Best MIDI Controllers for Logic Pro X

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Music Industry How To is supported by readers. I know at least a couple of engineers, for instance, that love Logic. Its workflow, frankly, might be even better than that of Pro Tools. But first, if it’s your aim to do music professionally, you’ll want to check out our free ebook while it’s still available:. And, while it works a lot like any other MIDI controller, it comes with some features that make it stand out. This keyboard comes with the TRITON engine program sounds , built-in KAOSS pad for control change or phrase generation also works as track pad with click , a full assortment of assignable controls eight sliders, eight knobs, eight switches, dedicated DAW transport switches and full transport control.

You also get a semi-weighted keyboard for enhanced feel. Many piano players and purists prefer the feel of semi-weighted or weighted keys to synth action keys, but that’s certainly a matter of preference.

Buyers liked that this was a full-on MIDI controller with stage piano functionality. They also liked the sounds. Still worthy of inclusion on this list. This model features 49 semi-weighted, velocity sensitive full-size keys, premium piano style key bed, 16 RGB illuminated MPC style pads, each with four banks for a total of 64 pads for triggering samples, loops, one shots, melodies and more , 24 assignable Q Link controllers comprising eight control knobs, faders and switches for hassle free mapping and control.

The good — buyers loved the price, feel and functionality of this MIDI controller. The bad — some found it a little difficult to play stiff keys. Aside from that, most problems people experienced were platform specific or minor gripes. You also get fully programmable real time controls, 20 user presets, 12 pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, TFT color display and more. The good — motorized faders work well and even stand the test of time. DAW integration works well.

Keys feel great. The bad — some noted that it was a little too expensive for what you get, and those thoughts are not entirely unfounded. But the Nektar Technologies controller remains a rather interesting entry on this list.

Some found the keys on the Akai to be unreliable, stiff and inconsistent with velocity, but they are in the minority. Buyers appreciated the size, feel and build of the keyboard. Some felt that they could find better for less money though. The M-Audio Axiom 61 comes with 61 piano style, semi-weighted keys, nine mixer style faders, eight smooth rotary encoders for hands-on control over your DAW, angled top panel and centrally positioned LCD for better ergonomics, DirectLink mode for mapping onboard controls to DAW mixer parameters and Axiom Instrument Maps for instant access to virtual instrument parameters.

The good — buyers loved the plug and play design of the keyboard as well as the responsiveness of its various functions. The bad — not much. Some said the keyboard occasionally becomes unresponsive and needs to be restarted. Buyers liked that this unit was light and ergonomic.

Some felt the keys or shape could be improved upon and some said they would have liked more support and instructions to go with the keytar. You could use this unit as a standard tabletop keyboard as well as a keytar that hangs around your neck.

But this keyboard is probably for the most dedicated keytarists, especially those looking for a live MIDI controller. It’s actually been rated best keyboard controller for Logic Pro X by industry experts.

The M-Audio Code 49 comes with 49 full-size, velocity and pressure sensitive keys with aftertouch, custom keybed for precise action, four assignable zones for splits and layering, 16 fully assignable velocity sensitive trigger pads for production, clip launching and more.

Buyers found the Roland to be sturdy, inexpensive, reliable and portable. With the VI49, you can open and close filters on virtual synthesizers, adjust volume levels in your mix, activate effects and more.

The velocity sensitive trigger pads come with illuminated RGB feedback for beat production and clip launching. The pitch and modulation wheels offer you more control over expression. You can use them to interface with your production software. You also get seamless visual feedback via LED screen. The buttons and knobs illuminate too. The included software, by the way, is Ableton Live and Xpand! Some users said this is the best MIDI controller they could find for the price and liked everything about it.

The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 comes with 32 low-profile velocity sensitive mini keys, portable design, four assignable controls three multi-color LED buttons and one knob and selectable velocity curves, including one for drum programming.

You also get re-assignable pitch bend and modulation controls, USB powered design, Ignite music creation software and Ableton Live Lite. So, please take note. Pros — users loved the feel of the keys on the Novation as well as the included software bundle. Some even said they thought it was the perfect controller for Logic Pro X. Cons — some users said the quality of the keyboard and customer support were somewhat questionable. It features pitch and modulation wheels, intelligent chord functionality, MIDI channel select, backlit performance pads, DAW command center, twin-line LCD screen, knobs and faders and 49 keys.

