Music production is raised to the next level with the appropriate tools. To create music in FL Studios, you need a midi keyboard controller, which allows sound control within the FL Studios program. The keyboard is used to program drum patterns as well as instrument patterns, and is easy to set up.
Connect the USB cable to the midi keyboard and the other end into the USB port on the computer hard drive. Allow the computer to find and install the drivers needed to operate the midi controller.
Turn on the keyboard. Some midi keyboards are powered from computers, others require batteries or adapters.
Open the FL Studios program and choose 'Options'; some options will need to be changed for your midi controller to work. Check the box marked 'Enable Midi Remote Control.'
Return to FL Studios and select 'Midi Options' from the menu.
Choose your keyboard, listed in the 'Remote Control Input' section, to enable use of your midi keyboard in FL Studios.
Load an instrument into the Step Sequencer, then press keys on your keyboard. You should hear notes every time a key is pressed.
One of the first things to upgrade in your FL Studio setup, is usually a midi controller. Let’s look at how to connect a Midi Keyboard to FL Studio:
Note: If you have a Firewire or USB midi keyboard/controller then you must install the windows drivers for the before it will appear in the FL Studio midi settings menu. If your midi controller still doesn’t appear try restarting your PC. If it still doesn’t show up then try www.midiox.com to test to see if your midi controller is working.
Are you looking for the best MIDI keyboard for your home or pro studio?Thanks to advancements in music technology, a music producer only needs 4 things to make great music. A computer, a DAW, a decent pair of headphones, and… You guessed it, a MIDI keyboard! Think about the songs you have written by playing notes with your computer keyboard or by drawing every single note, one by one, with your mouse. Try to imagine how much easier your life would’ve been with a real keyboard in front of you! With a MIDI keyboard — even a smaller model — you could experiment with notes in different octaves because you have a wider range of keys than you would on your computer keyboard! This is great because it’ll help you spark new harmonic or melodic ideas, even if you don’t know how to play the piano! Most DAWs have some sort of “musical scale” plugin. Ableton for example, has the Scale MIDI effect. This MIDI effect lets you dial in any musical scale, allowing you to hit any key in your MIDI keyboard and have the confidence that it’ll sound good. For this reason, you don’t really need prior musical experience to buy a MIDI keyboard and use it in your own productions. Just by messing around, you’ll get started on learning how to integrate keyboard techniques into your songwriting. So how do you pick the one that’s best for your production needs? Features To Consider While Looking For The Best MIDI KeyboardPrice is a big factor when considering a MIDI keyboard, so figuring out how much money you can spend on a MIDI keyboard is the first step you need to take. Some budget keyboards have a lot to offer nowadays, so don’t get discouraged if your budget isn’t big! Key count is the first thing you want to consider while looking for the best MIDI keyboard. If you’re primarily producing some sort of bass music, you might not necessarily need an 88 key MIDI keyboard, as most of the time songs stay within a range of 2 octaves. On the other hand, if you’re making really melodic music, and maybe even performing live, a 61 or 88 key model might be the best MIDI keyboard for you! This also influences portability. If your studio space is too small or you’re simply moving around a lot and working outside of your studio, a compact keyboard might be the best choice. There are some MIDI keyboards designed to fit inside most backpacks, so these are definitely a go-to for traveling musicians! Key weight is the second feature to take into consideration — and it goes hand in hand with key count — while looking for the best MIDI keyboard. If you’re a piano player, having weighted keys could be extremely important to you. Fully-weighted keys on a MIDI keyboard emulate the feel of a real piano. Semi-weighted keys combine the spring-loaded mechanism of synth actions with the addition of light weights attached to each key. Realistically, a semi-weighted keyboard is the best option for the majority of bedroom producers on a budget, since weighted keyboards tend to be on the expensive side of the spectrum. MIDI keyboards in different price ranges will also give you extra features like knobs, faders, pads, wheels, plugin support, and high resolution screens. Some of these additional features can help you with your workflow, or help you create new effects that you might have not known were possible. These extra features