought together via Akai’s VIP 3.1 platform that makes accessing all of your plugins/VST’s a breeze.
|
This is top of our list because it’s the pound for pound champ of MIDI controllers. Despite its small stature, this is one of the best-selling and most versatile controllers available.
For a producer or beatmaker, the MPK Mini MkII is a powerhouse that lets you do just about everything in the studio, on the go, or on stage. Add in the included software and the value for money is undeniable.
M-Audio Hammer 88 – Best Weighted Keys
The Hammer 88 by M-Audio is an absolute monster of a MIDI keyboard controller. It’s also the most simple in our top 10 because it’s nothing more than 88 keys with fantastic a hammer action feel.
What you get with the Hammer 88 is a truly realistic piano playing experience. It’s aimed at musicians who primarily play the piano but still want the option to control all of their VST’s.
This level of realism in the weight and action of the keys isn’t usually found in a MIDI controller so M-Audio is definitely filling a gap in the market here.
A master volume fader along with pitch bend and modulation wheels are the only onboard controls. The volume fader can be assigned to control other parameters of your plugin/VST so there is some versatility there.
As you’d expect from a keyboard with such a realistic piano feel, the Hammer 88 has 3 pedal inputs for sustain, soft, and expression for more realism.
|
So, it has no surprising features and not much versatility but it’s still one of our top-rated MIDI keyboards. If you are a pianist or composer who wants a realistic piano feel in a MIDI controller you won’t get better than this. It’s the best weighted MIDI keyboard on the market right now.
It’s great for studio work and live performance if you don’t mind something a little heavier than the average MIDI keyboard.
Ultimately, you are trading features and versatility for precision and realism. If you’re willing to make that trade the Hammer 88 is without a doubt one of the best MIDI controllers out there.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 – Best All-Rounder
The KeyLab Essentials series is a streamlined version of the successful KeyLab collection. The KeyLab Essential 61 is one of the slickest-looking MIDI keyboard controllers on our list.
This one is all about control, controlling as much as possible without leaving the keyboard. The aim is, of course, to increase your workflow and in music production that’s important.
The Keylab Essential 61has transport controls that work perfectly with all major DAW’s. It also has 9assignable faders and 9 assignable knobs which can control a huge amount ofparameters in real-time. This means less time clicking a mouse and more time atthe keyboard. The pitch bend and modulation wheels are also assignable.
There are also 8 very good backlit, velocity-sensitive pads – not quite MPC-quality but very good nonetheless. You can program entire tracks with keys, drums, samples and so on all from the KeyLab and this also makes it a very powerful live performance tool.
Free audio recording software for macbook pro. Arturia has added a Chord function that lets you trigger complex chords by pressing a single note, making composition much easier/faster.
Arturia tends to give pretty good software bundles with the Keylab range although the exact VST’s do vary from time to time. Currently, you get a copy of the Mini V synth and the stage 73 V electric piano.
|
This is just a high-quality MIDI controller in every sense. It’s well built, versatile, easy to use, and comes with some great VST’s. If you are looking for a keyboard to be the center of your studio setup then the KeyLab Essential 61 is for you.
Arturia says the KeyLab will have you spending far less time pointing and clicking at a computer and that’s definitely true. That control and workflow are why the KeyLab series has been some of the best-selling MIDI keyboard controllers for years now.
NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII – Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)
In recent years Native Instruments has become a name that producers of all levels are very familiar with. Their virtual instruments are used everywhere, from bedroom demos to chart-topping hits.
It’s quite common for a producer/musician tot stick with a certain brand and if you are a NI plugin user then there’s no better partner than their Komplete Kontrol S88.
NI’s Komplete instruments are pre-mapped to the Kontrol S88 so there is no messing about to get set up. When you use your VST’s there are two color screens to help you find and select whatever you need quickly.
Each key can also be illuminated by RGB lights in various colors to show different split groups, etc. For example, if you have drums mapped to certain keys and synth sounds to others, drums could be purple and synths yellow. It’s not a feature that will make you buy this keyboard but it’s one of several small details that add up to make your work easier.
It has 88 hammer-action keys with a pretty convincing feel, the weight offers enough resistance to be expressive. The keys have aftertouch which tends to works best on semi-weighted or lighter keys but it’s still a nice feature to have.
