The music production equipment has a variety and complexity that can be daunting for beginners when you try to purchase one. After all, buying the wrong MIDI keyboard can be frustrating because you can’t produce the music that you desire. This is the reason why getting the best mini MIDI keyboard is an important task if you decide to immerse yourself in the music production world. This post explains what you should look for in a mini MIDI keyboard.
What you need to know about a MIDI keyboard
Simply put, MIDI is a language that allows music instruments, computers, and other hardware to communicate. Therefore, when you play a sequence on the MIDI keyboard, it means you’re sending information to the DAW on what notes were played, how hard the notes were played, how long the notes lasted, and many other signals.
Keep in mind that it doesn’t send an audio signal, instead, it only sends data. This is why MIDI is considered one of the most powerful tools on the market. You can manipulate this data with ease and enables you to edit performance independently from the actual sound.
MIDI keyboards come in two categories and these are small and compact 25-key devices and wider and 49-key desk-based options. Many of these keyboards feature additional buttons, knobs, faders, that allow for a more flexible connection between your DAW and the keyboard.
This can make the task of selecting the best MIDI keyboard suitable for you to appear overwhelming. Click here to see some of the best mini MIDI keyboards on the market.
Features to consider in mini MIDI keyboards
While there are several features that you need to consider before buying a mini MIDI keyboard, below are perhaps some of the important ones:
The key size
Mini keys are suitable for simple bass and melody lines, inputting of drum beats, and drum beats. These are also more affordable and portable than the larger MIDI keyboards and have a smaller footprint on the work surface. Mini keys can also be quite responsive and easy to play.
Number of keys
Many MIDI keyboards have octave shift buttons, so you can access a wide range of note pitches even from a 25-key device if you press a few buttons. However, if you’re a professional player or desire to learn how you can play two-handed, then you should consider having a four-octave or five-octave keyboard.
Connectivity
Man of the producers can work in-the-box on a single laptop or computer, meaning you don’t need to have a MIDI output unless there are hardware MIDI synths that you can connect it to. That said, you can find some controllers that have traditional 5-pin MIDI out ports, and mini-jack TRS MIDI outputs.
You can power these controllers through the USB port, and even have a sustain pedal input if you decide to play piano parts. As you can see, a mini MIDI keyboard has various features that can make your playing exciting and easy. But you need to buy the one that has the features that meet your needs.