A studio should have a MIDI keyboard to perform most of the musical activities. Even if you are a professional music producer, the chances are that at some point, you can be overwhelmed with a heavy workload regularly.
Due to this reason, you will notice that a keyboard and a mouse in your DAW will not hold up to this task, and that is why a MIDI keyboard is among the best necessities that you should have.
But which is the best MIDI keyboard for FL Studio? Continue reading our guide to know more about these devices and how to choose the right one.
6 Best MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio On the Market
Buying Guide on Choosing a MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio
If you want to buy a MIDI controller for FL studio, the chances are that you are spoilt for choice. There are various types available, and choosing the right one can be a bit challenging. There’re several factors that you should consider when you’re choosing one…
1. Weight
The weight of a MIDI keyboard for FL Studio is among the top factors that you should consider when looking for one. However, the weight will also depend on how or where you intend to use the controller.
Before you get to the market, you should note that there is compact and small size MIDI keyboards that are highly portable. You can also find the more substantial alternatives over 6 pounds that are mostly used in studios and at home.
2. Controls Set
Control sets are also other significant features that you have to put into consideration when you are looking for the right MIDI keyboard. However, you need to understand that these keyboards come with modulation controls and fundamental pitch and other buttons that you can shift octaves on your keyboard.
Therefore, you can get a controller that has complicated control sets that have faders, drum pads, and rotary pots. These features will help you to operate your parameters in your DAW.
3. Consider the Size
The size options are also other vital elements that you need to consider before you make your final remarks. It is crucial to understand that the size options are based on the specific number of keys.
For instance, if you are looking for a full-sized stage controller, make sure that you go for one with the 88-key. In a situation where you want a portable controller, go with the smaller 25-key.
4. Connectivity
As a music producer, you need to connect your MIDI keyboard with your computer or laptop. That is why when you are buying one; it is advisable to consider connectivity.
In other words, you need to take your time to ensure that the device you select is compatible with the different gadgets you own. Note that we have other MIDI keyboards that are compatible with PC and Mac.
5. Software Included
Once you have decided to buy a MIDI keyboard, take your time to know the type of software that you need. For instance, if you are a guitarist, make sure that you go for a Guitar Rig Software.
Depending on your wants, ensure that you decide on the software that you want for you to make the required purchasing decision. If you are an advanced user, you can also opt for the Ableton Live Lite. In most cases, this feature comes with the Alesis Controller Keyboards.
6. Pedal Inputs
Most of the available standard sized keyboards come with a sustain port that enables the user to use a sustain pedal. Before you make any purchasing decision, it is crucial to take your time and check if this is essential to you. If you need it, then look for a MIDI keyboard with this port.
Top 6 Best MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio Reviews
As mentioned above, it is vital to ensure that you know the available MIDI Keyboards that you can purchase. The following are the top 6 MIDI Keyboards that you need to know.
1. Best Overall – Alesis V25 USB MIDI Keyboard
The Alesis V25 is one of the powerful MIDI Keyboards that you need to have in your studio. This intuitive MIDI controller enables you to take command of your music software with a series of buttons, knobs, and pads.
It features a maximum of four assignable buttons and knobs that allows you to close and open filters, activate effects, adjust volume levels, and tweak parameters.
Key Features
1. Powerful Software Included
The V25 has powerful tools and software that enable the artist to deliver quality music. In other words, any songwriter or a musician can create and then record their songs using this powerful software.
2. 8 Pads and 25″ Full-Sized Keys
With these properties, you are ready to go. These components will enable you to adjust volume levels and do all other music recording activities with ease.
2. Runner Up – Novation Launchkey 49 Key USB Controller
The MK2 Novation Launchkey is the easiest and quickest way to perform and produce electronic music using the Ableton live. Once you plug-in through the USB and the keys, knobs, and faders, this provides you with immediate hands-on control of your period. In other words, it is a sturdy machine to use and take anywhere with you. Note that it can work when plugged into your computer or laptop.
Key Features
1. Control All Significant Software
When using this device, you need to understand that your choice of music software is essential. Its buttons and pads can enable you to take control.
2. Make Beats in RGB Color
You can create expressive drum beats and launch your clips with its 16RGB velocity-sensitive pads.
3. Best Budget – M Audio Mini 32 Key MIDI Keyboard
You can enter the world of unrestricted computer-based music performance and creation with the M Audio Mini 32 MIDI Keyboard. It is a simple and robust solution that is engineered for playing virtual and sequencing music on your PC or Mac. You can add the finishing touch to your final masterpiece with the Pro Software.
Key Features
1. Simple Software Control
You can add your best finishing touch or spark the initial idea to your latest song using the simple Pro software. This software has everything that you need to deliver the best music.
2. Lightweight MIDI Keyboard
With this lightweight keyboard, you have the opportunity to make music anywhere. They are simple to configure, and they support Ios connectivity.