There are transport controls that work with all major DAW’s, 8 assignable knobs and pitch bend/modulation wheels. Underneath the wheels, you will find a touch strip which can be very useful depending on the sound/instrument you are using.
|
The main issues with this keyboard are that as a realistic playing experience it’s not as good as the Hammer 88 and as an overall control center the KeyLab Essential tops it.
However, if you are an avid Native Instruments user then the ease of use for you will outweigh everything else. Quite a simple verdict on this one, if you primarily use NI plugins then buy this, if you don’t then look elsewhere.
Akai MPK Road 88 – Best for Touring/Gigging
Just launched earlier this year the Akai MPK Road 88 is the ultimate touring/gigging MIDI controller. The MPK Road 88 is actually built into a custom hard flight case so it’s travel-ready then just flip the lid and it’s ready for the stage.
It comes with Akai’s exclusive Model-A keybed which is probably somewhere between an acoustic piano and a Fender Rhodes, very nice for gigging.
As the name suggests it has 88 keys and they come with a very nice aftertouch feature that is really useful for organ and synth voices.
In terms of onboard features, it doesn’t have too many, there are pitch bend and modulation wheels, transpose buttons and a master volume. Akai has been very exact about what this keyboard is though, it’s a rugged, road-ready controller with a very realistic key action. It was never intended to be anything else.
It features a 4-output soundcard so you can route your virtual instruments to monitors, mixers, etc, simultaneously with no issues. On top of that, it comes ready with some first-class virtual instruments like AIR Music Tech DB-33, AIR Music Tech Velvet, and AIR Music Tech Mini Grand for Road 88.
|
This one is a no-brainer, if you gig often and you want to access your VST’s with a realistic feeling keyboard, this is the best on the list.
If you play more synths than pianos then you may want something with lighter keys. If you like to utilize pads and samples etc in live performance then it’s not the one, or if you want a realistic feel but primarily for home use then the M-Audio Hammer 88 is a better fit.
For a straight forward 88-key MIDI controller with a gorgeous key action for gigging you can’t top the MPK Road 88 with its Model-A keybed and built-in flight case.
Novation Launchkey 49 MkII – Best for Ableton Users
The Novation Launchkey 49 is similar to the M-Audio Keystation 49 in many ways, it’s unlikely to be the first choice if money is no object but it has to be on the list. We are looking at the 49-key version with 16 velocity-sensitive pads.
Novation are no strangers to drum pads so as expected they are pretty good quality here. The only complaint is that they are a little smaller than Akai’s MPC pads but it’s not a huge issue. That aside, the pads are responsive and you do get 16 so that a lot without having to switch banks, especially for a small keyboard.
Above the pads are 8 fully assignable knobs and rounding off the features are pitch bend and modulation wheels, transpose buttons and master volume.
Ableton Live Lite 9 is included with the Launchkey 49 and if you are an Ableton user already then a Novation controller is likely the way to go for you. Although the Launchkey works very well with other DAW’s, it was purpose-built for Ableton and integrates with it better than any other controller.
The Launchkey is for producers who make a lot of tracks and want that fast workflow, again, especially with Ableton. Also included in the bundle is Novation Bass Station software synth, Novation V-Station software synth, Addictive Keys, 4gb of content from Loopmasters and even some free keyboard lessons from Melodics.
|
The Launchkey 49 is a lower-priced MIDI controller so in all honesty, you can’t really go wrong with it. There are a few things that could be better, but there isn’t anything in particular that is bad about it.
If you want a cheaper MIDI controller with pads this is a good call because it has 16 rather than just 8 like most similar-sized controllers. If Ableton is your main DAW and you want something that you can get tracks going quickly with then you’ll be very happy with the Launchkey 49.
M-Audio Keystation 49 MkIII – Best Beginner Controller
Keystation controllers have been around for some time and you’ll never find a MIDI controller review article without one, or at least you shouldn’t. They aren’t widely regarded as high-end MIDI controllers but they offer great value for money which makes them hugely popular.
The Keystation 49 has 49 velocity-sensitive keys, nothing too fancy but they are full size and more than responsive enough. It’s not the most robust casing either but it’s light enough to take anywhere and it will survive a few bumps easily.
Now the good stuff, the Keystation 49 comes with transport controls that aren’t common in such a low price controller. Besides the transport controls, there are pitch bend and modulation wheels and a master volume, all of which are assignable.
