Finding the best synthesizer keyboard suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Nektar IMPACT LX25+ MIDI Controller
Feature
Premium midi controller with 25 expressive synth-action keys, on-board pitch bend and modulation wheels for performances8 Hyper-Sensitive backlit pads
Mac, PC and iOS compatible
Software instruments automatically mapped to controls
Includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW
Description
The Impact LX25+ MIDI controller is compact and portable yet jam-packed with intelligent and expressive performance control. Ever wanted a controller that hooks up automatically to your DAW? Impact LX25+ does exactly that. Nektar DAW Integration custom designed for Bigwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Nuendo, Reaper, Reason, Sonar and Studio One takes Impact LX25+ way beyond functionality normally offered by a USB MIDI controller keyboard. With Impact LX25+ the hard work is done, so you can focus on your creativity. The 25 note velocity sensitive keyboard is a synth action, full-size, piano-style keys with a medium tension. A 30mm fader and 8 pots are at the center of the Impact LX25+ control panel. Each control is fully programmable to send any MIDI CC message for use with hardware or software MIDI products. For groove and beat creation, Impact LX25+'s 8 velocity sensitive pads. Calibrated to trigger at a light touch, finger drumming is suddenly well within reach with a nice and even velocity response. The best part is the "Pad Learn feature, which allows you to just select a pad, play the note or drum sound you want on the keyboard and assignment is done. The 4 color LED illumination indicates which pad map is currently loaded and can even tell you which type of MIDI message each pad sends. With Nektar DAW Integration, the pads are automatically mapped in for example Reason and Bigwig.. The two Clips and Scenes buttons are used in Bigwig to trigger...., Clips and Scenes. In Reason, a clever control of Reason's location points create a similar experience with scenes triggering of any Reason song. The 6 dedicated transport buttons are always within reach and mapped to control Cycle, Rewind, Forward, Stop, Play and Record. Press Shift to get access to alternate functions such as Got L, Set L, Set R, Undo, Click and Mode. Dedicated Track up/down and Patch up/down buttons are located below the display.2. Yamaha PSRE453 61-Key Portable Keyboard
Feature
With 48-note polyphony players will benefit from fewer dropped notes and more expressive control than they would with a lower note count.220 Styles and 378 Music Database Titles
10 DSP effects with knob control
USB Audio & MIDI connectivity
5 new DJ patterns
Description
The PSR-E453 is ideal as a starter instrument but also a robust alternative for experienced players who seek advanced features for their live performance and/or for their composing.3. Casio Inc. CTK2400 PPK 61-Key Premium Portable Keyboard Package with Samson HP30 Headphones, Stand and Power Supply
Feature
Keyboard pack includes a pair of Samson HP30 closed-cup headphones, x-style stand, and power supplyNew, intuitive sampling function with built-in microphone
400 AHL keyboard voices
Voice percussion function (samples are integrated into the rhythm)
Improved sampling effects. Sampling Function - Maxium Sampling Time 2 Sec. (Long Sampling Mode) 1 (Long Sampling) or 5 (Short Sampling) tones/ Data Back up
The screws are attached in the stand
Description
This listing features a Casio CTK2400 PPK 61-Key Keyboard w/ Samson HP30 Headphones Stand & Power Supply. Item Specifics: Keyboard pack includes a pair of Samson HP30 closed-cup headphones, x-style stand, and power supply New, intuitive sampling function with built-in microphone 400 AHL keyboard voices Voice percussion function (samples are integrated into the rhythm) Improved sampling effects4. Casio SA76 44 mini Sized Keys 100 Tones
Feature
44 mini-sized keys and 5 percussion pads100 sounds and 50 rhythm patterns
Simple tone selection with PIANO, ORGAN tone button and melody on/off lesson function
Easy-to-read LCD display
Product doesn't include an adapter.
