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7 BUDGET QUALITY MIDI CONTROL KEYS

Being on a budget doesn't mean you've to steer a way from.getting quality products this accounts for midi controller too, for a fair budgeted amount you can look into still getting a good solid midi keyboard,and even mobility if you are a touring  try steer yourself towards the sampler 49 keys or the even.more portable and new 37 keyboards that are more popular with on the road producers in reflecting on this we decided to research the market for the best quality controllers for a budget to suit various pockets as well as mobility here we bring our top seven choices stemming from our research we did.

iRig  Keyboard 37keys

Being on road and working on teeny-tiny mini keys on compact keyboard controllers could make one uninspired to get down and produce… The ultra-compact IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro is one of the smallest, full-sized key MIDI Controllers on the market. It's perfect for mobile recording rigs and even for use with iOS devices. With  iRig Keys Pro you could create your next masterpiece on the plane  or travels to your next gig iRig Keys Pro is Core MIDI and USB class A compliant, for a true plug-and-play experience both with iOS devices or Mac/PC the keys feel solid enough and wide enough to strum that melody down You even get a free copy of IK's SampleTank FREE virtual instrument app and iGrand Piano FREE.  All for a budget under R1000

IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37-key USB/MIDI Controller Features:

  •          One of the smallest keyboards on the market
  •          Compact keyboard controller with 37 velocity-sensitive keys
  •          Core MIDI and USB class compliant, for use with your PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
  •          Backlit buttons are easy to see in dim situations
  •          Input for optional sustain or expression pedal to give you more creative options
  •          Save and recall up to four customized setups for your favorite apps
  •          Includes SampleTank FREE iOS app
  •          Includes free SampleTank 2 L virtual instrument for Mac/PC

Make music on the go, with IK Multimedia's iRig Keys Pro!

 

Korg Microkey 37

The Korg microKEY37 micro keyboard controller fits in your backpack and takes up almost no desk space.Miniature controller keyboards can be incredibly useful for making music on location. The Korg MicroKey family of velocity-sensitive USB-powered keyboards stands out only slightly from the other contenders, in that it includes an arpeggiator function with tap tempo, a pitch wheel and a separate mod wheel. And it's dual USB bus powered ports, making for streamlined setups, wherever you happen to be when inspiration strikes. Bundled with useful music software.Korg's M1 Le software, which offers all the preset sounds and PCM waveforms of the original Korg M1 hardware synth. Also bundled are Applied Acoustics Systems' Strum Acoustic Session, Lounge Lizard Session electric piano, and Ultra Analog Session, plus a license for Toontrack's EzDrummer Lite.

No additional driver is needed for operation, and although there's no specific iOS connectivity, the keyboards will work with an iPad over USB via a Camera Connection Kit. With a natural touch the keys feel pretty goodconsidering the size of the controller. The mocrokey comes with Korg Kontrol Editor software, which allows you to tinker with the velocity curves, reassign the mod and pitch controls, and so on.

The lightly sprung keys also feel better than most., it also has an arpeggiator.With simplified control surface the microkey only has controls for Octave range up or down , so any deeper editing requires the Kontrol software, but that's straightforward enough

Controller Specifications:

Korg microKEY37 Compact Keyboard Controller Features:

  •           37 Natural Touch mini keys let you play comfortably
  •           Velocity-sensing keybed makes it easy to add natural expression to your performances
  •           Full set of hands-on controls including a pitch wheel, a mod wheel, and octave selection give you plenty of playing options
  •           Core MIDI compatibility provides plug-and-play compatibility with any computer or your iPad (via the Apple Camera Connection Kit)
  •           USB bus power means you don't have to worry about batteries or an external power supply
  •           Includes USB cable and additional bundled software

 

 

 

PRODIPE 49C

The Prodipe MIDI 49C is a 49 key, dynamic touch USB MIDI keyboard. Offering professional quality and features, at an entry level price, the 49C has an assignable fader, pitch bend & modulation wheels, 2 data switches and 4 dual function knobs for a wealth of software parameter controls. Unlike most other entry-level keyboards, the 49C also has 5 selectable velocity curves for customised musical expression.

