Unweighted keys are easier to push down while weighted keys respond like a traditional piano. The number of keys on a MIDI Keyboard also determines its portability – less keys means greater portability.Īnother feature to consider when purchasing a MIDI Keyboard is whether you would prefer weighted or unweighted keys. Your budget will usually determine the amount of keys you can afford. Keyboards come with either 25, 32, 49, 61 or 88 keys. Perhaps the most common thing people look for when purchasing a MIDI Keyboard is the number of keys. While a higher price tag will often lead to a keyboard with more of these features, there are many options for Ableton users on a budget. Below is a list of features that can be found across the entire range of MIDI Keyboards. Whether you’re looking for portability, cost efficiency, or a specific number of keys, there’s a MIDI Keyboard perfect for every kind of producers. | What Should I Look For In A MIDI Keyboard? If you’re looking for a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to your studio, you can’t go wrong with a MIDI Keyboard. In combination with a computer and a pair of studio monitors, a MIDI Keyboard is a cornerstone piece of hardware in many studios around the world. Integration between Live and almost any brand of MIDI Keyboard is seamless, resulting in an array of tangible ways to create music.Ī MIDI Keyboard is one the most iconic pieces of equipment in a music studio. Record automation or experiment with evolving parameters using the faders or knobs found on many MIDI Keyboards. Instrument plug-ins such as the Drum Rack allows users to experiment with custom drum kits using the drum pads. Many third-party plug-ins also support mapping to MIDI devices. Level up the instrumental layers of your productions using the practical, hands-on approach of a MIDI Keyboard.Īlmost every single parameter in Ableton Live and Live’s stock plugins can be mapped to a MIDI Device, meaning you have complete customizability over what you would like the features of your keyboard to control. While it is possible to mimic human-like characteristics using your mouse and computer keyboard, nothing comes close to the natural imperfections of a live recording. Whether it’s for live performances or recording, a MIDI Keyboard can help create a realistic and human-like feel. Building entire live shows with a MIDI Keyboard can be achieved using the mapping features of Ableton Live. Common features of a MIDI Keyboard can include drum pads which are excellent for performing live drums and triggering one-shots samples. Cycle through instrument presets, modify parameters live, instantly recall banks and more all using your MIDI Keyboard. By using Ableton’s MIDI record function, you can lay down ideas into your projects in just one take.īring your live sets to live and add a new dimension to your live performances using a MIDI Keyboard. Penciling in MIDI notes or manually drawing in automation can be a time-consuming and finicky process. They have the ability to increase workflow efficiency by making it easier to add instrumental layers to your projects. The synergy between your MIDI Keyboard and instrument plugins makes it possible to easily cycle through libraries of instrument presets and quickly craft chords, melodies, basslines and drum beats.Ī MIDI Keyboard is proven to help imbed ideas from your head directly into your Ableton projects. Spark inspiration and spawn new ideas using a range of tools right at your fingertips. MIDI Keyboards provide musicians with a direct and tangible way to experiment with sounds. Listed below are some of the reasons why purchasing a MIDI Keyboard is a worthwhile investment for all Ableton users: While owning a MIDI Keyboard isn’t essential, it is certainly recommended. Ableton comes with a built-in virtual keyboard that can be operated using your computer’s keyboard. All of Ableton Live’s tools, plug-ins and features can be utilized without a MIDI Keyboard. You don’t need a MIDI Keyboard to use Ableton. | Do I Need A MIDI Keyboard For Ableton Live?
In this guide, we will be outlining the benefits of investing in a MIDI Keyboard and helping you decide which MIDI Keyboard best suits your style of producing. The right MIDI Keyboard can streamline your production workflow and introduce you to a new way of utilizing Ableton. Whether you’re a natural behind the keys or you’re just learning the basics, a MIDI Keyboard can improve your Ableton experience and help you create better music. It can be difficult to know if purchasing a MIDI Keyboard is worth the investment. | One of the biggest decisions beginner producers have when starting out is whether or not to purchase a MIDI Keyboard.