The list of controllers above are all options that are very user-friendly towards Ableton users, with most of them being built specifically for Ableton. Even though Ableton is one of the most popular options, not all controllers work flawlessly with it. Not all MIDI controllers are compatible with every DAW. This can be used for the studio, for live music or even for travel sessions in which you want to write while traveling. Novation packed the classic 8×8 grid into a mini option that works seamlessly with Ableton.
Portability is key with this option as it is extremely lightweight and it can fit into a backpack. However, you’re paying far less and still getting a similar product. This is a mini controller, so it is definitely built a little bit cheaper than other options. You have the same functionality, yet you have 64 back-lit drum pads. The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is very similar to the Launchkey. Native Instruments Maschine MK 3 – Best MIDI Drum Controller For Ableton
currently one of the best MIDI keyboards for Ableton strictly because its price point and functionality with Ableton.
#Midi controller pro
If you are using a different DAW than Ableton, check out my favorite MIDI controllers for Logic Pro here. You will find this on that list as well as some of my other favorites. You can check out my complete guide to the best mini MIDI controllers available. I brought one of these on tour with me and I was easily able to tuck it underneath the van seats without worrying about it. One of the reasons why I really like this controller is that it is cheap and extremely portable.
#Midi controller free
The Launchkey Mini MK3 is equipped with Ableton Live Lite 10, which is the free version of the DAW that you can only access via certain products that you purchase. For a mini MIDI controller, this is pretty surprising. You have an impressive 16 pads and 8 encoders as well as a MIDI out. The color-coded pads are specifically made for Ableton and they make your life a lot easier. This controller is great for beginners and is especially great for Ableton users. The Launchkey Mini MK3 is one of Novations latest options. Novation Launchkey Mini MK 3 – Best Budget MIDI Keyboard For Ableton The SL MK III is also one of the best 61 key MIDI keyboards. It is extremely powerful and it functions flawlessly. I believe that the Novation SL MK III is the best MIDI keyboard for Ableton Live. It can be used to control your favorite modules or synths. The SL MK III has MIDI in/out and out 2/thru. One of the main selling points about this controller is that it has an on-board sequencer. The key-beds are the same other than one has 49 and the other has 61. Here is a list of the best 49 key MIDI controllers, should you want to check them out. Novation improved from its previous controller as they added aftertouch.
#Midi controller how to
If you’re someone who has a background in keyboards and understands how to use the 61 keys, then it might be worth getting over the 49. Whichever you choose comes down to exactly what you’re looking for out of it. The SL MK III comes with either 49 or 61 keys. This thing is built specifically for Ableton Live and it has transport controls built-in to increase your workflow.īecause of this, this is our pick for the best MIDI keyboard for Ableton. The Novation SL MK III is one of the premier keyboard controllers currently available. This video below breaks down the simplicity of this controller. Whether you’re making beats in your bedroom or you’re playing live, the Push 2 is the best MIDI controller for making beats with Ableton Live. The Push 2 comes with Ableton Live 10 Intro, which is the beginner version of Ableton 10. The workflow integration is top-notch and it is a rather easy controller to use. I’ve played on a bunch of cheaper pads that just don’t feel as good as these pads do. I find this to be neat as it just makes it so you don’t have to go to your DAW and quantize it yourself. If you’re looking to do a different style of music such as indie rock, it could still work quite well. This keyboard controller is great for hip hop as well as for EDM. One of my favorite features of the Push 2 is that you can lay down a part, whether it be a keyboard or drum part and you can quantize directly from the Push 2. This is a pad-based controller that has 64 pressure & velocity-sensitive pads that are high-quality. The Ableton Push 2 is built specifically for Ableton Live and it is a fantastic option. Have you ever watched musicians looping and creating beats on Instagram or Youtube? This controller is often used as it works flawlessly with Ableton & it is also super easy to chop and sample parts on.