4. Best 49 Key – M Audio OXYGEN 49IVMIDI Keyboard for FL Studio
When you are a music producer, you need to understand that your performance will demand the perfect tools for the right work. The M-Audio’sM-Audio’s Oxygen 49 has a synth-action that is precise, clean, and adaptable.
Its profile keys are both pressure-sensitive and velocity for a maximum expressive capability. It features a class-compliant and a USB powered specifications for a friendly user set up.
Key Features
1. 8 Velocity Sensitive Trigger Pads
This tool features eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads that you can use for clip launching and beat production. It’sIt’s 9 assignable faders and eight assignable knobs offer instant parameter feedback.
2. Innovative Directlink
Its innovative direct link maps control to popular DAWS such as Cubase, logic, pro tools, and Ableton lives.
5. Best Portable – Akai Professional MPK Mini Keyboard
The Akai Professional’s Mini is grouped on the world’s most popular MIDI controller. It features over 128 sounds with eight backlit MPC drum pads and its built-in speaker.
You can also use the output jack to connect to many external speakers, mixers, amplifiers, and headphones. It is the right MIDI keyboard that you need to have in your FL Studio if you want to get into the world of music production.
Key features
1. Ultra-Portable
You cannot live your home without this device because it is easy to carry. Its long-life battery power will enable you to unleash your performance even form your tablet or laptop.
2. Premium Software Suite
You can capture your music performance with the Mini play’s premium software.
6. Nektar Impact LX49 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio
The new Impact LX49+ keyboard controller offers unrivaled control with quality options and features that easily create music. With this keyboard, you can work with any laptop or computer since it provides a comprehensive smart controller functionality. In other words, when you have this instrument, it becomes easy to make quality music in seconds.
Key Features
1. Powerful Control Center
The Impact LX49 features over 29 programmable real-time controls. Each of them is fully programmable to send unique MIDI messages, and you can decide to store them on the 5 users’ presets.
2. Mixer Control
Once you press on the Mixer button, the eight available impact faders are assigned to control the 8 DAW mixer channels.
What Is FL Studio?
The FL Studio is a digital workstation or a software music production center or environment. It has been in the entertainment industry for over more than twenty years of innovative development. If you are an artist, this is the right environment you need to showcase your talent. It has almost everything that you need in a single package. You can master professional quality music, mix, edit, record, and arrange your music.
If you want to learn how to use an FL Studio, there are a lot of basic things that you need to learn before you use it. Note that the FL Studio is based on various numbers of windows. But one of the things you should know is that these windows are switchable, zoomable, resizable, and movable. Also, it is crucial to ensure that you know how to reset the position of all windows. Failure to, you will encounter some problems when using it.
Do I Really Need a MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio?
It is crucial to understand that Fl studio has a built-in option that can enable you to use or connect your ordinary laptop or computer keyboard and a mouse as your virtual piano keyboard. In other words, there are a lot of reasons why you need a MIDI keyboard for FL Studio.
Once you have purchased your MIDI Keyboard, it will take you some time to master your DAW using a mouse, especially when you are working without a mouse wheel. On the other hand, if you need to filter adjustments, make sure that you use a MIDI keyboard.
It would help if you had a MIDI keyboard when you are in the studio because it becomes hard to rely on the reflexes of a laptop keyboard or mouse. If you want to create an authentic sound beat.
With the presence of a MIDI keyboard in an FL Studio, it will make the perfect electronically produced music not to sound too cohesive or synthetic.
How Do I Connect My MIDI Keyboard to a Computer?
If you want to connect your MIDI Keyboard to your computer, there are some of the vital steps that you need to consider. However, linking a MIDI keyboard to your computer will enable you to use various software and other interactive features with the device. Note that this connection can be accomplished in different means depending on your available type of keyboard, software, and ports.
Step One
Make sure that you locate the MIDI port on your keyboard. Remember that we have other unique manuals that have a USB port.
Step Two
Decide on the type of port that you will use to connect your PC to the keyboard. In case you have a USB connector, you can connect your PC via a USB port.
Step Three
The third step here is to ensure that you connect the keyboard to the soundcard. In this step, you need to be a bit careful and ensure that you join the 15-pin male connector to the available 15-pin port on the back of your computer.
Step Four
For you to connect the keyboard using a USB connection, make sure that you connect one end of the MIDI or USB cord to the right port on your computer. Then configure your keyboard based on your specific software.
3 Top Recommended MIDI Keyboards for FL Studio
Conclusion
With MIDI keyboards, it is crucial to note that the market has a fair amount to provide. On the same note, picking the right one is not a walk in the park when you do not know your music needs. You need to understand that your personal preferences are the key to choosing a MIDO controller.
In our guide, we have managed to discuss some of the best MIDI keyboard controllers that you can consider purchasing based on your needs. Also, you can identify some of the features that you need when looking for these devices. With our post, it will be easier to make the right purchasing decision.
