Top 9 best MIDI Controller for musicians

Whether you are a professional musician or just a music enthusiast, there are many tools for creating music. MIDI controller (MIDI controller) allows you to control virtual instruments with real keys or blank pad, making the experience more flexible. Some controllers are used to simulate real piano feel, some create a sense of Synthesizer or even a drum machine.

With USB MIDI interface, you don't even need any other device. When you find the best MIDI controller, just plug in your laptop and play.

Note, the price of MIDI controllers is only the reference price at the time of writing, may change, you should contact the seller to get the correct price.

1. Akai Professional Advance 49 (6.3 million)

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Akai Professional Advance 49 is probably the most feature-rich controller on this list. It has 49 semi-weighted keys with good click sensitivity and keystroke. It has a speaker control wheel, 8 backlit buffers with a click sensitivity, and a range of switches and control knobs that can be assigned to the controller. In addition, it is also the only model in the list that has an integrated LCD screen to provide feedback to the plugin parameter.

The keyboard also has 16GB of storage for software such as Akai's Virtual Instrument Player. It works like VTS plugin to adjust other plugins. The controller can also act as a Virtual Instrument Player software application for computers.

2. Nektar Impact LX88 + (nearly 6 million VND)

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If you are looking for the keyboard feature of Synthesizer but there are number of keys like piano, Nektar Impact LX88 + is the right choice for you. This model has 88 semi-weighted keys, rated force with medium tension. In addition, it has 8 drum pads, 8 control knobs and 9 fader.

If you want to control DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software, this is one of the best options on this list. Without DAW software, it also has Bigwig 8-Track DAW software for you to use. Nektar also provides Impact LX88 + software that integrates with DAW software like Cubase, Logic Pro X and PreSonus Studio One.

3. Alesis VI61 (nearly 5 million VND)

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Alesis is a famous name in the digital tools world and Alesis VI61 does not disappoint you. With 61 semi-weighted full-size keys, giving aftertouch feel, this controller is highly customizable. It has a total of 16 assignments and 48 assignable buttons, 16 sensitivity triggers for drums

VI61 also comes with a software package like Pro Tools First Alesis Edition, Ableton Live Lite 9 and Eleven Lite. For plugins, you also have Mini Grand, DB-33 and Xpand virtual instrument software! 2 of Air Music Tech.

4. Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 (4.6 million VND)

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Arturia is a famous producer of musical instruments and drum machines. However, the company also produces MIDI and Arturia controller KeyLab Essential 49 which are worth considering. This model has a 49-note keyboard, 8 empty pads, 9 control knobs and 9 fader.

The package includes Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab, which works independently as a plugin. If it is a person who likes formality, this is also a sleek model with wood grain on a sleek white frame.

5. Korg nanoKEY Studio (4.5 million VND)

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This controller looks like a standard MID Keyboard but it is more than that. Korg nanoKEY Studio has 25 power-sensitive keys that come with 8 pads. These keys will light up to show notes in the gamut, so it is a great choice if you are learning about music.

NanoKEY can connect via USB like other models in this list, but it can also connect via Bluetooth.

6. Midiplus X6 Mini (2.5 million VND)

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If you are looking for a MIDI controller with the maximum number of keys with the least amount of money, Midiplus X6 Mini is the best option. It has 61 weighted keys and there are nonsense controls. It has no wheels but is actually touch control.

The X6 Mini also has four adjustable knobs for volume, pan, expression and reverberation, but you can change it.

7. Akai Professional MPD218 (over 2 million VND)

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You don't need real piano style keys? Are you looking for the same interface as hardware sampler or drum machine? See Akai Professional MPD218. It is designed according to AKai's MPC sampler, has 16 backlit MPC pads and 48 assignable pads.

For software, you will get Ableton Live Lite and Akai Pro MPC Essentials. In addition, you can use the virtual instruments plugin SONiVOX Big Bang Cinematic Percussion and Big Bang Universal Drums. You can control the software with six integrated control knobs, also with three tapes with a total of 18 assignable controls.

8. Nektar Impact LX25 + (2.3 million VND)

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Nektar Impact LX25 + has the same functions as Nektar Impact model in this list but less keys. This MIDI controller has 25 responsive keys like Synthesizer and 8 backlit drum pads. It also has 8 control knobs on a larger model but removes faders into a single main fader.

It still has DAW control buttons on a larger model and uses the same integrated software. Like the above model, Impact LX25 + also includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW software.

9. Akai Professional LPD8 (1 million VND)

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If you like MPD218 but don't need a lot of controls, you can choose Akai Professional LPD8. This slimmed MIDI controller has 8 backlit pads, rated force and 8 MPC Q-Link switches.

This MIDI controller doesn't have much software but you have editing software for Mac and PC. In terms of compatibility, this controller works with GarageBand, Logic, Sonar, Cubase, Ableton Live, Pro Tools and other tools.