Are you planning to buy a 61 key MIDI controller? Here’s what you need to know in order to make the right choice when it comes to choosing a 61 key MIDI controller.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 61 Key MIDI Controller
Now that you have decided to buy a 61 key keyword controller, the most important thing you need to look at is the action type of the keyboard.
There are 3 types of keyboard actions including synth action, semi-weighted action, and weighted hammer action.
The choice among these will depend on your style of play and your comfort level with a particular action type. Another important thing you need to consider is the aftertouch. It is a feature not many people know beforehand but most people can’t live without it once they have used it.
You also need to look at the input-output options. In most cases, data is transferred through USB ports but there are times when you need other input-output options. The choice of input-output options will depend on your requirements and your style of play.
Needless to say, you also need to pay attention to the type of layout as well as the number of buttons and knobs in the keyboard controller. In addition to the technical aspects, there are certainly other factors you should seriously consider before clicking the buy button on your favorite online retailer.
Before you start looking for a MIDI controller or a keyboard controller, you need to come up with a budget. Without a proper budget, it will be difficult for you to make the right choice.
One of the reasons is that keyboard controllers are available in a wide price range. You can buy one for a few hundred dollars but you can also spend thousands of dollars to buy a really high-end one. You’ll get a lot more features with a high-end keyboard controller but you may not necessarily need all of those features. Therefore, it is always better to fix a budget, and only then you should start looking at various choices.
You should also write down your requirements and split them into different categories. In one of the categories, you should put features that you really need. This is the category that is non-negotiable.
Make another category of features that are good to have but only if these fit within your budget. In this manner, you will be able to find models that have everything you need along with a few of the extra features that are nice to have and all within a package that fits within your budget.
Pay attention to the reputation of the brands. These days, you can buy decent quality products from even no-name brands. However, it’s important to check the reviews of the company and of that particular model as well as the seller. Make sure it has good reviews.
Don’t buy something only because it’s cheap. If something is cheap, it’s because they probably use low-quality components with low reliability. Therefore, carefully check the reviews before choosing a particular model.
Final Words
Overall, you should begin your research by making a list of the features you want and by fixing a budget. Once you have fixed the budget and listed the features you want, start researching different models and choose one that has everything you need and is available within your budget.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the customer reviews and ratings in order to get the best value for your money.
Sources:
Key Feel and Response of Keyboards – Dummies
Alesis MIDI Controllers – Alesis Recital
Connecting Digital Piano To a Computer – Roland