The good — some buyers said this was among one of the best MIDI controllers they could find. They enjoyed both the feel and functionality of this keyboard. The M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV comes with 49 full-size, synth action velocity sensitive keys, onboard pitch bend and modulation wheels, eight velocity sensitive trigger pads for beat production and clip launching, eight assignable knobs and nine assignable faders.

As the name would suggest, the Roland ABK is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport. If you have a mobile setup or plan to be recording on the go, then you might appreciate this aspect of it. The keys on the ABK have a rounded shape for better reaction to your touch and more comfortable glissandi. The mechanical noise is also minimal. Buyers said they liked the feel of this keyboard over some of the cheaper counterparts, as well as its size.

The Novation Launchkey keyboard controller is marketed as a USB controller for Ableton Live but it works fine for Logic too, and is a decent option at a reasonable price point too. This unit is fully USB bus powered and class compliant. The MK2 is available in key, key, key and key mini configurations, giving you a few options to choose from depending on what you need.

Customers enjoyed all the features included on this MIDI controller as well as its lightweight design.

And, it could be great in a studio setting too. You also get eight backlit velocity sensitive MPC drum pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual instruments and DAW controls, as well as eight fully assignable Q Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plugins and more. They also pointed out, however, that it can take a while to get used to the workflow.

Of course, it works with Logic and this fact is stated in the product description. Reviewers said this keyboard exceeded expectations, noting its feel, keys and price as its main benefits. So, advanced players may want to steer clear, but those looking for a solid entry to intermediate level controller will like this one. Buyers liked that the IK Multimedia controller was easy to set up. They also liked the feel of the keyboard and even said it works great with Logix Pro X.

The compact and portable Worlde 25 key MIDI controller comes with 25 mini keys three velocity sensing settings , octave shifting, eight anti-slip degree rotatable knobs, eight force-sensing drum pads with eight virtual , eight faders, wood imitation rim, pedal interface, and it works with Mac or PC.

Customers liked how easy the controller was to use. They also appreciated the quality and plug and play design. Some found the setup process difficult, and others said the table feels flimsy and cheap.

Negative reviews are a little all over the map, however, so your opinion on the keyboard may differ. At this point in time, there are fewer platform agnostic hardware tools than ever, with most of them featuring a plug and play USB design. Are you a fan of semi-weighted or weighted keys? Do you want velocity sensitive pads?

Additional knobs, buttons and faders? Many of the factors already mentioned are going to be the main contenders here — keys, pads, knobs, faders, pitch and modulation wheels, and so on.

How many do you need? How should they be laid out? How should they feel especially in the case of keys — semi-weighted, weighted, etc. Layout does affect workflow. Workflow is probably on equal footing with functionality, so far as its importance is concerned. Some products hold up to more abuse than others. But if you need to move it from time to time, and plan to use it all the time, that could be a different matter entirely. Size, for better or for worse, is an often-overlooked factor when shopping for a MIDI controller.

We like to remind our readers to spend responsibly and not go into debt for gear related purchases. Use your budget as a measuring stick for how much MIDI controller you can afford, as it makes it easier for you to narrow down your options. In that sense, a MIDI controller is a highly individual purchase decision. It depends a lot on how you plan to use the MIDI controller, as some people just use it to sketch out ideas or play simple bass and synth lines, while others use it to compose and arrange for full orchestras.

So, be sure you identify what you need before committing to any one product. Get exactly what you need. Remember though, none of what you’ve learned will matter if you don’t know how to get your music out there and earn from it. Want to learn how to do that? Slipmats come in a variety of designs and help with controlled mixing, cutting, and scratching during performance. In this guide, we look at….

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5 Best Control Surfaces For Logic Pro X [Updated ].What is the best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X? [ ]

 

That includes flexibility, ease of use, portability and value. The keyboard feels sturdy and durable and it can be used in both home studio setups and live performances due to many control features. The 49 full-size semi-weighted keys gives you a natural feel of a piano with aftertouch and velocity-sensitive. The keyboard also has eight knobs, faders and switches that you can assign to basically any parameter inside the Logic Pro X software.

