Guide: MIDI Controller with Piano Keys

If you want to play a software instrument or use a piano app, you need a MIDI controller with piano keys. MIDI controllers differ from conventional keyboards and synthesizers in one fundamental way: They cannot produce sound. Instead, you use them to control sounds in other devices, making them a piano keyboard without built-in sounds.

MIDI controllers have many names: Master keyboard, USB keyboard, controller keyboard, MIDI controller, piano controller, etc. All of these terms usually refer to a keyboard instrument that connects to your computer to control software instruments installed there.

MIDI Controller with Piano Keys and Hammer Action

If you want a great playing experience, you need a good keyboard – usually an 88-key piano keyboard, other features are secondary. However, many MIDI controllers leave a lot to be desired in terms of keyboard quality.

Our guide to ‘Buying a Hammer Action MIDI Controller’ gives you an overview of what to look for.

The Best Affordable Keyboard

In principle, you can use any digital piano as a MIDI controller. But if you are on a budget, take a look at the latest entry-level portable pianos. With built-in USB-MIDI these compact digital pianos fit into any MIDI recording studio.

Lightweight, Portable – Ideal for Live Gigs!

For live performance, you may want an 88-key keyboard that’s lightweight above all else. In this case, a heavy hammer action keyboard is not always the best solution – while it may play much better, greater portability may be worth the compromise.

Some manufacturers, such as Nektar Technology, build MIDI controllers with piano-style keys. The Panorama P4/P6 shown above is an interesting example: Here, the keys have the shape but not the feel of a piano key. The keys are easy to depress, but they’ll suffice for playing piano in a home studio, even if the response resembles that of a synthesizer.

Price/Performance Tip: Casio CDP-S110

This small entry-level piano is a hit! For well under 500 Euros, you get a really good keyboard with graded hammer action and an ivory-feel top layer. Combined with piano apps such as e-Instruments Pure Piano or Korg Module as well as Piano VSTs, you’re in for a great playing experience. If you can get your hands on one of the few remaining predecessor models, you can even get the same playing comfort for less than 400 Euros.

Alternative: MIDI Controller with Semi-Weighted Keys

The Nektar Impact LX88+ may be a better alternative: Compared to the Panorama P4, it trades fewer controller functions for a better keyboard. The semi-weighted keys are still not comparable to a real hammer action keyboard, but the keys at least have a non-slip surface.

A great alternative, especially for electric piano VSTs. An important point in comparison to a hammer action keyboard: With a semi-weighted keyboard, you can also play other keyboard sounds such as pads, organ, clavinet, etc. very well.

Connecting a MIDI Controller via MIDI or USB?

Every MIDI controller has at least one USB port for connecting to an audio PC. In most cases, this is a standard USB 2.0 port, but you may also find mini- or micro-USB ports – the necessary cables are included with the purchase.

Connecting a MIDI controller to a PC via USB is very simple, as most devices do not require any special driver software. In addition, you only need to set up your MIDI controller once in the system preferences of your music software (DAW, VST host, etc.).

Using Your MIDI Controller as an Interface

Many MIDI controllers are equipped with additional interfaces, such as MIDI In and Out. If this is the case, you can also use the MIDI controller as a MIDI interface on the audio PC, which is useful for connecting other external MIDI devices to the computer.

While MIDI connections are common, you are less likely to find audio connections on a MIDI controller. These are usually used to route the audio signal of the audio computer—in principle, it works like an audio interface. However, keep in mind that MIDI controllers rarely have built-in sounds.

Alternatives to MIDI Controller?

In principle, any electronic keyboard instrument with MIDI, USB, or Bluetooth MIDI connectivity can be used as a MIDI controller. The basic function of a MIDI controller is exactly that: to control or play an electronic sound source in the form of a sound module, music computer, or mobile device.

So if you want to use your digital piano with a computer – for example, for composition or notation – you simply connect it via USB. This is a standard feature on modern stage and digital pianos, and is extremely easy to use: Plug & Play.

Combining a Keyboard and Controller

If you already own a digital piano with a good keyboard, you don’t need to purchase a MIDI controller with piano keys. The range of MIDI controllers is so broad anyway that different combinations make sense for different purposes. For example, to control a sequencer for recording purposes, you would use a DAW controller (without keys). DAWs allow you to configure several different controllers.

How Does a MIDI Controller Work?

While a velocity-sensitive keyboard is the minimum requirement for basic MIDI controllers, all keys, knobs, and buttons on the MIDI controller can generate data. The MIDI protocol then allows for this data to be digitally transmitted to other devices. You can do this using a MIDI cable, USB MIDI, or Bluetooth MIDI. In this respect, a MIDI controller is no different from other MIDI keyboard instruments such as digital pianos, synthesizers, or keyboards.

Do MIDI Controllers Require Special Software?

You can easily connect modern USB MIDI controller controllers to your computer without installing any additional software. They then function as standard controllers. This means…

1. You can use the keyboard to play into a sequencer or play a software piano,
2. You can link the physical controls on the keyboard to the virtual controls in the software using the “MIDI Learn” option.

Manufacturers usually provide free supporting software with the device that offers more options and specific functions. While some programs are optional, others are special versions of software that are required to use all or most of the capabilities of a USB MIDI controller.

For example, there is an optional software for the Kawai VPC1 piano controller. With this editor software, you can adjust the dynamic behavior and even create your own dynamic curves – a very useful extension that you will want to install.

After installing special software, some MIDI controllers allow you to control DAWs directly, without having to assign parameters manually. The extent of this feature varies by manufacturer and software combination. Some controllers have templates built into their memory, alternatively, DAW manufacturers and even independent developers offer customizations for download. Other manufacturers offer controller scripts for various DAWs, as well as special driver software that needs to be installed on your computer to take full advantage of the potential of your MIDI controller.

Nektar Panorama T Series and Presonus Studio One

This video about the Nektar Panorama T-Series is a great example of seamless integration between a MIDI controller and a DAW. The DAW shown is Presonus Studio One, but Nektar offers software for all major DAWs.

Learn More About MIDI Controllers with Piano Keys

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