Description
The 44 key Casio SA-76 offers children the essentials for playing those first tunes. 100 tones, 50 rhythms and 10 integrated songs provide variety. The LSI sound source and the 8-note polyphony ensure good sound quality. The LC display helps with selecting different music options. The SA-76 also includes a striking change-over switch making it easy to switch between piano and organ modes. 100 Tones: An extensive repertoire of 100 tones is available in excellent quality. 50 Rhythms: 50 rhythms ranging from waltz through to salsa offer a varied range spanning throughout the world of music. Piano/Organ Setting Button: Your favourite tune at the touch of a button: The piano/organ setting button enables you to choose between the sound of a piano and an organ. Simply press the button to switch between the two sounds. 10 Practice Tunes: Something to suit every taste: 10 practice tunes offer the opportunity of learning a diverse range of styles. LC Display: Retain an overview: The LC display provides you with easy access to the instruments functions. Five Drum Pads: Find the right rhythm for the beat: The drum pads provide the perfect introduction to the world of the digital drum kit. Five buttons, each with an individual drum or percussion sound making it easy to play along to the rhythm or create a solo with your fingertips. Melody Cut Rehearsal System: Melody Cut provides effective training for the right hand. There are 10 rehearsal songs waiting to be practised.5. Roland JUNO-DS61 61-key Synthesizer
Feature
Lightweight, gig-ready instrument with pro sounds, enhanced performance features, and battery-powered operationIncludes all the sounds from the popular JUNO-Di, plus newly updated acoustic and electric pianos, additional organs, and other stage essentials
Wave expansion slot enables users to download new sound waveforms, available for free at Roland's Axial website
Sample import function for playing user WAV files on the JUNO-DS61's keyboard
Intuitive eight-track pattern sequencer with non-stop recording for quickly developing song ideas; USB audio/MIDI and DAW Control model
Description
Roland's JUNO synths are known everywhere for their great sound, ease of use, and exceptional value. The JUNO-DS61 takes the iconic series to a new level of performance, adding many powerful enhancements while still keeping operation streamlined and simple. Versatile, intuitive, and highly mobile, the JUNO-DS61 puts you in creative command, making it easy to produce exceptional music everywhere you play.6. Yamaha DGX230 76-Key Digital Piano Pack with Stand, Power Supply, and Headphones
Feature
Premium bundle includes the Yamaha DGX-230 keyboard, Samson HP30 closed-back stereo headphones, Yamaha PA150 power supply, and World Tour SXKS keyboard stand76 Piano style keys with Graded Soft Touch and 489 high-quality tones
6-track recorder
Master EQ,Stereo Speakers
Please refer User Manual before use.
Description
If you're looking for a reasonably priced piano replacement, look no further than the DGX-230. It is the music student or professional musicians answer to I need more keys! and many music teachers encourage new students to get a keyboard that will grow with their needs. It features 76 non-weighted keys that not only look like piano keys but have a Graded Soft Touch (GST) action with different levels of resistance, making it easier for a budding musician to move to an acoustic or digital piano. The DGX-230 delivers on its piano theme with a special mode of fingering called Full Keyboard Mode. This allows the player to play the keyboard like a piano; for example a chord with the right hand and bass notes with the left. When using the accompaniment feature, the virtual band will follow these chords. Traditional portable keyboards normally require you to chord on the left side of the keyboard, in the bass section, which is foreign to most piano players. The DGX-230 is also capable of this mode, for those who prefer it. The DGX230 has 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on included CD-ROM for you to learn to play using the Yamaha Education Suite. The songs are separated into left and right hand parts, providing 7 levels of lessons plus a convenient chord dictionary. Imagine capturing your childs first performance or writing and recording your own songs. With the DGX-230, you have the equivalent of a built-in multi-track recorder to record one or multiple instrument parts at a time and assign each part to a different track. Six tracks are provided to accommodate sophisticated melodies, chord accompaniment and rhythm parts. The DGX-230 comes with 30 built-in songs plus 70 more on an included CD-ROM and an interactive lesson system, divided into left and right hand parts, for learning them. In addition, you have the ability to connect to a computer via USB, download more songs from the Internet into the internal Flash ROM (PC only), and use all of the Yamaha Education Suite features to help you learn to play them. Yamaha makes it easy to get connected with the new PC button. Now, instead of wading through function menus and fighting through a maze of selections, one button is your expressway to music on the web and your computer. In addition, once connected, you can play your songs into the computer (PC and Mac), edit them if necessary, and e-mail them to your friends and family. And with General MIDI (GM) and XGlite compatibility, song data always plays back with the correct sounds. Master EQ: Tailor your sound Five different master equalizer (EQ) settings are provided to give you the best possible sound when listening through different reproduction systemsthe instruments internal speakers, headphones, or an external speaker system. You're in control. Included Accessories: Yamaha Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones.7. Korg microKorg 37-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer with Vocoder
Feature
Sound Generation Method: Analog Modeling Synthesis SystemSynthesizer Program: Multi Timbral=2 (max, Split/Dual Mode)
Voices: 4 voices
Arpeggiator: 6 types
Outputs: L/MONO, R, Headphones
Description
The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korgs critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korgs classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer. Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings routing the Mod Wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range!8. Yamaha NP12 61-Key Lightweight Portable Keyboard, Black (power adapter sold separately)
Feature
61 touch sensitive piano-style keys are the perfect introduction to the feel of piano playingThe controller App for iOS adds a rich, graphic user interface allowing for quick and easy navigation and configuration
The USB to Host port allows you to connect and interact with a wide variety of educational and musical creation Apps on a computer or mobile device
Battery Powered! Uses six AA batteries with five hours of life
Additional upgrades include 64-note polyphony, a song recorder function, and extended battery life
Description
The Piaggero NP12 features 61 full-sized touch sensitive, piano-style keys and classic Yamaha piano tone with an ultra-portable and light-weight design. Built-in speakers and a battery power option make the NP12 your musical companion wherever you want to go.9. Yamaha PSRF51 61-Key Portable Keyboard, Base Model
Feature
A starter keyboard for anyone who wants to enjoy playing musicThe PSR-F51 is incredibly easy to use with its color-coded, intuitive control panel.