Supplied with a selection of custom, European engineered software including life-like virtual instruments and a 64 track sequencer, this is an out-of-the-box music production solution that excels in performance as well as value.

 

  •           4 MIDI-assignable knobs with dual layer functionality (8 virtual controls)
  •           1 assingable MIDI-assignable slider
  •           Pitch bend wheel
  •           Modulation wheel
  •           2 data switches
  •           5 selectable velcoty curves
  •           USB setting upload/download with editor software for easy set-up
  •           3 digital LED display
  •           Foot pedal connection
  •           Compatible with most MIDI software (including Reason, Fruity Loops, Cubase, Live, Pro Tools, Logic etc

 

Samson Carbon 49

While Carbon 49 has a couple of noteworthy limitations, it's very affordable, designed to hold an iPad, and certainly worth considering if you're looking for a way to play music on a substantial-feeling digital keyboard.

Made from thick, substantial-feeling pearl white and matte black plastics, Carbon 49 measures 31.2” across, roughly 8.5” deep and 2.5” tall, so if you lay it on your legs, you’ll feel every bit of its 6.2-pound weight, plus the weight of your iPad. Because it’s so large, it’s best placed on a table or desk, but can be used somewhat awkwardly in your lap, hanging off the edges of your legs. Any generation of iPad can be placed in a dedicated, somewhat case-compatible slot behind the 49-key, velocity-sensitive synthesizer keyboard, though your iPad’s case compatibility with the cabling may be somewhat of an issue. More likely than not, you’ll need to pull your iPad from the case to use Carbon 49; two inserts are included but not necessary to help keep the iPad 2 rigid inside the slot.

You can take control of your music software with the Carbon 49’s assignable data encoder and volume slider. For easy editing, players can use the Shift key to adjust up to 14 performance-related control parameters. Also, the Carbon 49's 3-digit, 7-segment LCD displays the behavior of every function in real time. For added versatility, the Carbon 49 includes traditional MIDI Out, sustain pedal input and USB connections.

Staying hip with today's popular and convenient technology, the Carbon 49 features an integrated iPad stand and can be used with your favorite MIDI apps via Apple's Camera Connection Kit. The Carbon 49 can even be directly powered by the iPad. 

In addition, it's bundled with Native Instrument’s KOMPLETE ELEMENTS software, which offers a vast range of instruments and effects for modern music production, composition and sound design for your desktop Mac OS X or Windows.

 

FEATURES

  •           49-key velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard
  •           Assignable data encoder and volume slider
  •           Shift key for adjusting up to 14 control parameters
  •           3-digit, 7-segment LCD display provides realtime feedback
  •           Compact design, perfect for live performance and studio applications
  •           Functions: Program Number, Reset All, MIDI Channel, All Notes Off, Bank MSB, Bank LSB, Velocity Curve, Default, Assign Trans, Assign Fader, Assign Knob, Assign Mod, Assign Pedal, Snapshot
  •           Controls: Volume Fader, Data Knob, Edit Button, Octave +/- buttons, Transpose +/- buttons, Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel
  •           Pedal Input: 1/4" TRS
  •           MIDI: MIDI over USB, 5-Pin MIDI OUT
  •           Integrated iPad stand
  •           iPad and USB bus powered
  •           Included Accessories:
  •           USB Cable
  •           Two iPad rubber shoe adaptors
  •           Native Instruments KOMPLETE ELEMENTS installation DVD

 

BEHRINGER UMX 49

The Behringer U-CONTROL UMX49 is an ultra-compact master keyboard packed with superlatives: it features 49 full size, velocity-sensitive keys, 10 programmable MIDI controllers plus 8 user-set buttons.

The Behringer UMX49 isn't a just a powerful controller, it's packed with 50 virtual instruments that allow you to rock straight out of the box. Hit the keys of a grand piano or take off with breathtaking synths, sound samplers etc. Behringer offers even more instruments for download on their website.

Plug and play your software instruments or MP3 tracks and run them straight into your sound system with the included USB audio interface. Or simply record your stereo tracks on your Windows or Mac PC.

