Best Midi keyboard for Fl Studio 11 & 12 – As you will have seen from our selections the market has a fair amount to offer in terms of manipulating your audio workstations and it really does just depend on the type of control you prefer.
Some of us value the tactile experience more than others and have a need for an authentic control, with the extreme side being the need for knobs to dial a virtual knob and a select few who won’t settle for anything unauthentic in its place.
With midi keyboards, the market has a fair amount to offer, and picking the best is not a walk in the park, especially if you do not know your needs. Your personal needs are key when buying a midi controller.
ROUND UP
Based on research and popular ratings, you can trust our seven best picks to be the best Midi keyboards for FL studio 12 in the market. The list has something for everyone, whether you are an advanced musician, a hobbyist producer, or a beginner.
back to menu ↑1.AKAI Professional
Features
- FL Studio Music Production Essential- Dedicated USB MIDI hardware controller for the FL Studio DAW platform with seamless plug-and-play connectivity
- Workflow Revolution - 64 velocity-sensitive RGB Pads for creation of patterns in the step sequencer and recording notes / synth parts on a pad-based MIDI keyboard controller in Performance mode
- Beat Production Simplified – Transform Fire into a beat maker essential with a MPC Style 16-pad layout in Drum Mode
- Maximum Tweak-Ability - 4 banks of assignable Touch-Capacitive MIDI knobs / encoders for controlling Mixer, Channel and custom User-Assignable mappings
- Improved Navigation - Instantly navigate the Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar and Playlist windows; dedicated controls to browse audio and project files with clear feedback from the OLED display
- Includes FL Studio Fruity Fire Edition (Download) - Complete Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) with unlimited tracks, on-board effects and virtual instruments, full automation functionality and more
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑2.RockJam
Features
- The RockJam 561 keyboard piano super kit includes a digital keyboard with 61 full-size keys giving you that traditional piano feel whilst maintaining a portable and compact design that can be powered by either mains power (power supply included) or batteries
- This RockJam 561 piano keyboard features an LCD display panel that both displays and engages the 100 rhythms, 50 tones, teaching functions, and 30 demo songs that are part of its functionality
- The RockJam 561 electric piano has record and playback functionality allowing you to build layers to your sound.
- This music keyboard super kit package includes a keyboard stand that is sturdy in design and can be adjusted to suit keyboard piano players both young and old
- This electric piano keyboard super kit contains a padded seat that is easily folded and has a thick padded seat for hours of comfortable play
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑3.M Audio Keystation
Features
- Pro Music Production Wherever You Go: USB MIDI keyboard controller with slimline footprint and 32 mini piano style velocity sensitive keys for a natural feel
- Customizable Response Mini keys with selectable velocity curves match any playing style inc’l traditional piano, synthesizer, key based beat making; Pitch bend/ modulation buttons add expression
- Immediate Creativity Simple plug and play connection to your Mac or PC no drivers or power supply required
- Express Yourself Octave up and down buttons for extended keyboard range, volume knob delivers smooth control and sustain button adds expressive capability
- Premium Software suite included Pro Tools, First M Audio Edition recording software/DAW and AIR Music Tech Xpand 2 multitimbral synthesizer
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑4.midiplus
Features
- 32 mini-keys velocity sensitive keyboard
- Pitch, modulation, octave, transpose function
- Sustain interface (Not include sustain pedal)
- USB B-type to connect computer (include USB cable)
- Plug and play with Windows, Mac devices
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑5.Worlde Panda MINI
Features
- 1. 8 RGB backlit pads with high quality velocity & pressure sensitive performance and can be assigned easily as pads, MIDI CC buttons or Program change switches.
- 2. 7 different colors available. Hold CC MODE and OCTAVE DOWN or OCTAVE UP to select the backlit RGB color of 8 pads. The pads can display 7 colors at the same time, once can only show one color.
- 3. 25 keys with velocity assignable to controllers, with 3 velocity curve and one constant velocity. 4 assignable control knobs, 4 assignable control sliders and 4 banks for different settings. 8 control buttons: CC Mod, Mod, Bank, Program, Pitch down / Pitch up, Octave down / Octave up.
- 4. USB interface, adaptable to USB 2.0(FULL SPEED). Power is supplied by USB.
- 5. Compatible with Win XP/Vista and Mac OSX. Drive free and hot-plug supported. Dear, our MIDI Controller, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service, everything will be better.: )
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑6.lotmusic
Features
- Plug and Play : Drive free and hot-plug supported,adaptable to USB 2.0 interface(FULL SPEED). Support Multiple Systems,compatible with Windows 7 and more, Mac and iOS.