The quality of the wheels isn’t great and don’t feel as precise as they could be but you have to keep everything in context.
By context, we mean think about what you get for your money. You get a very reliable MIDI controller from a trusted name, you get transport controls to integrate with your DAW and it’s light enough to travel easily.
The Keystation probably isn’t going to top any lists but it should always be there because anyone who has used MIDI keyboards for a while has most likely owned one at some stage and had no complaints.
|
You know exactly what you get with the Keystation, it’s never going to be seen as the best but it’s still one of the best-selling. The reason being that they are cheap, easy to use, and do everything you need to make music.
If you can’t make music with a Keystation then you probably don’t need all of those extra features anyway, this is a perfect starting point for any musician.
Roli Seaboard Block – Best Alternative Choice
This is a bit of an outside choice on our list. For anyone who isn’t yet familiar with the Roli Seaboard Block, it’s a soft pressure-sensitive surface with 24 raised keys which can be manipulated in various ways.
Roli calls this their 5 dimensions of touch – strike, press, glide, slide and lift. In simple non-technical terms, the keys are squishy.
The idea is that you shape your sound in a much more natural and intuitive way. Think of it like when you play with an orchestral VST, you instinctively wiggle your finger on the key expecting vibrato but nothing happens, with the Seaboard, it does. The included Equator software has many sounds that are just right for this.
Roli has a few different models, the Seaboard Block is the cheapest and smallest with 25 keys. However, there’s a twist, it’s called a block because you can build with it. Each side of the Seaboard block has little magnetic connectors that let you attach more Seaboard Blocks to extend the playing area or Roli Lightpad Bocks.
|
Some people think the Seaboard Block is a gimmick and more of a toy than a real instrument. The issue is that it can’t replace a regular keyboard, for piano/keys playing you need proper keys. Roli isn’t trying to replace the keyboard though, it’s a completely different thing.
Some keyboards have aftertouch so you can get a little vibrato or expression but aftertouch only does one thing at a time. With the Seaboard you can use vibrato, bend, modulation, cut-off, and more all from one fingertip.
As a producer, this is valuable time saved messing about inside effects or VST’s setting parameters after the fact when you could play it all as you need to in real-time.
After the initial weirdness of it, it actually starts to feel natural and extremely expressive, well worth having.
Studiologic Numa Compact 2x – Best Hybrid
The Numa Compact 2x is a hybrid, so it’s great as a MIDI controller but it also has some amazing onboard sounds so you can use it without a computer. Admittedly, for this reason, it may not be in everyone’s top 10 list but it shouldn’t be discounted just because it’s not only a MIDI keyboard.
It has 88 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch but even for a semi-weighted keyboard, it’s very lightweight indeed. So it’s easy to get to gigs or rehearsals without needing to take a laptop. The onboard sound engines have some stunning pianos, organs, and synths that sound great through the built-in speakers.
So, everything above is really just an added bonus because as a MIDI controller it has lot’s to offer too. There are 9 drawbars for the organ sound engine but they can be assigned to control parameters from either the onboard effects engine or your DAW/VST. It also has a very nice OLED display which is helpful on stage or at home.
Studiologic has gone for joysticks rather than wheels when it comes to pitch bend and modulation, they are very accurate and responsive so that will be a personal preference issue.
|
It’s a hybrid but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a jack of all trades, master of none. The sound engines in this keyboard could match that of much more expensive instruments easily and it has all the MIDI capability that you need.
It may be an outside choice but having all the MIDI features and the option to play without a computer is well worth considering.
Alesis V61 – Best Budget Controller
The V61 from Alesis is exactly what you want if you are on a tight budget. It has 61 semi-weighted keys, they are pretty light but they are full size. The body itself is very slimline and not much broader than the keys themselves.
Despite being so slimline it still manages to fit in 8 pads located to the left of the keyboard. The pads are very good by any standard, responsive and well sized. Beside the pads there are 4 assignable knobs and a pitch bend and modulation wheel.
As far as performance goes, the keys are a bit too light but better than most you’d find in the price range. You would struggle to find a similarly priced keyboard with 61 keys and 8 pads so there can’t be too many complaints.
|
It’s not going to blow you away but the combination of 61 keys, 8 drum pads, and the low price make it our best budget MIDI controller.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are genuine reasons for buying every controller on this list. As always you should base your decision on which one suits your needs most.
