5 Best MIDI Keyboards For Garageband
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Garageband is one of the best applications for music production, but in addition to the music production software, you need to have a proper MIDI controller as well.
This is where the MIDI keyboard controller comes in handy, and in today’s article, we’ll show you the best keyboard controllers for Garageband to buy.
Note: Deals are subject to change. Keep in mind that the price tag often varies. We recommend going on the vendor’s website to check the price. Some products may be out of stock by the time you’ve made your purchasing decision. So, hurry up and hit the buy button.
What are the best MIDI keyboard controllers for Garageband?
Akai Professional MPK225
- Pro keyboard performance
- 8 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads each with 4 banks for 32 pads
- Assignable control
- Comprehensive production software package for Mac and PC included
- Keys are extremely stiff
This ultra-portable MPK225 comes equipped with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys and a premium Akai Professional piano-style keybed . There’s also a MPK225 velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch.
Additional features include onboard Octave Up and Down controls that allow players to access the entire melodic range.
It has a comprehensive production software package for Mac and PC included – Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech & SONiVOX Twist 2.0 (downloads).
M Audio Oxygen 49 IV
- 49 velocity-sensitive keys
- 8 trigger pads, 8 assignable knows, 9 faders
- Dedicated octave manipulator buttons
- Plug and Play
- Keys might be a bit loud
This MIDI keyboard controller comes with 49 velocity-sensitive keys, and it also has wheels for pitch and modulation control. 8 trigger pads are also available and you can use them for beat production or clip playback.
Additional features include 8 assignable knobs and 9 faders that are used for virtual instrument control. Of course, dedicated octave buttons are also there.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
- 25 semi-weighted keys
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- Built-in buttons for DAW control
- 8 touch-sensitive knobs
- Long key travel
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 comes with 25 semi-weighted keys and it comes with pitch and modulation wheels allowing you to easily adjust your sound.
The keyboard has built-in buttons allowing to easily control your DAW.
This keyboard is completely USB powered, so you won’t need any additional cables in order to use it. We also have to mention that this keyboard has 8 touch-sensitive knobs and a four-directional push encoder.
Nektar Impact LX88+
- 88 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys
- 9 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons, 8 velocity-sensitive pads
- Split, layer, transpose buttons
- Compatibility with most music production applications
- Minor connection issues
If you need an advanced MIDI keyboard, this is the perfect model for you. The controller comes with 88 velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys.
The keyboard has split, layer, and transpose buttons, 9 30mm faders, 9 MIDI buttons, and 8 encoders.
There are also 9 programmable LED buttons and 8 velocity-sensitive pads for beat creation, as well as 6 dedicated buttons for easy control.
Alesis V49
- 49 velocity-sensitive keys
- 8 velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC-style drum pads
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- 4 assignable knobs and buttons
- Drum pad sensitivity issues
This keyboard comes with 49 velocity-sensitive keys and 8 velocity and pressure-sensitive back lid pads. There are 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons available.
Pitch and modulation wheels and octave adjustment buttons are also available.
It’s worth mentioning that this keyboard comes bundled with premium software which is a major plus.
There you go, these are the best MIDI keyboard controllers for music production in Garageband.
We hope that our article was helpful and that you found the perfect MIDI keyboard for your needs.