The variety of lightning options helps you keep everything organized. If you play melodic harmonies or baselines the Octave Up and Down controls expand your melodic range. The 49 full-sized keys are synth action and velocity sensitive. The pads are smaller than standard but they still make finger drumming possible.

Overall this MIDI controller delivers on all counts! Novation Impulse 49 uses Automap 4 Control Software a system developed by Novation which instantly lets you map all of the buttons, knobs and faders seamlessly with Logic Pro X. The keys are full-size piano-style with a fantastic aftertouch. There are 8 backlit velocity sensitive pads with unique functions like warping arpeggios and rolling beats.

This keyboard is packed with controls that you can map to any parameter in the Logic Pro X software and adjust every aspect with very little effort. For many beginners they might be redundant but if you are an experienced producer you know how handy they are.

The keyboard is equipped with adjustable sensitivity on the 49 full-sized keys so you easily can set the sensitivity to match your style. On the left side you have 8 pressure- and velocity sensitive pads. You also get four buttons and four knobs that can be assigned to any parameter inside of Logic Pro X. Alesis V49 comes with the advanced virtual instrument Xpand! The pitch and modulation wheels help you create the exact sound you are looking for.

The Nektar Panorama P6 has 61 weighted velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch. This controller also has 5 velocity curves as well, giving you a wider dynamic range than standard keyboards.

The weighted piano-style keys are ideal if you are a piano player and want to explore the world of MIDI controllers. This keyboard integrates very well with Logic Pro X and all other major Workstations on the market.

Other features include 12 pads, 16 encoders, 9 faders and 10 assignable LED buttons. The software automatically maps the keyboards knod, faders and transport buttons with your DAW. This portable keyboard is suitable for production in home studios and offers 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys. Other assignable features include 9 sliders, 9 buttons, eight knobs plus transport buttons Stop, Play, Record, Fast Forward and Rewind.

There are many compatible keyboards available but some are better than others. Instead of using your mouse and keyboard to navigate, you should be able to produce a whole track using only your controller. Logic Pro X was released on July 16th, and offered a complete redesign and new user interface from its predecessor Logic Pro 9.

With Logic Pro X you can record, edit and mix digital audio and the music production software counts as one of the most popular today! The software supports all essential key features like time stretching, piano roll, sampling and pitch shifting. You can try Logic Pro X free for 90 days before making a purchase! The world of MIDI controllers are almost infinite and it ranges from full-size models to compact key models. Many keyboards have built-in pads, knobs, sliders and controls that you can use to control and automate different effects and software instruments of your choosing.

You can put thousands of hours of work in Logic Pro X and still learn new features that help improve your workflow. Logic Pro X lets you record, edit audio and all of the above.

The best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X should have enough pads, sliders, faders and knobs so you can automate and control every parameter of importance to you.

Obviously you know your needs and your current limitations but all MIDI keyboards in our list are packed with useful features! Key weightening is one of the most important things to consider. If you are a piano virtuoso you are probably used to fully weighted keys.

Synth Action keyboards produce a quicker and lighter feel and they work very well when playing other sounds than piano. The standard amounts are 25 keys, 32 keys, 49 keys, 61 keys and 88 keys. More keys gives you a wider melodic range which usually is preferred for those with a background in piano. With larger keyboards you also need more space on your studio desk or a separate keyboard stand.

If you are into beatmaking, drum pads are an important feature on your Logic Pro X controller. Pads are much more efficient than keys when you create drum patterns or sampling music. Many MIDI keyboards have drum pads but if you are more into chord progressions they might be redundant. Many MIDI keyboards have knobs, rotary pots, sliders and faders. When mapped to Logic Pro X, these controls let you adjust settings and automate different parameters in the software. Older versions use MIDI cables and require a third-party hardware interface.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All rights reserved. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance. MIDI Controllers. July 29, Save Saved Removed 0. Martin Kristiansen. Novation Impulse 49 Novation Impulse 49 uses Automap 4 Control Software a system developed by Novation which instantly lets you map all of the buttons, knobs and faders seamlessly with Logic Pro X.

The developers approach is fluid workflow and removing unnecessary barriers to creativity. More keys, pads and controls equals higher cost. Related Articles. Added to wishlist Removed from wishlist 0. Top 8 Best key Weighted Keyboard Pianos. We will be happy to hear your thoughts. Leave a reply Cancel reply. Enable registration in settings – general.