Simply select a voice, choose a rhythm and start. It's as simple as 1, 2, 3 !
With 120 Voices & 114 Styles, the PSR-F51 is amazingly versatile
Keyboard Only - AA Batteries or Yamaha PA130 Power Adapter required (sold separately)
Description
Yamaha PSRF51 61-Key Portable Keyboard, Base Model10. Novation MiniNova Analog Modeling Sythesizer
Feature
Hugely powerful mini-synth with Nova sound engineVocoder with unique VocalTune, pitch correcting effect
Tweak and warp your sounds in real-time
256 awesome onboard sounds; additional free soundpacks downloadable on registration, including the 30 Giorgio Moroder-inspired patches
Layer up to 5 effects per voice
Description
Focusrite MiniNova is a powerful mini-keys synth with incredible performance controls, which enable you to tweak and warp the onboard sounds and your own voice. It has the same synth-engine as UltraNova, and comes with 256 sounds. It also has a fully editable Nova-class synth engine. MiniNova' s compact size, massive sound, and performance/editing controls make it perfect for producers, gigging musicians, and anyone creating music with computers. It can also be a 37 key controller keyboard with MIDI I/O. The VocalTune and vocoder enable you to recreate classic vocal effects, as well as new voice-bending possibilities. MiniNova has 256 onboard sounds and space to save another 128 sounds. It comes with a free software Patch Librarian so you can store as many sounds as you want on your computer. MiniNova has knobs that allow you to tweak and edit sounds, but it can also 'animate' sound with 8 back-lit buttons. These trigger 'mods' in the synth engine can warp sound in incredible ways. There is also a large knob for filter cutoff so you can get instant control. You can run your voice through MiniNova' s effects engine and there is an input into which you can plug a guitar or any other instrument and give it the same treatment. MiniNova has an enormously powerful synth engine with 14 conventional waveforms to choose from, 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms. Each of the 3 oscillators (per voice) have density. There are 14 filter types, 6 envelope generators, 3 LFOs and 20 modulation slots where you can link modules of the synth engine together to shape sound. MiniNova can add up to 5 effects to each voice including distortion, reverb, chorus/phase, delay, compressor, EQ and Novation's unique gator effect. Editing sounds in such a powerful synth can be overwhelming, so we've created the MiniNova Editor which works as a plug-in within your DAW or music software. You can fully edit MiniNova using the hardware and the software makes it easier to see what you are doing.11. RockJam 61-Key Electronic Keyboard SuperKit with Stand, Stool, Headphones & Power Supply
Feature
Compact digital keyboard with 61 full-size keys, LCD screen, record and playback functionality, 100 keyboard sounds, 100 rhythms, and 50 demo songsComes with stand, stool, headphones, and 30 free songs on the Piano Maestro iPad app
Headphones let musicians practice in virtual privacy without disturbing others
Sturdy, adjustable keyboard stand is easy to move throughout the home or studio
Thick padded, adjustable stool engineered for keyboard play
Description
The RockJam 561 Super Kit includes a 61-key keyboard, a stand, an adjustable stool, and a pair of high quality headphones. It addition, the super kit comes with 30 free Piano Maestro songs to be downloaded on your iPhone or iPad that will help aspiring musicians to learn and practice sight reading, rhythm, technique, two-handed playing, and much more (instructions and song list below). This intuitive keyboard comes with a power supply for use at home, but can also be powered by 6 x 1.5V Size D batteries so you can take it on stage or on the road. The keyboard has a crisp LCD screen, and provides instructions for beginners, telling them which keys to press or chords to play while trying demo songs, making it the perfect keyboard for budding musicians. Although the keyboard is compact, the keys themselves are full size. The sturdy and portable keyboard stand is a great way to ensure the keyboards stability, and is very easy to fold up and take on the road. The adjustable stool is a comfortable choice for pianists of all ages. The included over-ear headphones enable pianists to play without disturbing anyone around them. And when a concert is called for, the keyboard has built-in speakers that will fill the room with rich, resonant sound. The keyboard also has a wealth of preloaded sound options, including 50 demo songs, 100 rhythms and 100 sounds. The RockJam 661 kit comes with everything a pianist needs, and is an ideal gift for beginners and advanced musicians alike. To activate this app with your RockJam, download Piano Maestro on your iPad and register as a new user. Then, go to Settings, Select Your Piano, and choose RockJam from the dropdown menu. The free songs will be available in the Library.12. midiplus AKM320 midiplus MIDI Keyboard Controller
