MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) has become such a huge part of many studios because it's fast and easy to use. In recent years, virtual instruments have made some very impressive sonic improvements. Now, MIDI sequencers and controllers are accessible to home studios and pro studios alike. Many of them are very different and we're here to help you pick out the right one for your studio.
The Alesis V Mini is one of my favorite MIDI controllers because it is affordable, easily portable, and has all the options I look for in a controller. As you can see it has 4 programmable pads and knobs, 25 keys and the option to alternate octaves. A truly versatile piece for an insanely good price. If you're looking for a bit more, the
VI25,
VI49, and
VI61 offer even more control and much more options.
For the engineer who prefer grid pads over a keyboard, Novation created the Launchpad. This is the latest version of the standard Launchpad. It features 64.000 different indication colors, 8 function buttons, grid mixer and the ability to control VST instruments. There is also a
Launchpad Mini ($99.99) and a
Launchpad Pro ($299.99). Check out Navation's comparison chart
here. All of the Launchpads include Ableton Live Lite, Loopmasters Samples, and the Novation Soft Synth VST Plug-in so you can get right to making music.
Novation has also created keyboard controllers for use with Ableton Live. When you plug one of these in and open up Ableton, you have instant control over all parameters and instruments. The Launchkey 49 has the same RBG pads as the Launchpad, but also has 8 encoders and faders for onboard mixing control. We also carry the
Launchkey 25 and
Launchkey 61.
The Advance 49 is a great way to get into the professional realm. Whether you are planning on using it on stage, or in the studio, you'll find that the Advance 49 has extensive uses for both. Using the included VIP software, user can choose presets for different DAW's or save their own presets. The bright and colored display screen makes it easy to scroll through different sounds, instruments, articulations and much more. Each encoder and pad has 4 banks for a total of 32 preset instruments or samples for each. each key also has very responsive after-touch for expressive players. There is so much versatility packed into this beast of a controller. Once you start using it, you can never go back to other controllers!
When 49 keys just isn't enough, we are fortunate enough to have a controller like the Impulse 61. This is a heavy-duty keyboard with features similar to the Launchkey and the Advance 49. It easily integrates into any DAW with a list and has space for user presets. My favorite part of this is the arpeggiation pads and the sensitivity built-in to them. This is a huge keyboard meant for a serious player that requires a rugged keyboard with unmatched performance. We also have lots of
carrying cases for keyboards and books to help you get started and even master the art of creating electronic music. Be sure to check out our
B-Stock selection as well for an easy way to save money! Need help finding gifts? Check out our Gift Guides
here. As always, enjoy FAST and FREE shipping on any order in the continental US. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to call us at 855-269-0474 or stop in our store in Downtown Appleton!