- Meet Your Needs：25 keys with velocity assignable to controllers, with 3 velocity curve and one constant velocity. 4 assignable control knobs, 4 assignable control sliders and 4 banks for different settings. 8 control buttons: CC Mod, Mod, Bank, Program, Pitch down / Pitch up, Octave down / Octave up.
- Bigger Beat Pad ：8 RGB backlit pads with high quality velocity & pressure sensitive performance and can be assigned easily as pads, MIDI CC buttons or Program change switches.
- Changeable colours: 7 different colors available. Hold CC MODE and OCTAVE DOWN or OCTAVE UP to select the backlit RGB color of 8 pads. The pads can display 7 colors at the same time, once can only show one color.
- All you get: 1xMIDI Controller,1x USB Cable,1x Velvet bag and 1x Instruction.Please feel free to contact us if there is any problem with our product.
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑7.ammoon
Features
- 【Good Design】25 keys with velocity assignable to controllers, with 3 velocity curve and one constant velocity. 4 assignable control knobs, 4 assignable control sliders and 4 banks for different settings. 8 control buttons: CC Mod, Mod, Bank, Program, Pitch down / Pitch up, Octave down / Octave up.
- 【8 control buttons】CC Mod, Mod, Bank, Program, Pitch down / Pitch up, Octave down / Octave up.
- 【Pads with High Quality】8 RGB backlit pads with high quality velocity & pressure sensitive performance and can be assigned easily as pads, MIDI CC buttons or Program change switches.
- 【Plug and Play】Drive free and hot-plug supported, adaptable to USB 2.0 interface(FULL SPEED).
- 【Meet Your Needs】Support Multiple Systems,compatible with Windows 7 and more, Mac and iOS.
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑8.Novation Launchkey
Features
- Deep and intuitive Ableton Live control - including device Macro control, track select, record, capture MIDI, clip and scene launch, stop/mute/solo, volume, pans and sends
- Creative arpeggiator – easy to use but deeply controllable: change rhythm, beat, pattern, octave, Gate and more
- Fixed chord Mode – play a chord with one finger - assign a fixed chord shape to the keys and it’ll transpose as you move up and down the keyboard
- Midi out – take launchkey mini anywhere, send apps and program changes to your hardware synths, or add keys to your groove box directly over MIDI
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑9.Alesis V49
Features
- MIDI Keyboard with 49 full-sized, velocity sensitive square-front keys, perfect for playing Virtual Instruments
- 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads for beat production and clip launching
- 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons interface with your music software. Seamless, visual feedback via illuminated buttons and knobs
- Octave Up and Down buttons let you access the full keyboard range and Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control
- Premium Software Included - Includes ProTools, First Alesis Edition, Ableton Live Lite 9 and Eleven Lite, plus Mini Grand, DB-33 and Xpand 2 virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑10.Arturia MiniLab
Features
- Portable and Compact - MIDI Controller
- The most responsive keyboard experience in its category
- 500 of the V-Collection 8 presets / 21 Keyboard Instruments and Synthesizers / fully mapped right out of the box
- The perfect solution to get started with music production
- 16 Assignable Encoders to control your DAW
OUR TAKE
back to menu ↑Best Midi keyboard for Fl Studio 11 & 12 – BUYER’S GUIDE
Weight
This is dependent on where or how you intend to use the controller. There are small or compact size midi keyboards that are lightweight and highly portable. If you want to create music on the go, these would be a perfect choice. The heavier alternatives that are 6 pounds and above can be used at home or in studios.
Size
The size options are based on the number of keys. There are 25-key, 49-key, 61-key, and 88-key. If you need a full-sized stage piano controller, then you should go for the 88-key, but if you want something portable, you can go with the smaller 25-key.The small-sized controllers are highly mobile, and you can easily fit one into your backpack. Controls set
Many midi keyboards come with basic pitch and modulation controls and a few buttons to shift octaves on the keyboard. You want to get a controller with a more complicated control set that includes rotary pots, multi-color drum pads, and faders as they will help you smoothly operate parameters in your DAW.You would not need a mouse to mix a song, and that will allow you to play, perform, and be in control of the music software at the same time. Controls options
You need to check if the specific brand you are considering has other control options like key sets. For instance, a particular brand can have a controller with similar features, but various key games and others may not. Connectivity
You should be able to connect your midi keyboard with your laptop or computer. You need to ensure it is compatible with your gadget. Some controllers are compatible with Mac, PC, and iPad.
