Over a decade ago, relatively simple DAWs took music production from the professional recording studio and made it available for amateurs to do in their home. Akai has a storied history with manufacturing MIDI devices dating all the way back to the s where it had been used to help produce some of the most memorable hip-hop songs of all time.
Since then, Akai continued to adapt and evolve with advancing technology and software. Unfortunately, if you want to maximize your customization over the more than eighty total controls, once you include the banks, you will need to invest significant time figuring out how to set everything up just so.
Moreover, even once you do get everything set up, the response of the encoders can be a bit finicky—especially when trying to record logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download effect-layered audio back to an external device. Alesis is known as a decent entry-level brand, but it generally does not get the same praise that some of it competitors in the same market, like Akai or M Audio, receive.
Of course, as one of the less expensive keyboards on our list, you should expect that to be the case. Unfortunately, the Alesis may have gone a bit too lax in this regard. Specifically, the Alesis is plagued with various keybed issues when used with Logic Pro X. First, though velocity action of the Alesis can be all over the place, it is noteworthy that the velocity out of the box starts at five. This is important because trying to activate the velocity at exceptionally low or extremely high settings is hit or miss at best.
In fact, you are better served to leave the velocity at five and adapting your playing style to the other way around. However, in terms of standard functionality, the Alesis is fairly decent. While they may feel a bit stiff at first, their response does seem to remain consistent.
Moreover, this may be the most portable MIDI controller on our list, making it a solid option for live performances. M Audio can be seen as a more direct competitor of Akai than Alesis. However, M Audio seems to take a slightly different approach for Logic Pro X, though both products are fairly similar in some important ways. Which you prefer will likely come down to which one you used first and developed a familiarity with.
Unfortunately, much like the Akai, this also leads to the M Audio being a bit tedious when trying to customize the setup of your controls.
Still, the resolution of the knobs is somewhat low, making them less effective for live performances. While it is not huge, it is one of the heavier products on our list and also one of the largest in dimensions. Of course, that may be why the keybed feels fairly solid with adequate velocity-sensitive properties and even offers aftertouch effects. Keep in mind, this does mean that you will have to expect a bit of give when it comes to certain features, but many qualities about this MIDI controller make it a great pick for a beginner who is just starting to scratch the surface of beat production and music production.
Aside from the fact that logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download features automapping for most of the widely used DAWs, it is also one of the easier MIDI keyboards to customize. This quality adds much more life to the Nektar as inexperienced users develop greater skills and a more refined understanding of how to use a MIDI keyboard to enhance their productions.
Unfortunately, the Nektar is still limited in some significant ways, though that should be expected at this price point. First, the keybed and their actions are not ideal with the semi-weighted buttons feeling cheap and the actions feeling inconsistent. Native Instruments is arguably well-established as logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download brand which focuses on more professional applications.
While they may not reach the height of Korg and similar workstation manufacturers, the Komplete Kontrol does offer some professional-grade quality at a reasonable price. Still, the actual logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download of the keyboard itself is professional.
The Fatar keybed and various logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download of the Komplete Kontrol—especially the touch strips—are exceptionally well-tuned such that the user can achieve a professional level of response from them.
However, this is the only MIDI keyboard on our list that does not feature a touchpad which seems like a glaring omission from an otherwise stellar piece of hardware—though you can connect a touchpad externally. Moreover, the Komplete Kontrol suffers from clunky software use and integration—even with the inclusion of Komplete 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate. Still, the more advanced users are liable to need custom setups with Logic Pro X depending on the intended use. Remember, making a track for cinema differs greatly from producing music.
Here is where things can get a bit tricky. Some of the best MIDI keyboards are easier to customize than others. All of them offer some form of custom setup operation, but whether you can accomplish this task in thirty minutes to an hour or whether you will have to spend multiple hours doing so is a different matter. The number of semi-weighted buttons used with a MIDI keyboard controller is rarely as vital a factor as with a digital piano or a self-contained workstation.
Still, it is important to make sure you have at least enough semi-weighted keys to comfortably play the range of music as you intend to easily. However, MIDI keyboards are made with a wide range of keys, depending on the make and model. The general range of keys offered on a Logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download keyboard controller are 25, 32, 37, 49, 61, and A full piano comes equipped with 88 keys, but the most popular MIDI keyboards generally only provide Keep in mind, unless you require music that shifts octaves numerous times and in quick succession, you likely do not require a full keybed.
In logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download, one of the best features of a quality workstation controller is the ability to change the octave with a button, wheel scroll, knob turn, or even pre-programming—depending on the keyboard. As such, even a half set of semi-weighted buttons if often more than enough to get a full octave range for most music. This function will depend heavily on two things: what you intend to create and your personal level of skill with a keypad. However, rarely will a substandard key action satisfy even niche producers or inexperienced players for long.
However, this is an area that many MIDI keyboards—especially those that are not designed and priced for professional settings—fail. Basically, the closer the key action is to a real piano, generally, the better it is perceived. Granted, certain producers may prefer a touch more spring than a logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download piano offers, but few are actually satisfied with the limits of a poor key action. The key actions is graded generally along with two metrics: the response and the velocity.
The response relates to how the keys actually feel on a tactile level compared to logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download real piano. The velocity, on the other hand, determines how the keyboards translate the keypress in terms of speed and intensity.
Ultimately, few MIDI keyboard controllers for Logic pro offer the response seasoned professionals desire, though it is often good enough to create amazing logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download of electronic music. Often, one of the primary advantages of a MIDI keyboard controller is the ability to take it with you on the go.
Whereas digital pianos and complete workstations are often bulky and heavy, the most common and popular MIDI keyboards are generally easy to pack up, carry, and set up at a different location. Combine this with the fact the MIDI keyboards often connect with a DAW supporting system—whether a laptop or tablet—and MIDI keyboards are almost the ideal piece of hardware to take on the go to a live performance or to a separate recording room. In this regard, the weight of your MIDI keyboard controller will generally be more relevant than the size.
The number of semi-weighted keys and arrangement of controls will often determine the dimensions, but the weight can vary by as much a thirty percent from one MIDI keyboard controller to the next. The ability of MIDI keyboards to provide onboard control of numerous tuning features is arguably their primary function.
Keep in mind, there are numerous forms of hardware that offer a keypad, but not all of them provide the ability to adjust and tune the instrumentation on board. However, it is important to understand what your purposes for the MIDI keyboard controller demand. All too often, a buyer can become infatuated with a product because it offers the most robust control features when that same person may only use little more than a handful of them.
Still, it is important to make sure that your MIDI keyboard offers the number of controls you are liable to use, while still providing a bit of room to grow as your skills advance and you tackle tougher and more complex projects.
The projects you intend to use your MIDI keyboard for coupled with your experience should help inform you though. For instance, if you are producing audio for cinema or ambient purposes, the highly responsive Native Instruments may provide a cleaner experience, and you will not miss the absence of a MIDI touchpad as much as some music producers might. Of course, if you are looking to make professional quality music, the Akai is both highly respected and incredibly capable. Assuming you plan to use it in a dedicated space, the numerous functions, full MIDI pad, and complex customization features make it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike.
After becoming obsessed with the beats that were the soundtrack to his youth, Nick became a student of hip hop, digging for vinyl records, looking for the perfect break. Before he got his logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download on an MPC sampler, he would mash these records, beats, and breaks into mixtapes and live DJ sets.
BPM Skills is an independent site that provides content for informational purposes only. This content is not meant to be a replacement for professional advice. BPM Skills is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Learn more. Nick Webster Updated August 18, For Logic pro x 2 midi keyboards free download. Alesis VI Our Pick. Akai Mpk Mini Mk2. Best Display. M Audio Axiom Table of Contents.
Check Price on Amazon. Cons Keybed issues for some users Semi-weighted keys can feel too stiff at first. Pros Fairly easy and accurate MIDI mapping with DirectLink One of the better displays with more simultaneous information The keybed feels solid enough and provides aftertouch effects Velocity-sensitive keys. Cons Custom setups can be time consuming and unintuitive Low encoder resolution makes using knobs tedious One of the heftier and larger MIDI keyboards for Logic Pro on our list.
Pros The least expensive MIDI controller on our list Software is easily integrated and customized Mixer controls feel solid during use Good for beat production. Pros Multi-purpose touch strips are more versatile than wheels The Fatar keybed feels solid and responsive Numerous features for beginner users to help learn. About the author. Nick Webster. Facebook-f Twitter Youtube Pinterest Tumblr.
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