Compose and record with Ableton Live Lite 4 Behringer Edition. The USB MIDI controller is the perfect solution that allows you to compose, record and remix your musical ideas. Jam with sounds or phrases and record your song on the fly.

FEATURES

  •        Velocity-sensitive USB/MIDI keyboard featuring 49 full-size keys and unbeatable programming versatility, real-time control and playability
  •           USB/audio interface to connect your instruments and mixer, etc. to your computer for recording and playback
  •           Powerful DAW software AbletonLive Lite 4 Behringer Edition included
  •           Plug and play with Mac OSX and Windows XP®
  •           8 real-time rotary controls plus 10 assignable switches
  •           Freely assign MIDI control changes to the modulation wheel, volume fader and pedal port for ultimate flexibility
  •           Full 128 tone range via the octave shift function with multi-purpose LED status indication
  •           Separate MIDI Out allows controlling external samplers, synths and other equipment
  •           Runs via USB bus, batteries or a power adapter (not included)
  •           High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
  •           Conceived and designed by Behringer Germany                                    

The UMX49 from Behringer is a velocity sensitive 49-key USB/MIDI keyboard controller, that can function within a computer based audio set-up, or stand-alone.In addition to ten programmable MIDI controllers and eight user-set buttons for outputting switch control messages, the UMX49 ships with audio/MIDI software from Ableton, along with fifty virtual instruments. A USB/Audio interface is also included and the controller can be powered via the USB bus, or by batteries or an external power supply (batteries and power supply not included.)

 

ESI KEYCONTROL 49 XT

The KeyControl 49 XT is a very stylish 49-key aluminium case keyboard, perfect for usage live on stage and in studios. No extra power supply and no special drivers are needed when connected to your PC or Macintosh. This makes KeyControl 49 XT a perfect addition for every home studio and many other setups.

The versatile MIDI controller can be used immediately after it has been connected to a sound device or to a computer. The 4 endless encoders, the pitch bend wheel and the modulation fader allow you to control your software synthesizers directly from the keyboard. Of course all controllers work in real time. If you are looking for a really stylish and yet affordable controller keyboard, KeyControl 49 XT is the perfect solution for you.

If you are looking for a smaller mobile version, our KeyControl 25 XT is also available. KeyControl 61 XT is the version with 61 keys and 8 endless encoders.

Features

  •          49-note full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard
  •          aluminium case with high glossy white side panels
  •          pitch bend wheel
  •          modulation fader
  •          edit buttons for advanced programming
  •          sustain foot pedal input
  •          octave buttons to extend keyboard range
  •          4 endless encoders, programmable
  •          powered via USB (no power adapter required)
  •          works with Windows 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP & Mac OS X
  •          as a fully class-compliant device, it can be used with Apple's iPad using a camera connection adapter
  •          Dimensions in cm: 21,2 x 75,2 x 6,9

 

Miditech 49 

With the simplest layout out of all the controllers we’ve looked at , the Midikey straight forward ebony and ivory with its octave range adjustment that is  it , keeping it simple and catering for mobility these light spring keys have a slight plastic feel to them but still give off a good role over keys feel

With a raised space for your computer keyboard to slide under this is a convenient keyboard for those small tight home studio spaces

The very compact “Garagekey” is a smart 37 keys keyboard in perfect I-Mac look. 

  •          37 full sized dynamic high quality keys
  •           Function buttons for octave +/-
  •           USB connector
  •           USB buspowered
  •           Dimensions: w/h/d: 53 cm x 5 cm x 17,5 cm
  •           Colour: white
  •           Class compliant: Works without drivers on Mac OS/X, Apple iOS 4.2, Windows XP SP2, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8
  •           Inclusive: USB cable, 2 white stands, ca. 1,35 kg
  •          Inclusive free Miditech software bundle (download versions): Toontrack EZ Drummer lite, Magix Samplitude Silver, Makemusic Finale Notepad, Ik      Multimedias Amplitube CS and Imagelines Poizone Synthesizer

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