Best Midi keyboard for Sibelius – Many people find that their replies to those questions fall somewhere along a spectrum, myself included. I work primarily on a desktop, in a studio, with Sibelius and Finale – but quite often find myself on the road with my laptop, and/or using Logic Pro.
So while most of the time I could get by with a fairly bulky MIDI keyboard for sibelius , there are times that I want either something more portable or something more sophisticated — and unfortunately, the two are usually mutually exclusive.
ROUND UP
1.Novation Impulse
Pros & Cons
- Ultra-responsive semi weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- Full DAW/plug-in control surface with 8 knobs, 1 fader and button
- Automap 4 control software enables instant hands-on access to your DAW and plug-ins
- Multi-function drum pads enable you to warp arpeggios, roll beats and launch clips in Ableton Live
- Includes downloads for: Ableton Live Lite, Novation’s Bass Station synth, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and a Loopmasters Sample Pack. Novation now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Novation products.
2.PreSonus ATOM
Pros & Cons
- Tight integration with included Studio One Artist and Ableton Live (live 10 Lite included) music production software gets your mind off the screen and back on the beat.
- Produce, play virtual instruments, and trigger samples and loops with unsurpassed expressiveness and flexibility.
- Trigger loops and effects and play virtual instruments with 16 full-size velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads (and 8 assignable pad banks).
- Comes with over $1000 of computer recording software plug-ins – Studio Magic Plug-In Suite.
- Selectable pad velocity curves and pressure thresholds customize the pads' response for maximum expression.
- Equipped with 20 assignable buttons and 4 endless rotary encoders.
- MIDI "keyboard" mode, Note Repeat mode, and Full Velocity mode (application dependent).
- Includes MVP Loops content custom-curated for ATOM.
- Compatible with most music production and performance software via USB.
- Set looping points, navigate the timeline, zoom in/out on the timeline or events, and edit/quantize MIDI events.
3.Nektar
Pros & Cons
- High quality MIDI controller keyboard designed for performers and producers wanting tactile instrument control. 49 full-size synth-action velocity-sensitive keys, 8 back-lit hyper-sensitive drum pads, 9 faders, 8 knobs, 6 transport buttons, pitch bend, modulation + octave & transpose buttons + sustain pedal socket.
- Nektar DAW integration for most popular DAWs with Mixer and Instrument modes
- Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software applications
- Mac, PC and iOS Compatible
- Includes Bigwig Studio 8-track DAW + sound content package
4.Xkey 25
Pros & Cons
- [My Unique Keyboard] Nothing is as intuitive and special as the Xkey. From top performers to beginners or even kids, everyone loves it. If you search the internet, you will find musicians all over the world using it on the go, in the studio and on stage.
- [Pair & Play] Wirelessly pair to Mac, iPad/iPhone via ultra low latency Bluetooth MIDI. Connect with PC, Android tablet (with OTG adapter) via USB, open your music software and play music. No driver installation, no learning curve, no guide needed. You will be surprised how easy it is to use, especially on the road.
- [High-end build quality] Stylish and sturdy aluminum frame with a sandblasted finish, 10 million times life test of keys. Even lighter, slimmer and stronger than the iPad.
- [Take Full Control] Patented polyphonic pressure-sensitive keyboard for full resolution of velocity and polyphonic aftertouch, pitch bend, modulation, octave +/- and sustain buttons at your fingertips, all included in this backpack-friendly keyboard.
- [Wide Software Compatibility] Compatible with all mainstream DAW music software solutions, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Studio One, Cubase, Bitwig, Audacity, Pro Tools, Garageband, FL Studio, Reaper etc. No special settings required.
5.CME MIDI Controller
Pros & Cons
6.Artesia Pro
Pros & Cons
- PORTABLE: The Xkey weighs under 2 lbs., and the sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to travel with! The Xkey fits in your luggage or backpack, so you can play, and record on the go.
- VELOCITY SENSITIVE: The full-size keys include Polyphonic Aftertouch. These velocity-controlled keys can adjust the settings such as sensitivity, velocity, and timing to fit your individual playing style.
- USB / MIDI: Use Xkey with your favorite music apps on your favorite devices. Works out of the box. For iPhone or iPad. Compatible with hundreds of free and pro apps.
- POLYPHONIC AFTERTOUCH: Your pressure on the keys controls the effect individually. Professional studio standard feature.
- SMART BUTTONS: The durable rubber smart buttons along the side make it easy to customize your sound with features including Pitch Blend, Octave Up & Down, Modulation, and Sustain. FULL-SIZE KEYS: The Xkey comes with 25 Full-Size, velocity-sensitive keys that follow exactly the octave range of traditional pianos. Stay fresh & easily practice your scales literally anywhere!