Best for
For you to get maximum satisfaction from a midi controller, you need to identify your needs. Not all midi controllers are the same or have the same capability in terms of performance, usage, and value. You might need a controller which you can use to make music on the go, or a low-budget one or a beginner-friendly. Your personal needs will significantly determine your choice of a midi controller.
back to menu ↑Frequently Asked Questions
back to menu ↑What is a MIDI Controller?
It is a piece of hardware modeled on earlier MIDI keyboard/synthesizer and sequencer models which came before designed with music production in mind to replace a traditional keyboard and mouse computer peripheral.
MIDI is an acronym for musical instrument digital interface for those who were wondering.
back to menu ↑What is FL Studio?
Fl Studio is a digital audio workstation software which was first released in the form of Fruity Loops if you can remember far enough back. Which has evolved over the years into an all in one station to effectively handle the music-making process from start to finish?
Because of its flexible and potentially infinite possibilities, it is used within the industry by both those at the top as well as those just starting out. It is a fairly simple program to manage but the management is better suited with the correct controller which is why we are talking MIDI today.
back to menu ↑Do I Need a MIDI Controller for FL Studio?
Technically speaking your DAW can be operated without any form of MIDI controller but you are going to find your turn-around is far longer and that you will first have to learn the arduous task of how your keyboard is mapped to the software.
Some people manage to play a computer keyboard like a piano eventually but the keyboard you have has been designed for typing and doesn’t really have any consideration within its design in regards to velocity.
Electronically produced music is always at risk of sounding too synthetic or cohesive when a band plays a piece of music there are always nuances within that give it character. In its most simplistic form, this is the dynamics of how softly an arpeggio is played or how heavily a chord is hammered. Which is difficult to recreate with a computer keyboard.
But via a MIDI controller designed to pick up the velocity more astutely, it can be translated without the need to go in and draw the velocity by hand with a mouse which can be done but is very finicky.
Likewise controlling a VST drum-kit to create an authentic-sounding beat and relying on the split-second reflexes of a computer mouse or keyboard for something as crucial as the tempo, it is better with a piece of kit designed for the task in hand.
Mastering your DAW with a mouse can take a lot more patience especially when it comes to filtering adjustments in terms of your EQ if you don’t have a mouse wheel to help a little it can be tough to click and select a virtual dial and adjust levels.
back to menu ↑What Type of MIDI Controller?
As you will have noticed the main types of MIDI controllers on the market seem to be either instrument based (piano/keyboard) or pad/button based the latter of which is often referred to as alternative MIDI controllers.
Depending on your instrumental abilities and knowledge and indeed the style of production you have a penchant for the two types aid the producer in very different ways.
If you favor VST instruments over samples you ought to look for the most realistic keyboard-based MIDI controller with at least 32 keys.
If you do a lot of rhythm and bass work and sampling you might prefer the simplicity that pad-triggering presents.
If you are still undecided sometimes the best route is to go with a mixed-medium option which offers the best of both worlds even if this means you need to opt for something with fewer piano keys, you can always branch out at a later date with a MIDI keyboard solely for instrumental use in the future.
That said, an overly complex model is probably not a great idea for a complete newbie as they can take a little time to learn the ropes.
back to menu ↑What to look for in a MIDI Controller for FL Studio?
Hopefully what to look for will largely have been spelled out in the previous guide sections as it really is down to the individual, their needs preferences and of course budget.
FL Studio is a DAW trusted and used by professionals and hobbyists alike. Any MIDI controller is going to give the user better manipulation of the software plug-in suites, VST’s and plug-ins and the good news is a decent MIDI controller these days doesn’t come with an unrealistic price tag.
That said the more you spend the better you will find the quality of the response and the versatility of the controller, generally speaking. The beauty of MIDI control is it
Fl Studios gives users access to a pretty practical audio-workstation core and once you are settled on the best type of MIDI controller for your needs all you really need is some transport keys and a rotary dial to control the amount of whatever you are selecting.
You will need a channel select unless you want to do that via your mouse and then the amount of MIDI-assignable triggers whether they be keys or pads and pots or fader-style sliders is all you really need to consider next.
back to menu ↑WRAP UP
When you have a heavy workload to handle on a regular basis you aren’t likely to be relying on a regular mouse and keyboard in your DAW regardless of what type it is, today we are going to discuss the best MIDI controller for FL Studio.
Whilst there are plenty of parties trying to get in on the action there are currently only a few key contenders at the top of their game in top demand at present. So let’s just get straight to the point now and clarify that you are going to see a few companies mentioned a little more than others in this article.
Amazon.com