Think about your budget, your workspace, and what style you play most. Do that till you eliminate any unsuitable keyboards then you should be left with a smaller list to choose from.
Hopefully, our small MIDI controller reviews can help you out, enjoy!
James is a writer and musician with a passion for audio production. He is a lover of all things tech, especially the latest keyboards, synths, DAW’s, virtual instruments, and effects plugins. Musical interests include jazz, funk, hip hop, blues, and rock.
You are reading the right article absolutely if you want some most MIDI software for your device and make use of it in the most efficient way possible. What do the keyboard and computer have when they are in a working state? Communication, right. So MIDI does the same. Basically, we can consider the MIDI as a language which supports and helps in communication between two components and hence there is also software to work with it. We need MIDI for the purpose to play some music and has more work to it. It works like there is a software working with MIDI for the sound purpose like the musical instruments. And while you are busing playing with your MIDI keyboard and as per the output from the computer you will get some other sound of the instrument like that of a saxophone. We have listed for you the best MIDI software and that both for Windows as well as Mac. It helps to record your playing in a DAW and hence making track after track. There some free and some are paid versions. Also, if you want advanced level service then you definitely have to pay and access it. We have listed them on the basis of reviews, ratings and simple interface to interact with. You will definitely enjoy working with it.
Need and importance?
Ever gave a thought that why do we need such a software? You can play some music with some of your favorite tunes of your choice again. Definitely, there is more to all this. You can also record whatever was recently played, the record also multiple tracks, and also you can make sheet music as well. Its audio interface is very simple and easy to interact with. It has a keyboard basically which comes with the lite version of a DAW, like Abelton or Presonus. Also, the Reaper is expensive enough but it is definitely a very good choice to go for it. It is better to pay and use good service than using a bad one which can lead to extra time and frustration as well.
So, here goes the list of some best free midi software for Windows and Mac as well.
1. Tracktion
Basically, this is the best midi software for Windows and as well as best free midi software too. The convention actually seems to be able to make the version with two iterations before the present one is available for download without any kind of charge. Two years and still feature-packed totally and completely. It is very simple and easy to use at the same time. We might not get all the latest features. You will receive an update each time the company or industry to which it belongs, updates its flagship DAW, which it did on yearly basis. It’s a workspace that gives us everything we need in the main window. Also, there I no need to jump to different screens as well. Every single section available is scalable, and hence you can adjust it to suit your workflow. It supports unlimited features which you as an audience will definitely adore and admire. It has features like that of a number of audio and the MIDI tracks available. It is definitely unique and has amazing functionalities.
Platforms: Windows, Mac
2. AmpliTube Custom Shop
It can be counted under the list of best midi keyboard software. It is fully-functioned kind of software and best in the case of a guitar. And hence it is really good application in that purpose. In this free version is available with almost 24 models in total. It includes the digital chromatic tuner, four amps, three mics, two racks, nine stomp boxes, and five cabs. And has some really awesome effects and functionalities. This software of Windows is enough to keep any guitarist happy. Actually, this software allows to directly record from your laptop and makes it simple to use and efficient as well. There is a paid version as well which provides the advanced features of totally high level. It would allow you to expand your collection of amp models, cab sims, and stomp boxes. This software has tones which are actually very authentic and impressive for any user using it. The level of customization is also advanced and high level. It is good rated software by the audience.
Platforms: Windows
3. Klevgrand
Klevgrand, the Stockholm-based production company has certainly carved a name for itself with a slew of fine-sounding instruments featuring some rather esoteric interfaces. Loaded with over 70 presets, the big fun here is the way we can morph between sounds using a nifty sphere-like object at the center of the app. Though this software is not so sufficient accessible synthesizer. This is also not so for the beginners. It will be really hard for the novice users to use this. Though it does have some unique feature with awesome functionalities. If you understand using this software, it may happen that you don’t want to use any other software. It has a rock-solid design which is attractive at the same time.