Feature
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: USB cable
Description
The AKM320 32 mini size Master keyboard controller which includes Pitch and Modulation wheels, Volume slider, Octave buttons (Up & Down), Transpose buttons (Up & Down) and Sustain pedal input. It's powered via a single USB cable and works instantly with computer building Mac OS X or Windows XP and above.13. Akai Professional MPK Mini MKII | 25-Key Portable USB MIDI Keyboard With 16 Backlit Performance-Ready Pads, 8-Assignable Q-Link Knobs & A 4-Way Thumbstick
Feature
Compact keyboard controller easily fits backpack and studio production desk (12.4" long, 1.6 lbs)Powered by USB connection to computer, with free virtual-instrument download packages
Crammed full of all the features you need to play and edit musical ideas
25-synth-action mini-keys, 8 velocity-sensitive rubber drum pads with two banks, and eight assignable control knobs
Includes VIP3.0 - the ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a powerful hands-on control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection
Description
The new MPK Mini MKII is an ultra-compact keyboard controller designed to easily fit in the laptop-toting musicians backpack and still earn its spot on the desktop producers crowded table space.
For maximum portability, the MPK Mini MKII requires no software drivers or external power adapter for operation. It supports plug-and-play connectivity, features USB-MIDI, and powers up with a single USB connection to your computer.
With an array of hardware controls, the MPK mini MKII lets you record, compose, and perform with virtual instruments, effect plugins, and Digital Audio Workstations whenever inspiration strikes.
It features 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, a 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation manipulation, 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads, and 8 assignable Q-Link knobs. Plus, two banks expand the number of MPC-style pads to 16 for extended creative capabilities.
The MPK mini MKII includes all the essentials for quickly laying down and expanding upon your musical ideas.
Finally, it comes bundled with professional production software and virtual instruments free downloads for immediate music creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What software comes with the Akai MPK Mini?
The Akai MPK Mini comes with the following software:
- Akai Pro MPC Essentials
- SONiVOX Wobble 2
- AIR Hybrid 3
- Preset Editor Software
How do I get my software?
- Go to akaipro.com/my-account
- Login to your Akai Pro account. If you do not have an account, Create one.
- Once you have logged in or created your Akai Professional user account, choose Register a Product.
- Enter the requested information to Register your MPK2 series controller and press Submit.
- Once you have Registered your MPK2 Series controller, you can now find the downloads for the various included software within the My Account section.
What operating systems is it supported with?
The Akai MPK Mini is supported on the latest operating systems, including Windows 8 and Mac 10.9. The MPK Mini is a class-compliant plug-and-play device that does not require a specific driver installation in order to be functional and will function with all major Windows and Mac operating systems from Windows XP, Vista and 7 to Mac 10.4 and later.
Is it powered by USB or wall power supply?
The Akai MPK Mini is USB hub powered. It connects and powers by a standard USB-A to USB-B cable and does not require a wall power supply.
What are the differences between the MPK Mini MKI and MKII?
Some of the major additions and changes to the Akai MPK Mini are:
- Features a 4-way Pitch Bend and Modulation joystick. This joystick has three assignable modes, including:
- Pitch Bend - Up, down, left and right
- Modulation 1 - There is a single CC per axis. The center CC is at 64 and the joystick modulates on the axis of choice.
- Modulation 2 - There are two CCs per axis. The center axis is 0 and the endpoint CCs on each axis can be set by the user with the included preset editor.
- Connects via standard USB-A to USB-B cable rather than a mini-USB to USB-B cable.
- Features a Noterepeat and Full-level button option.
- Contains a 1/4 Sustain pedal input for standard momentary non-latching foot-switch functionality.
- The 8 velocity-sensitive pads have back-lit red and green coloring.
Can I change the default presets?
Yes! There are four built-in presets that can be chosen in the controller. These presets can be edited, adjusted and uploaded to the MPK Mini using the included preset editor.