7.M-Audio Oxygen
Pros & Cons
- MIDI Keyboard Essentials - 61 velocity-sensitive, semi weighted keys with aftertouch and assignable zones for playing virtual sampler instruments and virtual synthesizer plugins
- Beat Maker Mainstays - 16 RGB backlit MIDI assignable velocity sensitive drum pads with Note Repeat for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering and more
- Total Command of Your Music Production - 8 assignable knobs & buttons and 9 assignable faders for tactile MIDI control of virtual instruments, effect plugins, DAW controls and more
- Every Tool You Need – Effortless auto-mapping for DAW controls & plugin parameters; Smart Chord & Smart Scale modes; Arpeggiator; pitch & modulation wheels; sustain pedal input; 5-pin MIDI Output
- Complete software production package Included - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs
- Follow the included download card to visit the M-Audio website and obtain all supplied software and firmware updates
8.midiplus
Pros & Cons
- 32-note velocity sensitive mid-size key keyboard. Pitch Wheel. Modulation Wheel. Octave Buttons(Up & Down). Transpose Buttons(Up & Down).
- Sustain Switch interface (sustain pedal does not include). USB B type: USB connect to Computer
- Attachment Type: USB cable
- Country of origin : Taiwan
9.ammoon Worlde Panda
Pros & Cons
- 【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.
10.Costzon 88-Key
Pros & Cons
- Rich Interface & Various Button: MIDI function allows you to connect computer, smart phone and other intelligent devices to obtain better piano training experience. 128 Rhythms, 128 tones and 20 demos makes playing more fascinating. Moreover, chord, transpose, metronome, drum kit and recording buttons satisfy different playing requirements.
- Full Size Knocking Force Keys for Soft Finger Touch: Full size knocking force keys crafted according to 1:1 piano key ratio, provide comfortable finger touch and make for similar depth in keys. The volume will change depending on how hard you play.Made from durable ABS material, smooth keys will prevent skidding during playing time and avoid fading to keep long-lasting high gloss.
- Upgraded Sound & Touch Sensitive Key: Compared with previous electric piano keyboard, the upgraded one increases knocking force key function switch, which can easily come true through long pressing the transpose+ button. Thus, different dynamics will present unique piano piece. And designed with external sound, the digital keyboard will make tremendous sound.
- Safe Material & Longer Playing Time: Premium aluminum alloy ensures reliable structure for prolonged service time. Silicone panel reduces risk of appearing potential damage. ASTM certification certifies adequate security of frequent usage. After charging 4 hours through power bank, computer USB or power strip, the keyboard can keep 12 hours battery life.
- Portable Carrying Case Facilitates Storing: Big carrying case is convenient to store keyboard so that you can take keyboard anywhere and play anytime at will. Waterproof as well as heavy-duty oxford cloth will protect digital piano safely. Meanwhile, portable hand belt and strap facilitate carrying effectively.
Best Midi keyboard for Sibelius – BUYER’S GUIDE
Key Action
There are three different types of key actions which all serve different purposes. The three different key action types of a MIDI keyboard are discussed below.
Synth Action
This is the most common key action found in most MIDI keyboards. The synth-action keys use a spring and are made up of plastic. There is no weight attached to the keys of a synth-action MIDI keyboard, but when you press or release a key, it returns to its original position with the help of a spring, making it pretty fast.
Semi-weighted
As the name suggests, the keys of a semi-weighted key action MIDI keyboard use a lightweight attached to the end of every key. In this case, the keys aren’t made of plastic. The semi-weighted key action keyboards are not as fast as the synth action, but give you a slightly more realistic feel that is somewhat close to a traditional piano.
Fully-weighted
Fully-weighted key action keyboards are as close as you can get to the keys of a traditional piano. The fully-weighted key action type is mostly found in digital pianos. The feeling you get from them isn’t the exact same as that of a real traditional piano, but it’s fairly close. The fully-weighted action type is less common in MIDI keyboards, but some MIDI keyboards with a high price tag come equipped with them.
Portability
Do you want a keyboard for studio use or will you and your new keyboard be traveling to gigs regularly? If this is the case, you’ll want a portable keyboard. As mentioned earlier, there are MIDI keyboards that come in compact sizes and easier to travel with. The smaller the keyboard, the more portable it is.
MIDI Pads
Do you want other sounds from your keyboard beyond the standard piano sounds? There are MIDI keyboards on the market that come with drum pads, so if you are looking to compose some beats on your MIDI keyboard, these are the ones to go for.
The Extra Features
There are some MIDI keyboards that come equipped with extra features such as faders, buttons, knobs, arpeggiators, and more. These features fall into the category of performance control. The most noticeable thing about keyboards with these features is that the more features a keyboard has, the higher the price. It’s essential to determine what features will be useful to you and then go for the appropriate MIDI keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to set up your MIDI keyboard with Sibelius?
- Launch Sibelius and go to File > Preferences.
- Click on Input Devices on the left. You should see the name of your MIDI keyboard or the name of the USB interface on the right-hand side.
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Try playing notes on your keyboard (or other MIDI input device) while the dialog is open. If everything is working as it should, the little black indicator marked Test should light up green as you play. If the indicator doesn’t light up, check your MIDI connections and ensure that you have the correct input device selected (if more than one is present).
WRAP UP
Sibelius Notation Software is the fastest, smartest, easiest way for you to to write and share music – suitable for aspiring composers and songwriters, to teachers and students. Even if you’re more comfortable playing instruments than using notation software, the intuitive interface will guide your songwriting process. With an included Acorn Instruments MasterKey 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard, this Sibelius bundle allows you to start producing professional quality audio by inputting notation with the Acorn MasterKey and using the built in sounds and samples from Sibelius to perfect your mix.
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