The Launchkey Mk2 from Novation is an innovative, high quality MIDI keyboard controller primarily designed for the popular DAW Ableton. ➭ Been out on the market for a while now (if that’s even a downside!)Ĭompatibility: PC/Mac | Power: USB | Keys: 25 | Key size: Mini | Additional Controls: 4-Way modulation/ pitch bend joystick controller, 8 soft touch pads with note repeat + 8 assignable rotary encoders | Included software: Hybrid 3, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials | Dimensions (mm): 317 x 181 x 44 | Weight (kg): 0.75 ➭ Included software: VIP 3.0 and MPC Essentials ➭ Not suitable for live performances, controller is too small with no live editors ➭ Several additional features: 8 soft pads, 8 knobs, 4-way joystick controller ➭ Knobs are fairly small to fit within the small layout of the device ➭ Affordable: One of the cheapest Mini keyboards on the market at around $100 ➭ Mini keys may be a downside to certain producers ➭ Portable: Can easily fit in a standard laptop bag The soft pads have a high level of sensitivity for such a cheap device, and the knobs can be linked to almost any effect or automation within your DAW such as reverb, delay or filter, to allow for a highly responsive, hands-on approach to track or effect modulation. One of the features of this MIDI keyboard that may be polarising to producers is the smaller sized keys, so for those looking to play complex sequences and patterns may run into trouble. This device is the perfect example of an affordable, entry-level keyboard that is incredibly versatile and high quality. I have been a fanboy of Akai for many years, and their MPK series remains the best MIDI controllers for beginners on the market. Many keyboards have additional buttons, faders, wheels and knobs to allow for a more dynamic connection between the keyboard and your DAW (e.g Ableton, FL studio etc.), which can make the task of choosing the best MIDI keyboard for you seem like a intimidating task to a newbie.Īkai’s “MPK Mini Mk2” ranks among the best and most popular MIDI keyboards on the market, mainly due to it’s small, compact size and low price tag.

MIDI keyboards can be viewed in two basic categories small, compact 25-key devices (some as wide as a standard laptop) and wider, 49-key, desk-based options. This data can be manipulated with ease, and allows you to edit the performance independently of the actual sound. It does NOT send an audio signal, it is only sending data, which is exactly what makes MIDI so powerful.

By playing a sequence on a MIDI keyboard for example, you are sending information to your DAW on what notes where played, how long the notes lasted, how hard you played the notes and other signals. To put it simply, MIDI is basically the language that allows computers, music instruments and other hardware to communicate.

Midi keyboard compatible with fl studio