The Ground Control Pro is one of the most complete and highly-functioning MIDI foot controller pedals on the market. The drawback here is that you have to set all of this up and figure out the gory details of how to get your Ground Control Pro to talk with the device(s) you're trying to couple it with.
Apple’s Logic Pro music production software has become a huge hit within the realm of music creation. Finding the perfect MIDI keyboard controller is an important task and investment — one we feel should be taken seriously. We’re huge MIDI keyboard controller fans and have done a lot of research on this topic, especially because of how powerful we think Logic Pro really is. Next to Ableton or Pro Tools, Logic Pro is without a doubt one of the best music making production software available. It was one of our favorites in our best music production software article. Here’s what we found in terms of a controller for the DAW.
When choosing your MIDI keyboard/controller for Logic Pro, you need to ask yourself a few questions first. These depend mostly on your budget, capabilities you need in terms of control, the make of the keys, etc:
- Will you be using a MIDI keyboard that also acts as a control surface? (Knobs, buttons, displays to help you select parameters for editing/selecting specific tracks. Basically controlling your software from the MIDI keyboard itself).
- What kind of keys do you want the MIDI keyboard to be? (Synth action, semi-weighted, weighted, etc).
- Do you want pads on your MIDI controller?
- What key count?
- Is the MIDI keyboard controller you’re looking at in your budget?
Novation vs. M-Audio? Any Akai fans out there?
The usual debate about MIDI keyboard controllers for Logic Pro is between Novation and M-Audio models. If you’ve researched or browsed the forums at all, you’ll see a “which one is better?” thread nearly weekly. We’ve also seen Akai mentioned in the discussions so we’ve decided to analyze them as well.
First of all, mapping features aren’t as easy as most keyboards claim. One of the most bitter sweet features of Logic Pro is the power you have of control, but in order to do so, you need to learn how to do it properly. Your best bet is hooking up the sounds manually (as we do), but if you’re able to get the mapping features of some keyboards correct, that is a huge plus.
So our advice is to not let the automapping software of the Novation MIDI keyboard controllers you’re looking at sell you for a particular model. Some have complained about this, but Novation paid attention and improved this in their newer MIDI keyboard models. However, the Axiom’s mapping is said to really speed up this process with HyperControl, so we took that into consideration as well (particularly the Axiom Pro models, but those are pretty damn expensive).
We then have Novation advocates claiming that the Axiom keys aren’t up-to-par and feel ‘flimsy and cheap’. The entire builds of M-Audio keyboards have also been stated to be just flat out cheap. In our opinion, that is one of the biggest factors of a MIDI keyboard and/or controller. So M-Audio loses there.
The typical trend in comparisons tend to be sacrificing Novation’s mapping vs. the Axiom’s key and knob ‘plastic flimsy’ make. But what about Akai? Any love there? Although we are huge fans of Akai MIDI keyboard controllers, a lot of users around the Logic Pro forums have complained about the make of them. You’ve also got Arturia or Alesis, but they just haven’t gotten the right amount of reviews for us to take them into consideration.
We narrowed our search down to the M-Audio Axiom Pro 49, Novation Sl MkII 49, Novation Impulse 49 and Akai MPK249. Here’s what we found.
Our choice for best MIDI controller for Logic Pro:
Novation Impulse 49
Our verdict was a close one, but we stuck with the Novation Impulse for a few different reasons. First of all, it is a relatively newer keyboard and they’ve seemed to work some kinks out with their automapping software. Their keys as well as overall build is also extremely polished, giving us a great feel with semi-weighted and aftertouch. Great for an overall feel in terms of playing both live and at your production setup. The make of the knobs and faders have been rated pretty highly as well.
The Novation Impulse 49 features their brand new version of Automap 4 software, which has been stated by numerous users to work well with Logic Pro, specifically Logic Pro X. It will take some learning how to use, but once you do so, you’re good to go. You’ve also got the combination of multi-function drum pads to be able to play them naturally (a huge plus for us, especially live). With the pads you can also warp arpeggios and roll beats. Lastly, and although we’re all Logic Pro users here, it does come with Ableton Live Lite if you feel like messing around with it. Novation’s bass synth and loopmaster sample pack is also included. It is also USB powered which is a plus.
Make of the keys
As stated above, the Novation Impulse 49 has semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. This is typically stated to be the best make of keys in the business, but if you’re picky and an experienced player, you may want something different. However, for the average user, this is the key make you’ll want. You’ve also got the assignable aftertouch which is stated to help you feel like you’re actually playing an instrument as opposed to M-Audio’s more plastic, synth action-type of keys. The aftertouch helps with musical expression and gives you a more natural sound. Great reviews in terms of overall build with the Impulse. Many people have said it is better than the Akai MPK249’s keys.
Control surface capabilities
The Impulse has 8 knobs, 9 faders and buttons, as well as an LCD screen for a solid control surface build. As far as capabilities go for controlling your software, this is basically all you need. It has the essentials — control your mixer, transport controls, plug-ins, VST’s, and effects well.