are really important to take into consideration while looking for the best MIDI keyboard, as they have a substantial impact on price. So remember to consider what kind of producer you are and what features you want to get out of a MIDI keyboard! So here it is! Our Top 10 MIDI Keyboards for 2018: Akai MPK249 [399.99 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the Akai Professional website. We’re almost certain that you’ve seen this keyboard at least once somewhere before. That’s because many producers that perform live tend to use this keyboard, and you’ve probably seen producers in home studios with this keyboard numerous times as well. With just a weight of 12.6 lbs, the MPK249 is really easy to move around. For that reason, the Akai MPK249 is one of the best MIDI keyboard controllers for producers that have a small home studio, and for people that like to bring their gear on the road. It has 16 pressure and velocity sensitive RGB-illuminated MPC pads which are almost identical to what you’d find on the MPC Series. This keyboard also comes with some great software! It includes Ableton Live Lite, 2 soft synths (Sonivox 3 and Hybrid 3), and Akai software. Akai also offers 25 and 61 key versions of the MPK2. Akai MPK Mini MKII [99.99 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the Akai Professional website. With 5 years of user feedback, the new MPK Mini is bound to be the best portable MIDI keyboard on the market. The MPK Mini MKII is designed for the travelling musician, and for producers that don’t need a bigger keyboard. It has the minimum required size to still be able to create melodies and chords while being durable enough to move it around constantly. With a weight of 1.65 lb and only 2 octaves you can fit this controller inside most backpacks! Similar to the MPK249, this MIDI keyboard has 8 pressure and velocity sensitive light-up MPC pads where you can load many kinds of samples. One really incredible feature that stands out in this MIDI keyboard is the 4-way thumbstick for pitch and modulation control. The MPK Mini also includes the following software: Akai Pro MPC Essentials, Sonivox Wobble, and Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech. NI Komplete Kontrol S49 [599 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the Native Instruments website. Native Instruments is known for making some of the most popular VST’s on the market such as: Massive, Kontakt, Razor, and many more. They also make some of the best MIDI controllers like Traktor and Maschine, which are generally used for music production, DJ’ing, and live performances. The Komplete Kontrol S49 is the first MIDI keyboard developed by Native Instruments, and if you’re a user of the Komplete Audio bundle, this keyboard is a must-have! It’s designed to work in conjunction with a lot of Native Instruments software, and it will really change the way you surf through sounds, tweak parameters, and sketch ideas. We highly recommend you to watch this review by Molten Music Technology, where you'll see an in depth demonstration of the capability of this keyboard. The Komplete Kontrol S49 is one of the best looking MIDI keyboards out there, and it also comes in 25, 61, and 88 key versions! Alesis VX49 [399 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the Alesis website. The Alesis VX49 is another really good looking MIDI keyboard that has some incredible features similar to the Komplete Kontrol S series. This keyboard incorporates “Virtual Instrument Player” software (VIP), which allows you to easily control and navigate plugins within your DAW. With 8 RGB velocity and pressure sensitive pads, and 8 360º degree knobs, this is one of the best MIDI keyboard controllers for producers that want absolute control within their DAW or during live performances! The Alesis VX49 also includes:
ROLI Seaboard Block [299.95 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at ROLI's website. The ROLI Seaboard Block is a one of a kind keyboard. When it came out, we were so intrigued and amazed by it, that we just had to include it in this list. With 5D Touch Technology, 24 molded keywaves and amazing sensitivity, this controller is one of the most technologically advanced keyboards on the market. This new technology allows you to modulate the pitch, vibrato, and volume just by wiggling or moving your finger around the keyboard. The Seaboard Block is the most portable version of the Seaboard MIDI keyboards. With only 2 octaves, you can set it up and play it basically anywhere! Along with the controller itself, it includes the “Equator Playing” software synthesizer (Mac), the NOISE app, and the BLOCKS dashboard software. With the new Seaboard Block, you can also connect any other ROLI Products to the Block to enhance your studio or live performances! If you need any more convincing, watch this incredible demonstration video by ROLI!
