Midi controller keyboard is a musical instrument that sequences music and plays virtually on computers. This device sends data to the synthesizer by receiving signal and finally produces sound. Midi keyboards often send commands over USB cables. It is an electronic musical keyboard. Lets have a look into the best midi keyboards for Ableton.
From that introduction about midi keyboard, it sounds like an instrument required by professional musicians and an expensive one too. While the latter is somewhat true, the prior isn’t necessarily it. There are beginner friendly midi keyboards-in terms of both price and usage.
Buying Guide
There needs no introduction to Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). Musicians and artists can produce their own music with just a little more than a laptop. DAW allows them to cater their skills and polish a little more to come up with originals. Ableton is one of the leading DAW’s and requires particularly manufactured midi keyboards.
These keyboards are niche, compatible, high-quality and also pricey. But the performance is pretty dope. Midi keyboards and controllers are of different shapes and sizes. However for Ableton, you need to control sounds, experiment with notes and sequence audio which requires a midi controller with pad or button device.
So, before you choose a midi keyboard, make sure to look at the features it has and assess them against the features you’re looking for.
There are few brands which manufacture midi keyboards for ableton. These are Novotion, AKAI, and Native instruments, Alesis, Nektar and M Audio. The mentioned manufacturers produce high quality midi keyboards for Ableton.
The rating and reviews on each of the Midi keyboard is excellent. It gets even better beyond this because we have listed best of the best midi keyboards for ableton in our list. Check out our recommendations for every little detail about each of these.
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Novotion MIDI Keyboard Controller | Supports Ableton Live Great build quality | $$$ | |
 | AKAI Professional APC Key 25 | Access to bunch of software Commands everything for immersive performances | $$$ | |
 | AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 | Professional standard controller Easy Ableton setup | $$$ | |
 | Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] 25 | Has a lighting system Pre-mapped Ableton | $$$ | |
 | Alesis V49 | Compatible to the best software Has 4 assignable knobs and buttons Has silver tuning with pearl buttons | $$$ | |
 | Nektar 25-Key Midi Controller | Has 8 hypersensitive backlit pads Dedicated octave and transpose buttons | $$$ | |
 | M-Audio Hammer 88 | Has 3 pedal inputs Connects iPad Camera connection kit | $$$ | |
 | Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 | Takes heavy inputs Has great control parameters | $$$ | |
 | M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 | Has an affordable price point Premium software suite included | $$$ | |
 | Nektar 49-Key Midi Controller | Budget-friendly Includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW | $$$ |
1. Novotion MIDI Keyboard Controller
This MIDI controller enables deep Ableton Live Integration. This keyboard has access to all the important controls right away. There are three chords that allow triggering the sounds. This is a powerful device that allows producing music immediately.
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1. Novotion MIDI Keyboard Controller
This MIDI controller enables deep Ableton Live Integration. This keyboard has access to all the important controls right away. There are three chords that allow triggering the sounds. This is a powerful device that allows producing music immediately.
PROS
CONS
2. AKAI Professional APC Key 25
The AKAI APC midi controller is a 25 key USB controller for Ableton Live. It consists of 25 piano style keys, 40 buttons and 8 assignable encoders. It allows the artists total control with the 25 note synthesizer.
This has great quality lighting that creates one-shots, samples and loops. It has access to a lot of softwares and also gives protection to your PC.
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3. AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
The AKAI professional Mini MK3 is one of the best MIDI keyboard for Ableton. It’s a classic, compact and really popular model by AKAI.
It has MPC style pads and these use parameters by Ableton Midi map mode. A lot of great artists were spotted using this model of AKAI professional.
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4. Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] 25
This midi controller allows deep and intuitive live Ableton control. This is best for home, studio and other places. It has nice notes and can sequence audio properly. It is packed with controls which allow you to experiment with different notes and effects.
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5. Alesis V49
The Alesis MIDI keyboard controller is available with 3 different keys- 49, 61and 25. The MIDI keyboard with 49 keys is velocity sensitive, has square front keys playing for virtual instruments. It is best for beat production, has octave up and down buttons. For this, premium software are included.
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6. Nektar 25-Key Midi Controller
Nektar 25-key Midi controller is a classic looking premium MIDI controller. It has 25 synth action keys and on board pitch bend. The wheels for modulations are perfectly placed as well. The pads have LED illuminated lights of 4 different colors. It has a Nektar DAW integration of Mac OS x 10.7 or higher.
This Nektar DAW supports 11 other DAW and their smart controller with functionality. It has a powerful control centre and pads for grooves and beats.
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7. M-Audio Hammer 88
If you are planning to play piano sometime, go for the M-Audio Hammer 88. This has 88 fully weighted keys and they cover 10 octaves. It is a simple keyboard and doesn’t have pads, knobs or buttons. This also supports Ableton live. It includes DB-33, Velvet and Eight-eight Ensemble.
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8. Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49
This Komplete Kontrol S49 is by the brand Native Instruments. This has all the features and exclusive controls needed for music productions. The keys are 49 full sized velocity sensitive.
This is compatible to Ableton and also to other Digital Audio Workshop. It has its own software which is Nektar DAW integration for the better recording of audio and sounds.
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9. M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
The M Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is ultra-portable MIDI keyboard controller with protools first. It has four different key options. They are 32 mini key, 49 keys, 61 keys and 88 keys. Each of the key settings is priced differently. This device enables you to create professional music wherever you go.
The compact design of the MIDI controller and the availability of various important keys are right there. The pitch bend and modulations buttons, premium software- all are great features of this device.
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10. Nektar 49-Key Midi Controller
Nektar 49 key Midi controller is a premium midi controller with 25 expressive synth action keys. It also has on board pitch bend and different wheels for modulation. These wheels ensure a great performance and effects on notes.
The keys are beautifully organized at the top of the keyboard and they can be accessed quickly. The compact design of the MIDI keyboard is a plus point. It is equally sleek, high quality and gives great performance.
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A MIDi keyboard for Ableton is a big investment if you’re a musician. If you want, you can do all the sequencing of voices and effects in your laptop and PC however it will require a lot of edits for the velocity of output to match the groove of Ableton. Hence, it’s best to go for a MIDI keyboard for Ableton.
These are mostly compact and portable, give access to a lot of keys and can convert signals right away. So without further due, lay your hands on one of the best MIDI keyboard following our recommendations.
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