Mapping with Logic Pro
We can’t tell you how many people had complained about Novation’s automapping software when they first came out with the original Sl MkII MIDI keyboard controllers. The new Automap 4 works very well with Logic Pro, as backed up by many users around the net.
Pricing
The retail price could be a bit daunting (we’ve seen it rather cheaper on Amazon), but try to remember you’re investing in pretty much the most important piece of gear for your studio. Especially with Logic Pro, you need a MIDI keyboard controller that works. If you’re looking to save some money, you can also try a different key count: they have the Novation Impulse 25 at about $100 cheaper, or if you need a higher count, try the Novation Impulse 61.
Here’s a cool video of the Impulse in action. If you want to save some money for a controller (perhaps with no pads, different software bundle, etc.) check out the list below.
Some other MIDI keyboard controllers for Logic
Below are some other options you may want to consider for your Logic mapping adventures. We’ve included controllers with all keys (most with pads), but if you want a device that is only pads, be sure to check out our best MIDI pad controller article. Also be sure to check out our top 10 best MIDI keyboards for some more choices. Let us know which one you pick in the comments!
M-Audio Keystation 49
I have a friend who composes trailers for a living and he uses Logic Pro with a 66-key MIDI controller with no pads or extra funk. He keeps it simple with only the keys and doesn’t like to use faders, knobs or even pads for his type of music and maps everything via the DAW controls of the software.
If you want to save some money and grab a controller that’s only keys and nothing too fancy, we recommend this controller. It also comes as the Keystation mini 32 key or if you want a better count, the Keystation 61 for a few more bucks, of course.
Alesis VI49
![Controller Controller](http://www.pssl.com/images/Default-Image/1500/SAMPLEPAD-PRO.jpg)
This is a great budget controller as it is one of the cheapest in the market in terms of pad incorporation and software bundles. 12 assignable knobs with 36 assignable buttons, not to mention the pads are RGB backlit to give your studio that nice little touch of pizzazz. Alesis’ first shot at a high-quality MIDI keyboard wasn’t too bad afterall.
The keys are semi-weighted with aftertouch, so don’t let the price fool you on its overall quality and stability. It’s also available in the 25-key, the Alesis VI25 as well as 61-key, the Alesis VI61 keyboard. The price increases about $80 each model.
Read our full review of the Alesis VI49 MIDI keyboard here.
M-Audio Axiom AIR 49
This also made our best 49-key MIDI keyboard article. The AIR has gotten some great reviews, especially when it comes to mapping with Logic. The keys are very nice feeling and the pads are a bit smaller than others such as Akai or Novation but they do the trick.
The mod and pitch wheels are pluses, not to mention a decent software bundle coming along with it. I’d take a look at this since it’s a bit cheaper than our top pick.
Akai MPK249 MIDI keyboard
We’re huge fans of Akai and this barely missed the cut in terms of best midi keyboard controller for Logic. The only reason is pretty much the price; however, if you want to spend that few extra bucks, you’ll be getting an overall better build/make of keys/pads with this one. The software bundle is a bit different as it comes with Ableton Live if you ever want to check that software out. It also has a few VST’s included that sound really good.
16 drum pads with 4 banks available, as well as 8 encoders, faders and knobs. A very solid controller to check out if you have the budget. The MPK2 made it in our top 10 best MIDI keyboard controllers article.
Read our full review of the MPK249 MIDI keyboard here.
More gear reviews and guides in the realm...
We love MIDI keyboard controllers, especially when it comes to building a home studio that can give semi-pro or even some professional studios a run for their money in terms of the quality of music you produce. Nowadays, gear is becoming more advanced and accessible to all of us, and in our case, MIDI keyboards are continuing to rule the gear world. We saw some very impressive models in our best MIDI keyboard controllers article, but what about the smaller, compact versions of these? Surprisingly, there are a lot more mini MIDI keyboards than there are larger models, such as 66 and even 88-key controllers — probably because many of us like a snug fit in our studios, travel a lot and need something convenient, or really don’t need a bunch of keys, buttons and knobs to be able to make our beautiful music. What’s even better is the cost of these things (typically) fall under $100! Let’s check out what we’ve got below.
How to choose your MIDI keyboard
- Your budget – We’ve mentioned most of these cost around $100 or less, but if you want to save even more money some of them fall within the $80 or so range, so if that’s important to you it could steer you towards a specific direction.
- Want some extra features? The essential function of a MIDI keyboard is being able to assign a custom sound to your keys, but some of these come with other features attached to them. Do you need drum pads? Assignable knobs? Pitch and mod wheels? A sustain pedal input? Keep this in mind, since you may be able to save some more money if you can sacrifice a few features you won’t be needing.
- The number of keys – Most of these come with a set of 25 keys, but there are also a few with 32 or even 37. If you want a broader key range, going with a higher count is always best, but that all depends on your preference. Typically mini MIDI keyboards aren’t high in count (for a reason, of course).
- Software bundle included – Here’s another perk of MIDI keyboards nowadays: in order to compete with each other, a lot of brands are stepping up and collaborating with software makers. There’s a big range of plug-ins, FX and DAW’s that come with these things. For example, one comes with the trial of Ableton, while others with packages of sounds. Which are you looking for? You can always disallow this from being a decisive factor and perhaps download some free music software (or use the popular DAW trials) or other sounds, or even buy some VST software (virtual instruments, which are essentially the sounds you’ll be assigning to this thing).