Wait! What if I still have more questions?
Dont worry! You can watch step-by-step tutorials in the Related Video Shorts below or visit akaipro.com/kb/search/MPK_Mini for more detailed FAQs.
Technical Specs
- Note Keys: (25) velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Pads: (8) assignable backlit pads, velocity- and pressure-sensitive
- Pad Banks: (2) banks
- Knobs: (8) assignable 270 knobs
- X-Y Controller: (1) configurable thumbstick with 3 modes
- Octaves: 10-octave range with octave up/down buttons
- Arpeggiator: adjustable resolution, range, and modes
- Additional Controls:
- Note Repeat button
- Full Level button
- Tap Tempo button
- Inputs / Outputs
- (1) USB port
- (1) 1/4 (6.35mm) TS input for sustain pedal
- Power: USB power via full-size USB jack; no power adapter required
- Dimensions (width x depth x height):
- Product: 12.5 x 7.13 x 1.75
- Shipping: 14.3 x 8.64 x 2.9
- Weight
- Product: 1.65 lbs
- Shipping: 2.43 lbs
Box Contents
- MPK mini
- USB Cable
- MPK mini Editor (download)
- Software Download Card
- User Guide
- Safety & Warranty Manual
14. STYLOPHONE GEN X-1 Portable Analog Synthesizer: with Built-in Speaker, Keyboard and Soundstrip, LFO, Low pass filter, Envelope, Sub-octaves & Delay
Feature
PLAYABILITY: Two ways to make sounds with the stylus. The keyboard to make distinct notes and the sound strip above the keyboard to slide between notes on a scale.PORTABILITY: Take this synth anywhere. Battery operated with built in speaker. Audio line out for headphones and/or external speaker. Audio in to use as an effects unit.
ENRICH THAT SOUND: New features include, LFO (with square and triangle waves), Low pass filter (cutoff/resonance), Envelope (attack/decay).
ANALOG DELAY FEATURE: Add space to your sound with delay time, feedback and level.
ADDED FEATURES: Sub octaves -1 & -2 switch, this enriches your sound by adding a second frequency below your source sound. AND a Pulse Width Modulation button which can be used to create a chorus effect.
Description
Introducing the Stylophone Gen X-1, our new portable analogue synthesizer. From quirky beats to haunting melodies, you can twist and warp every note in the palm of your hand. Packed with features, you'll be amazed at what the Gen X-1 can do. Beginner or music pro, if you like the synth sound you'll love this. From the makers of the iconic Stylophone, it's the next generation.15. M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKIV | 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard & Drum Pad Controller (8 Pads / 8 Knobs / 9 Faders), VIP Software Download Included
Feature
Versatile MIDI keyboard controller powered by USB connection to computer49 full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys
8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads for beat production, clip launching and more
8 assignable knobs for mixing and manipulating plug-ins/instruments
Includes VIP3.0 - the ground-breaking, award-winning music software platform that provides musicians and composers with a powerful hands-on control solution for their virtual instrument and virtual effect collection
Description
Thanks to nearly a decade of continued innovation, the new Oxygen MKIV series controllers from M-Audio offer more control and deeper hardware/software integration than any of their predecessors. Each is powered by a USB connection to your computer and comes equipped with a reliable build that enables you to make music on the go or implement these controllers into any burgeoning studio.
M-Audio's Oxygen 49 MKIV features 49 velocity-sensitive keys for playing chords, bass lines, and melodies; eight assignable knobs for tweaking effect plugins and virtual instruments; eight velocity-sensitive pads for triggering samples or finger drumming; and 9 assignable faders that is ideal for controlling the master output and mixing tracks together.
It also has dedicated transport controls and track-up and track-down buttons that allow you to initiate play, stop, and record in the Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) environment right from your keyboard controller. The Oxygen 49 MKIV offers out-of-the-box integration with popular DAWs including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and many more.
The controls instantly map to key parameters in your favorite DAW, enabling you to immediately tweak the mixers, editors, and transport windows without splitting your attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What software does the Oxygen Series come with?
All keyboards in the Oxygen (MKIV) series include download codes for Ableton Live Lite 9 and SONiVOX Twist - Spectral Morphing Synthesizer.
I do not have the authorization codes for my software. What do I do?
If your authorization code is lost or misplaced, contact M-Audio Technical Support by visiting m-audio.com/support for further assistance.
What operating systems are supported? Do I need to install any drivers?
The Oxygen (MKIV) series is class compliant, which means you dont have to download or install any drivers. Being class compliant also means that the Oxygen (MKIV) series will run on all current and future operating systems for PC and Mac.