Platforms: Windows, Mac
4. BandLab Cakewalk
This software was once the first ever digital audio workstations but its development was halted last year due to some reasons. It was formerly called as the Cakewalk SONAR. It can be said to be a complete package for the music production. Also a great tool as software for creative writing for songs and instruments. It has advanced level mixing and mastering tools with unlimited MIDI and audio tracks which can help in your own recordings and music. It is a full tool for mastering and editing tools. For music makers and cloud music creation platform has made the download free. Also, this allows you to share your work directly to social media namely YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, and many more other sites and with your friends and family members.
Platforms: Windows
5. FL Studio
This software can be counted in the list of best midi software. It is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). It is also called software for music production which is continuously in development. This software allows you to use many amazing features. You can do multi-recording, sequencing capabilities and also has many other effects and music mixing as well. After the download when you start using this you will realize how fast is this and capable as well. This is easy for novice users as instructions are provided. It has great support and always keeps you updated whenever needed. In this software, the sound quality and production value are of professional level. It definitely once gives it a try kind of software, it’s so good and simple.
Platforms: Windows
6. GarageBand
It is one of the best midi software for Mac. Basically, it is a music making software which supports both Mac OS and Windows as well. It has a large database of the sound library with some really amazing instruments. It contains presets for guitar and voice and has a virtual session as well for drummers. This is such a sufficient software as it provides lessons for piano and guitar classes. It such awesome software. Even for beginners or novice users, it is the best tool for you as well for its simplicity. It allows you to access the recording part and helps you in recording and making music too. You can record everything with so much of ease with any type of instrument. It allows you to upload and share the same on social media sites and with your friends and family members. It has the best editing tools and has editing and modifying options as well. You will love to know that this software actually doesn’t need wi-fi to run or use this. To create music this is the best midi software.
Platform: Mac, Windows
7. Sweet MIDI Player
This is an amazing tool for making music and recording and it doesn’t need wi-fi to do any such task. The recording is made very simple and easy by this software. You can directly upload your work to social media. You also have the option of modifying and editing your recordings. This is very good software. Very good for the auditioning of many different kinds of MIDI files. If you are actually running out of time and you are at home then you can use this app to make your changes to it while out and on your phone and when you are back home you can connect back to your Mac OS desktop and the changes you made on your phone will still be there. It is a very convenient software. Very simple interface and easy to use.
Platform: Mac
8. Logic Pro X
This is a very powerful software which allows you to suite according to your needs and requirements. It is a full-fledged and very professional type and level software studio which comes with complete good quality virtual instruments, audio tools, a very huge library of loops and synthesizers. It has a paid version as well with more advanced features having a high level of functionalities. It has very impressive tools and offerings for all professionals as well as for the beginners. It has almost about 255 tracks for each type of composition and with the ability to lay down multiple tracks at the very same time. Many different effects can be applied during the manipulation of the tracks when they are playing. It is very easy to use the software. A free version is available for all the basic features. The editing features though are bit complex and powerful giving control over MIDI patterns. Various aspects of the audio tracks are there available and automate changes are also available. There are no timing issues and also it avoids making erroneous mistakes. Provides many creative and different ideas.
Platform: Mac
Free Midi Downloads For Keyboards
9. Ableton Live 10
The other MIDI software is more traditional based and somewhere or the other this software called as Ableton Live 10 is totally unique and different software. Definitely, this comes under the list of best midi software. This software helps you to arrange the parts sequentially on a timeline and also allows you to create shorter clips of music. It is very easy to use and is an ideal software which every single person would want. Jamming is also possible in this software in few simple steps. You can be your own DJ while you use this app.
Platform: Mac, Windows
10. Reason 10 Intro
Virtual Midi Keyboard Online
This software supports almost all the platforms and provides learning lessons. Even for the beginners and novice users, this is the best app due to its simplicity and ease of use. It is fun to use software and supports high-quality music. This has some of the best features which we can’t even think of. A different and huge amount of design choices are provided. It has some wonderful effects which we can’t simply ignore. It also allows you to build detailed drum patterns and new textures as well. It has a large number of editing features which makes it interesting.
Midi Keyboard Software Windows 10
Platform: Mac, Windows
Free Software For Midi Keyboard
WRAPPING UP!!
Free Midi Keyboard Controller Software
Coming to the conclusion, we can all say is don’t let the inner self be inside anymore. Take out your creative self and make this world your own stage. You can download them from the links given. So what are you thinking and waiting? Go and download it for some of the best MIDI software are amazing and exactly your type and your creativeness.