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Nektar Panorama P4 [499.99 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the Nektar website. The Nektar Panorama P4 is one the best looking MIDI keyboards in this list. It was originally designed for Propellerhead’s Reason (DAW), but it now also offers integration with any of the DAW’s listed above. The Panorama P4 contains 93 parameters to MIDI map on your DAW, allowing for endless modulation possibilities! One thing you don’t really see in any other MIDI keyboards is a motorized touch-sensitive ALPS fader, which gives you a pro console-like mixer channel to control within your DAW. Nektar’s motto is to make things simple and fast, and the Panorama P4 really accomplishes that! The P4 has 49 keys, but there’s also a 61 key version for producers that enjoy more room to play with. M-Audio Code 49 [299 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the M-Audio website. The M-Audio Code 49 is a powerful keyboard built for producers at any level! Good Midi Controller For Fl Studio 10What stands out the most in this MIDI keyboard is the fully customizable X/Y pad, as not many MIDI keyboards on the market have this feature. This could be a great effect to use during live performances or when you just want more craziness in your sound design sessions! To see the X/Y pad in action, check out this demo by Sweetwater. On top of that, it also features 16 fully assignable velocity sensitive trigger pads that are compatible with any DAW! The Code 49 includes VIP 3.0, which allows you to have hands on control over your DAW and most virtual instruments. The M-Audio Code MIDI keyboard comes in 25, 49, and 61 key versions that are ready to plug and play wherever you are! Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 [249.99 USD]
Complete specifications are available at the Novation website. Novation designed the Launchkey 61 MK2 to work specifically with Ableton’s layout, but regardless of that, it’ll work with any DAW. Once you plug in this controller to your computer, you get hands on control of the grid, instruments, effects, and mixer within Ableton Live! The 16 full-colour RGB backlit velocity sensitive drum pads also make it really easy to record and trigger different kind of samples. Because of its lightweight and easy setup, this the best MIDI keyboard for any producer that does live performances with Ableton. The Launchkey MK2 also includes Ableton Live 9 Lite, Novation Bass Station, V-Station, and an XLN Addictive Keys instrument of your choice! This MIDI keyboard comes in 25, 49, or 61 key versions. M-Audio Keystation 49 II [99 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the M-Audio website. The M-Audio Keystation 49 II is a simple and extremely powerful MIDI controller designed to work with any DAW. This keyboard is one of the cheapest ones on the list, but don’t underestimate it’s power! Haywyre, a very notable producer, has been seen using this keyboard during some of his live performances! Because of its versatility, piano like qualities, and 49 velocity sensitive keys, this MIDI keyboard is a favorite amongst many producers and performers. It features transport and directional buttons which make it easy to navigate through your DAW without even touching your mouse. If you’re tired of carrying your computer with you, you can also use this keyboard with an iOS device using the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (sold separately). The Keystation 49 II also includes Ableton Live Lite, Sonivox Eighty-Eight Ensemble, and AIR Music Tech Xpand!2. Roland A-500 Pro [299.99 USD]Main Features:
Complete specifications are available at the Roland website. Roland has over 30 years of keyboard development experience at their side, so you can expect some of the best quality in their products! The new Roland A-500 Pro is the perfect blend between a classic Roland keyboard and what you’d get from any modern MIDI keyboard. It features 45 assignable controls that can be used inside your DAW, such as knobs, buttons, and sliders. The A-500 Pro features 8 velocity sensitive dynamic pads, which can be used to trigger grooves, one shots, and samples with ease. With its ultra-bright backlit LED display and USB plug and play technology, you’ll be ready to perform live, or just use it to compose songs inside your studio! ConclusionPicking the best MIDI keyboard comes down to what your budget is and what you’ll be using it for! In this list we picked some of the best MIDI keyboard controllers that we think will really impress you while using them in your studio or during a live performance. Here are the most important features to look out for while choosing the best MIDI keyboard for your studio:
We now want to hear from you! Have you used any of these MIDI keyboards before? Do you know about any other incredible MIDI keyboards that aren’t mentioned in this list? Let us know in the comment section below!
Most home musicians have a MIDI keyboard controller in their home studio.
But what exactly is a MIDI keyboard controller? Can you make music without one? If you decide to buy one, what kind should you get and how much will it cost?
In this article I’m going to answer all of those questions and much more.
(Also, remember to check out my other tutorial articles as well, such as “How To Make Electronic Music With Computer” and “Trance Song Structure“).
So, What is a MIDI keyboard Controller and What Can it Do?
It’s a piano-style keyboard, which you attach to your computer – usually via a USB cable.
Most MIDI keyboards don’t make any sound on their own. They just send MIDI data to your music making software.
The actual sound is generated inside your computer by different types of software like plugins, virtual instruments (VSTi), Kontact libraries, etc.
So, if you have a virtual piano VSTi installed on your computer, you can use your MIDI keyboard controller to play it in real time like you would play a real piano.
The only difference is that software generates the sound and you control it via your MIDI keyboard controller, whereas a real piano is, well, played in the “real” world.
Most regular keyboards and hardware synthesizers can work as a MIDI keyboard controller as well.
I have a Casio CK-3800 keyboard which I use when I train with my band, and it has a midi-out which allows me to connect it to the computer so I can use it as a MIDI keyboard.
Many MIDI keyboards also come equipped with knobs and sliders, which can be programmed to control different parameters of your virtual instruments.
