Buying The Best USB-MIDI Controller
How to Choose the Right USB Powered MIDI Controller For Your Needs
Jun 11, 2009
There are many different way of working with MIDI and just about as many different MIDI controllers to suit each of those situations. Finding the ideal controller for a particular setup depends directly upon the nature of the MIDI environment being worked in.
When in the market for a USB MIDI controller, it is imperative to have some idea of how the device is intended to be used. For example, a sound engineer working primarily with digital audio workstation software (such as Cubase or Pro Tools) would benefit more from a DAW control surface than a keyboard-type MIDI controller. Likewise, a DJ would have little use for an 88-key controller in the cramped quarters of a DJ booth.
Determine which type of controller suits your needs and then consider how much you can afford to spend on it.
The Cost of MIDI Controllers
MIDI controllers can vary in price from $60 to several thousand dollars, depending on the quality and features of the individual MIDI controller. There are plenty of options at all price levels so it is definitely worth researching what the user requires in terms of features and build quality before making a purchase.
On the lower end of that cost spectrum is the Korg nanoSERIES. With this series, Korg has defined the most common three types of USB MIDI controllers: a piano-style keyboard (nanoKEY), a bank of faders/knobs (nanoKONTROL), and a bank of trigger pads with an X/Y pad (nanoPAD). The three devices are all ultra-compact and very reasonably priced.
While they may not appeal to all users, these low-cost solutions are a great introduction to how manufacturers are approaching MIDI controller design. In other words, if the nanoSERIES of controllers seem too basic or fragile for your MIDI application, then look for the similar types of controllers made by other manufacturers such as Roland, M-Audio and Akai.
It is worth noting that almost all USB MIDI controllers are powered via the USB port of a computer and thus are seldom shipped with an AC adapter. Most manufacturers do produce power adapters for their controllers but sell them separately. The lack of an adapter should not be an issue for most users but is important for those planning to use the controller in a situation without a computer.
Try MIDI Controllers Before Buying
Once the field of controllers has been narrowed down by budget and application, the next step is to go into a music instrument retailer and try out the controller. By physically using the controller for a few minutes, the user should be able to discern if it is right for their MIDI environment. Some key areas to consider are durability requirements and size constraints.
As a final step before buying, it is worth double-checking that the controller is compatible with the rest of the user's MIDI setup.
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