The best compact MIDI keyboard controllers
![Midi Midi](/uploads/1/2/5/0/125009248/224364057.jpg)
There are probably twice this amount worth even thinking about when you’re shopping, but we went with the top 5 just to make it a bit easier to slim down your choices. One thing to remember is that these are mini MIDI keyboards — the keys are a mini make, so they’re relatively smaller than normal keys if that’s what you’re used to. Remember that it’ll take some time to adjust to it, but once you do, it’ll become second nature.
We rank them in terms of the absolute best regarding budget, overall features, stability, software, and longevity. Our favorite is the Akai MPK Mini, but there are a few other options to take a look at as well. Let us know which is your favorite, or if we helped you out, which you chose out of the bunch!
Akai MPK Mini MkII
The Akai MPK Mini MKII is our absolute favorite mini controller, and if we had to choose the absolute best, this would be it. Akai Professional is one of our favorite brands and this is the best because of how many people love it — it’s just simply backed up with a lot of user reviews who state to be very satisfied with the keyboard. You get 25 synth-action mini keys (springy and work well), a 4-way thumb stick for some cool, custom manipulation of your sounds (change the pitch and modulation control), Q-Link knobs that can be assigned to effects or other plug-ins (8 of them), and lastly, our favorite: 8 MPC-style pads (back-lit) to bang around with some drums or riffs you’ve got in your sample collection. Another plus is the software package: it comes with MPC Essentials (a decent DAW), SONiVOX Wobble and Hybrid 3 by AIR — great out-of-the-box sounds to start using the keyboard right away.
Read our MPK Mini MK2 review for a little more info, and to help our confidence, our friends over at Pro Tools Tutorial had this one in their midi keyboard guide as “best priced”.
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
Another one of our favorite small midi keyboards is by M-Audio. Grab the M-Audio Keystation Mini if you want a 32-key small midi keyboard that’s a bit cheaper in price than others and gives you what you need. This is cheaper than the MPK Mini and also has 7 more keys if that’s what you fancy. The 32 keys is definitely unique but we love it because this thing is just raw — their Keystation models of keyboards don’t come with additional fancy features besides a large volume knob on the left paired with some octave up and down buttons and pad bank navigation. It’s USB powered by a single cable and is very compact and super easy to travel with.
The keys are velocity-sensitive so they’re pretty suitable for us looking for a cheaper alternative, it just lacks a few other extra pizzazz like the Mk2.
Novation Launchkey Mini
Another solid mini keyboard here that’s stated to rival the Akai Mk2 keyboards (they’re the same price). Check out the Novation Launchkey Mini if the software bundle, 16 drum pads and iOS compatibility seem attractive to you. This particular controller is great as we had seen in our Launchkey Mini review, it offers twice the amount of drum pads as the Mk2 and has a cool aesthetic look to them. The compatibility with iPads is great since Novation has their own apps to go along with it so if that’s how you make music this is the one to go with. It also has 8 assignable knobs up top with octave up and down controls. Another plus is the fact that it comes with Ableton Live Lite, one of the best digital audio workstations in our opinion, so if you’re still looking for some software to start making music with this could be a perfect opportunity for you to try it out.
It also comes with a Loop Masters sample pack — so the software bundle differs a bit than the Mk2 and this could be the deciding factor for you.
Arturia MiniLab
If you buy an Arturia MiniLab, you’re buying it for the crazy software of classic synthesizer sounds it comes with (comes with instructions to download it as opposed to coming with a CD). It’s decently priced at under $100, too. A lot of people swear by Arturia music gear and for good some reason; they’re a bit different in terms of how they spin their products. This is particularly perfect for musicians looking for some seriously sweet synth sounds. Not only does this small midi keyboard with 25 keys look slick, but it offers their Analog Lab software: hybrid synths with around 5,000 sounds (borrowing from some well-known machines; CS-80V, Jupiter 8V, Prophet V and more). They keys have been stated to be a bit less in terms of quality made as compared to other models out there and the sliders are so-so.
It’s nice and light — perfect for traveling or fitting into your smaller setup in the studio and it’s conveniently powered by a USB cable only.
Korg microKEY37
Last but not least we have another relatively popular mini keyboard model made by Korg music. Grab the Korg microKEY37 if it fits the bill for your needs. Most noticeably is the 37 keys giving us some more room to work with paired up with only a pitch and mod wheel – just the essentials. It’s powered via USB cable and is one of the lightest and thinnest models we’ve seen around the market so if you’re looking for the most convenient small MIDI controller to have, this is the one to grab. The keys are pretty stable and have a nice Natural Touch incorporated into them. It has two USB ports so you can combine some other gear with it if you have any (such as a drum pad controller). There is however no sustain pedal jack so that may be a big deal to you.
It’s just super portable and one of the best compact MIDI keyboard controllers for those who travel a lot or want some more range with the 37 keys.