For example, if you have a volume slider in your virtual synth and you want to control it in real time (while you play), you can route it to one of the sliders or knobs on your midi keyboard and voila: you can tweak your synth it in real time.
Almost like a real hardware synth – very cool!
However, many beginners may wonder if it’s a must-have device in the home studio.
Can You Make Music Without a MIDI Keyboard Controller?
When I started making music, I didn’t have a MIDI keyboard. Just my computer, a standard computer keyboard, mouse, and software. With that setup, I created “Primo Lux – Turnpoint” which went to top positions on the Dutch dance charts, and many other songs as well.
Hear for yourself…
Most DAWs will have some note view (often called a piano roll) where you can place the notes one by one via a mouse.
Also, many DAWs – like FL Studio for example – have a built-in option to use your regular computer keyboard as a virtual piano keyboard. That’s right, the same keyboard you use to chat and send emails with can be used to send MIDI information to FL Studio. How cool is that?
For example, you could set the letter “Q” on your computer keyboard to equal note C, letter “W” to note D and so on and so forth. From there, you could play a melody via those mapped keys. I used to use this feature a lot before I got my first MIDI keyboard. And you can too!
So as you can see, a MIDI keyboard isn’t necessary to make some inspiring music on your computer. However, hitting a real keyboard gives a whole different feel. For this one reasons alone, I would recommend getting your first MIDI keyboard as you can afford it.
Let me explain…
Playing melodies and bass lines, live, with MIDI controller gives more of a “human touch” versus programming them with a mouse and computer keyboard. Also, in time, you’ll most likely learn how to play the piano a little bit so it’s a natural progression and the sooner the better.
Now, if you’re already skilled in playing the piano, congratulations, because you have a head start!
And In this case, I would say a MIDI keyboard is a must-have for you. It’ll make the process of creating music not only more fun but also more efficient. Even though programming is possible with your mouse and computer keyboard, it’s VERY time consuming and can sometimes ruin the process/vibe.
And if you’re used to the feel of the piano keys and the instant musical feedback you get from playing, you will have nothing but frustration when trying to creating melodies with your mouse.
What Kind of MIDI Keyboard Controller Should You Get and How Much do They Cost?
It all depends on what kind of options you want: how many keys? 25? 49? 61? 88? Do you want the keys to be weighted (like in real piano), semi-weighted or unweighted?
How many programmable knobs/buttons/sliders? Do you need aftertouch?
Another factor you’re going to have to consider is pricing. Midi Keyboards can cost anywhere from $80 to $700 and even more. It all depends on the quality and features. A Good rule of thumb is the fewer features, the less you pay.
As a beginner and first-time purchaser, I would recommend starting at the low end (price wise). It might not seem like it now, but you may lose interest in this hobby in a year or two, and you’ll be glad you didn’t spend a small fortune. Keep it simple!
On the flip side, if you are a piano savant and are a stickler for the touch and fell of the keys, you might want to consider get weighted keys to give you something that’s more like the “real thing”. Just know that the weighted keys usually come at a cost.
So with that said, let’s go over a few options that I would recommend for anyone to get started with, regardless of skill level or knowledge.
M-Audio Oxygen 61
My Personal Choice
TheM-Audio Oxygen 61is currently the MIDI keyboard that I use to make music. It has 61 unweighted keys, 8 knobs, 9 sliders, a handful buttons, as well a Drum Pad Controller. It’s perfectly suited for my electronic music making needs.
Not only is this keyboard very good in my opinion, but it’s also easy to set up (pretty much plug and play), and is powered via USB, which not only makes it universal but it also means you don’t have to fumble around with a bunch of cords to get it set up.
The only real problem I have with the features is that the drum pads can be a bit awkward to work with. I find you need a lot of pressure to get them to respond. But since I do most of my drum programming in the FL Studio step sequencer, the pads don’t get much use, meaning this minor issue isn’t really a deal breaker for me.
If you think the Oxygen might be something you want to add to your setup but still don’t want to make a huge commitment, I’d recommend checking our the 25-key version. Even though it’s a major step down from the 61, it’s also about half the price and much more portable, making it a great entry level Midi Keyboard.
Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII
Good for Beginners
If you’re new to production and haven’t heard about Akai before, they pretty much changed the music making game with their lineup of MPC drum machines. Continuing with their tradition of helping creators make music, they introduced the MPK Mini MKII, which I think is a great addition to the beginner music creator. It gets you in the door of a well-respected brand at a low price (Currently under $100).
