Midi Nation is supported by our great readers. We might get a commission if you buy gear through a logic pro x midi controller setup free download on this page [at no additional cost to you]. This guide will take a detailed look at the best MIDI controllers for Logic Pro X, how to buy them, and the top picks as chosen by our experts.
From pad controllers to keyboard controllers, there are options to fit every budget and need. His first experience with electronic music production dates back to Cubase 3. He lives in San Diego and freelances as a producer and part-time DJ. Much of the insight comes from experience using different keyboards and pads and controllers over time.
Of these 6 were pad controllers and the rest were keyboard controllers. I had first-hand experience of 13 of these controllers. I divided this further into sub-categories best for beginners, best for professionals, etc. The MIDI interface is, after all, about interoperability.
Both pad and keyboard controllers usually have additional control options such as dials, faders, etc. For now, you should know that this list includes both controller types. This powerful, splendidly built keyboard has been my favorite ever since the launch of the revamped MK2 version. It ticks all the right boxes: classic retro design, 49 keys, 16 responsive pads, plus a whole range of faders, knobs, and buttons.
Throw in a sharp LCD screen and semi-weighted keys and you can see why it tops the popularity charts. It also boasts some great software logic pro x midi controller setup free download.
Rather, you can create complex grooves with them. Another favorite software feature is Akai VIP 3. Switching between VSTs, especially in live settings, is never easier. The only complaint I have is the price. Otherwise this is as good as any MIDI controller can get. One of my favorite features — and a rarity among MIDI controllers — is the semi-weighted keybed. This leads to a much more authentic and enjoyable keyboard experience. Another plus is the MPC-like pads. Read full review.
This essentially reduces the impact a pad controller can have in your studio or live performance environment. This is the reason why top pad controllers support Ableton out of the box. You can remap them to support Logic Pro, but it requires logic pro x midi controller setup free download bit of effort. The APC40 continues on that robust tradition with one of the best designed and best-built pad controllers on the market.
Everything about this unit screams quality. The pads have a MPC-like responsiveness. And the knobs have a clickiness that makes using them a delight. This has also led to a reduction in pad size, which are now RGB backlit i.
There is a huge array of buttons below the pads, plus a set of directional arrows to control the DAW. The major issue which is true for most pad controllers is poor Logic Pro integration. There are few brands Logic pro x midi controller setup free download trust more to make high-quality keyboards than Roland.
Their controllers are never quite as jazzy as the latest Nektars, nor quite as hyped as Akais, but they always deliver where it matters the most: key quality and playability.
The keyboard has custom velocity settings. You can adjust the velocity curve to match your playing style. Turn it high if you really like a fast, responsive keyboard. Turn it low if you like to dig your fingers in and belt tracks out.
Not everything is perfect. The dynamic pads are tiny, and the knobs move a little too freely. Nor do you know enough to make full use of an expensive Akai or Nektar Panorama. You know full-sized keys and JUST enough controls to make making music more intuitive. The keyboard is synth-action and velocity sensitive.
The 8 backlit pads are small but highly responsive. Despite the limited soundbanks and small size, they make finger drumming possible. Not a killer feature but useful and missing from several competitors in this range. The build quality is nothing to write home about. The key action will disappoint serious piano players.
And durability remains questionable. Which variant you buy and how you use it will vary a lot. A lot of producers I know use the 8 fader variant as a makeshift mixer.
Others use the key variant as a highly portable keyboard. Logic pro x midi controller setup free download the price, you can even buy all three and change them around based on what you need at the moment.
There some obvious flaws on the Nanokey. The silicone buttons tend to get stuck. And the faders are plasticky. But it will complement one nicely. But it if you want something highly portable, logic pro x midi controller setup free download if you already have a full-sized keyboard and want something to complement it.
Despite its flaws, it worked wonderfully well logic pro x midi controller setup free download my needs at the time. The MK2 improves on every aspect of its earlier iteration. Yet, they are quite comfortable. The baby MPK comes with 8 rubbery, velocity sensitive pads. Apart from the pads, you also get 8 programmable knobs. You can also choose between two sound banks.
You get the same functionality while saving space. Akai essentially packs in a huge number of features into a tiny device. Then there are the software features. Namely, have good and the right number of keys, have plenty of controls, and integrate well with Logic Pro. Keyboard controllers are great for composition. You get full-sized piano keys that makes it easy to play chords and melodies. Pad controllers are great for launching clips and creating spontaneous compositions. If you want to hammer out a few drum patterns or take control of your music on the fly, you should choose this option.
There is no sessions view like in Ableton, which limits what you can do with pad controllers. Hybrid controllers offer the best compromise between controls and composition. A good hybrid controller would give you between pads as well as full-sized keyboards.
This way, you can launch clips, hammer out drum patterns, and compose entire tracks — all from the same controller. Unless you have extensive piano playing experience, I would recommend that you stick to hybrid controllers. Another option — which a lot of pro producers follow — is to get a regular keyboard controller and pair it up with a dedicated pad controller.
Think of a setup like this:. This would give you the best of both worlds — a full-sized keyboard for composition, and a pad controller for controlling your DAW. Your best option is to spring for semi-weighted keys. These tend to be on the expensive side but offer better logic pro x midi controller setup free download and comfort. If your goal is to just enter MIDI notes and play out a few chords or melodies, synth-action keyboards will work perfectly fine.
MIDI keyboards come in a range of key sizes, going all the way from 25 keys to full-sized key keyboards. Anything beyond 32 keys makes it difficult to keep the keyboard size and weight low enough for lugging around. But portability comes with its own compromise — smaller keys. Most portable keyboards reduce the width and length of keys to fit them into a small form factor. This greatly impacts their playability, especially if logic pro x midi controller setup free download have fat fingers as I do.
I usually recommend people to get a regular 49 or key keyboard for their main studio use, and buy an additional mini keyboard for carrying around. If you have a smaller desk, it could completely ruin your setup. So before you spring for a larger keyboard, measure out your desk. You should at least have 3 feet of extra space before you even think of getting anything beyond 49 keys.
As much as the idea of a full-size key keyboard is appealing, it is just plain overkill for most musicians. Nor will the EDM or hip-hop pieces they produce ever involve complex melodies that require simultaneous bass and tenor keys. Plus, larger keyboards are plain intimidating.
