Reconnect, you will need to quit your DAW, unplug the system, plug it back inĪnd restart DAW, which can be very inconvenient.Īre not illuminated so some people may have visibility issues in dimĢ5-Key MIDI Controller, also known as NANOKEY2BK, features an advanced and streamlined
Users say the MIDI keyboard stops working if your computer goes to sleep. Users complain the knobs on the sliders can fall off after a year.
The cable is hidden behind a cardboard partition and is Say the sound sometimes seems quite artificial and unclear and setting changes With advanced-design keys which enhances accuracyīutton eliminates the need for a separate foot pedalĪ noticeable vibration even when it is being turned off. Low-profile keyboard, best for use with laptops and notebooks
Supports numerous software titles including major DAW programs
That’s what our MIDI controller reviews are all about.PC and MAC devices. Never buy a MIDI controller because it’s the biggest and most expensive buy it because it’s the right one. But, if you have limited space or like to make music on the go, you aren’t going to fit 88-keys in a backpack. If you are very piano-driven, weighted keys might be a priority. Ultimately, the best MIDI controller is the one that helps you make the most music. On the other hand, the cheap MIDI controller might be the one that enhances your workflow most. There are many reasons we might do that for example, the expensive controller may have hammer-action keys that should feel better for the money. We could easily score a cheap controller 5.0 and an expensive controller 4.0 or less. Like everything else we review, price and value for money play a leading role. Being able to make music right out of the box is very important, and it’s a significant factor in our overall score. Quite often, people who buy MIDI controllers are setting up a first home studio and doing it on a budget. On stage, it’s about how playable the controller is as a live instrument, which includes how the keys/pads feel.Īs MIDI controllers don’t make any sound, we like to highlight the software bundles. In the studio, it’s about how much you can do from one controller. How a MIDI controller performs in the studio and on stage are two of the most critical areas. If a MIDI controller looks fantastic but isn’t easy to use, we will make it clear in the review. Once everything is set up, using the controls should be intuitive, not complex. If they don’t auto-map, then the process should be as straightforward as possible. A good MIDI controller should be compatible with all major DAWs, and in some cases, they will even auto-map controls. Next, we focus on how well a controller integrates with popular DAWs and plugins. Typically, features that score well are responsive pads and assignable controls, etc. But, to score well, the features should be things that enhance your workflow or add performance elements. We start by going through the features on offer. That’s why we put a lot of focus on how well MIDI controllers perform in the studio and on stage. We can pretty safely assume that most people who buy a MIDI controller are interested in production or performing (or both). MIDI controllers function by triggering sounds/responses from software or MIDI-compatible hardware. So, we have to take sound quality off the table straight away and focus on other areas. The main reason for this is that MIDI controllers don’t generate or process any sound. How we review and rate MIDI controllers is a little different from how we work with regular keyboards or digital pianos.