But don’t let the cost fool you. For such a compact unit, the MKII comes packed with features that rival even the more expensive models. Some features include 25 velocity-sensitive keys, eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads plus two banks, a brand new four-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation manipulation and eight assignable control knobs, which is ideal for electronic style music production.
Like the Oxygen, the MPK Mini MKII is also powered via USB and fits comfortably onto any desktop or work area. It’s a great buy for a beginner but would make a great companion for a traveling music creator. To be quite honest, this one might even contain more features than a beginner would need, but because the quality and price are on point, I had to include this.
M-Audio Hammer 88
For the Piano Savant
Those who are more experienced and want a midi keyboard that feels like the “real thing” will appreciate the M-Audio Hammer 88 as it contains 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys.
Regarding features, it’s very minimal and is true to what you might find on a real piano. The Hammer 88 has fully-assignable MIDI buttons, pitch-bend, and modulation wheels, sustain pedal, secondary pedal, and expression pedal inputs. Though all these features might sound impressive, it is designed more for the players who more are concerned with compositional accuracy rather than editing or tweaking.
Though this Midi Keyboard is a great price for the feel of a “real” piano (usually cost more), it’s also lacking simple things like portability as well as multiple assignable control knobs, which would be quite useful in producing music like electronica. But if your music plans are more geared towards realistic playing and less on envelopes and automation, this just might be the one for you.
The Verdict.
As you can see, a lot of music software these days doesn’t require you to pick up a Midi Keyboard to make music, and if you’re an absolute newbie, that might be the way to go.
But once you get some experience and you want to inflict more of a human touch into your productions, a Midi Keyboard just might be what you need.
But not only can it humanize your music, it can also save you a lot of time. Speaking from experience, I find melodies a lot easier when I can just play them and get instant feedback. This is something that’s impossible to do with a mouse clicking note-by-note, and not much easier with a computer keyboard.
But don’t take my word for it, pick up a Midi Keyboard and try it yourself!
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Best Midi Pad Controllers
Midi pad controllers are an essential tool that every beat maker should have. Today we are listing the best midi pad controllers to add to your collection. We chose the following for overall quality, price, user ratings and usability.
1. Akai Professional MPD32 USB/Midi MPC Pad Controller
This great pad controller has 16 full sized genuine MPC pads to knock out great sounding beats. The MPD32 is perfect for any serious musician, beat maker or DJ. The velocity sensitive pad controller is one of the easiest to use on the market today. Akai took into account the classic MPC design and made this one of the most diverse pad controller you can find. It easily connects to any DAW or beat making program you currently use. We personally have this in our studio and use it flawlessly on FL studio. This is the perfect pad controller for any producer or beat maker looking to make hits with ease.
Get this great midi pad controller at the lowest price!
Akai Professional MPD32 USB/Midi MPC Pad Controller
2. Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2
This is hands down one of the best pad controllers you can possibly buy. Maschine Mikro is a nice sleek pad controller that integrates with any beat making program. One of the coolest features is that it easily updates any software automatically. We have personally tested this great pad controller and find it to be one of the most integrated in the beat making process. This is the right fit for any DJ, producer or beat maker looking for some that is easy to use.
Get this great midi pad controller at the lowest price!
Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 Groove Production Studio, White
3. Akai Professional MPD26 USB/Midi Pad Controller
This is the smaller version of the MPD32. Even though it doesn’t have as many features, it still can knock out a beat just as good. The MPD26 has 16 pressure sensitive pads that make any sound stay on beat. It has assignable Q-Link controllers which allows you to control any parameter in your beat making software. The high quality faders and knobs make it super easy and convenient when it comes to producing music. Even though it is smaller than the others on our list, make no mistake, it has huge upside.
Get this great midi pad controller at the lowest price!
Akai Professional MPD26 USB/Midi Pad Controller
4. Korg nanoPAD2 Slim-Line USB MIDI Pads
We had to include one of these mini pads on our list. These things are becoming extremely popular due to the fact that you can take it anywhere. This awesome mini USB pad controller fits perfectly in front of any laptop which makes producing on the go that much easier. The sleek and slim design along with the great pressure sensitive pads make this the reason we put it on our list, a must for any travelling beat maker!
Get this great midi pad controller at the lowest price!
Korg nanoPAD2 Slim-Line USB MIDI Pads – White
All of these midi pad controllers are excellent for producers and beat makers using logic, FL studio and pro tools. They all bring a little something different to the table but in the end get the job done the same way. Check out our article about the best MPC drum machines on the market.
Author: Rudy Vibes
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