Best Midi Keyboards For Logic Pro X (2024 Updated)

I am a Logic user, and have been frustrated / disappointed with the shallow integration offered by other big keyboard brands. This keyboard has completely solved that problem, and then some. First, the keys themselves are a little noisy, so may not be appropriate for mic’d in-studio recording.

But they are drop-weighted, and bring a lot of the ‘real piano’ feel to a slim profile keyboard. The configurable velocity sensitivity is awesome. For me, the real value is in the deep integration Nectar provides with Logic (similar, as I understand it, to a variety of other DAWs).

I have only had a couple weeks to dive into it, and what I can do with the DAW directly from the keyboard is astounding. It will still take some time to get comfortable with all the controller capabilities, but with what I already can do, the learning curve is well worth it.

Also, with the motorized fader, I pretty much have no need for any other outboard controller. If you work from a keyboard, this baby is almost magical.

As a beginner I find this keyboard controller very easy to use. Just follow the instructions and you will get familiar with it in just 15 minutes. It is lightweight, but it doesn’t feel cheap. Keys have great velocity sensitivity as well as the pads.

This is specially crafted to control Ableton Live, but you can use it as MIDI controller in any other DAW.

When it comes to listening and developing skills in the music industry this product is a must. Now here it is save your money trying to find the right equipment if you’re beginner and instead buy this.

With no experience making beats this is very easy to set up, watch a few youtube videos this will help. It’s great for beginners, many instruments, loops, effects and samples to choose from. It comes with Ableton saving even more money.

And this is a great controller to start creating music on, seller sent and delivery was quick, overall this product is great for people of all levels and progress in the music industry.

This controller deserves no less than 5 stars. It is so well designed and everything on it is really sturdy. The space between the knobs are perfect. The pads are tough and the faders respond well and feel great.

The key bed is definitely one of the best on a controller. It doesn’t feel too springy like most synth controllers and the keys weight is just right. The rubber feet makes it sit solid on my desk. The display is better than most displays on any controller and shows you exactly what you would want to see.

The software integration is awesome and mine worked with Cubase right out of the box without tweaking. This controller is very underrated. I see so many people complaining about things on some of the most well known controllers and I know mine doesn’t have the issues they’re complaining about.

Overall: This controller is really really nice. It’s well built with the hardest plastic possible for a controller which is a better idea because it’s not super heavy. It is still heavy enough that it’s planted solid on a desk.

The design is really well thought out, it’s an improvement on previous models for sure. Every button, knob, pad and fader feels solid and the key bed is top notch. I like that there is no wasted space on this.

It is just big enough for all the features on it. The documentation is really good as well. The T6 comes with a quick guide and you can also download a more detailed PDF manual on the Nektar website.

Last but not least, what makes this controller unbeatable is the software integration. The integration with a DAW has no comparison once you download the file specifically developed for your DAW and install it on your computer.

Cubase, Logic, Ableton and others will be happy with this controller. When i start Cubase, the display shows Cubase as it recognizes which DAW I’m using. If you want to go deeper and have it control your other plugins, download Nektarine and you’re set.

There’s just no controller that has thorough integration like this one. Other controllers lean towards specific plugins or DAWs but the Panorama series can be tailored to most major DAWS and plugins.

If it cannot, you still have the option of easily mapping controls with the Learn function. The icing on the cake is zZounds customer service. I contacted zZounds about a concern on Sunday afternoon and by end of day Monday I had communicated twice by email with an agent and my concern was addressed and i was satisfied.

The Nektar Panorama T61 has been an awesome addition to my productions studio. The T61 is made with great quality, was very easy to install, and maps to Logic Pro X flawlessly. The features are amazing, but one that stood out right away was the aftertouch of the keys.

I have been using this controller for about a month, but I could tell right away that this was exactly the controller I was looking for and needed for my production. I have suggested Nektar products to my friends who are also interested in a upgrading and/or purchasing a new midi controller, to consider Nektar products because of the quality and is the best bang for your buck.

The keys feel great and the 8 pads are very sturdy. This is my first purchase of Nectar products and I’m very impressed with the quality and functionality of this controller.

Nice simple two octave keyboard that fit snug on top of my laptop. Springy keys, not weighted. Velocity curve is fixed at 1-127, so sometimes it feels like you’re not pressing a key. This is easily fixed within your DAW of choice by adding a velocity curve effects plugin and setting it to about 60-127, so no matter how lightly you press a key a sound will be heard.

This is my first controller. I wanted to make sure it played like my hammond and Rhodes keyboards. Just tired of hauling around heavy equipment anymore. So I did a lot of research into controllers. This baby was a great fit for what I needed.

I now use digital Hammond, Acoustic Piano and Electric Piano samples with the controller. It worked out perfect. I love the ability to assign buttons and keys on the controller to events that control the digital software.

This Roland controller is as far as I’m concerned the Cadillac of the controllers available. I highly recommend this keyboard!.

Overall: This is without a doubt a quality keyboard controller. Despite the overall light weight, the key bed has a very solid feel, the pitch/mod stick is nice and controllable, all the buttons and knobs feel like they will last a long time, and the price is appropriate given the quality.

Why did I return it? I could not find a velocity curve amongst the nine choices that worked well for me. I could combine a built-in velocity curve with virtual instrument velocity curves (e. g. from Pianoteq or Kontakt) and get where I needed to be, but my goal with this board was to augment my MOXF8 (amazing weighted keyboard), and I wanted to be able to go back and forth for certain parts without making adjustments.

To be fair, it was really only an issue for piano sounds, particularly when playing at pianissimo levels. Further, in most cases I would simply use the MOXF8’s weighted keyboard to play piano sounds.

However, I wanted the ability to take the A-800PRO on trips with me in lieu of the MOXF8, and I didn’t want to mess with velocity curves in my virtual instruments. For synth sounds and synth style playing, this thing is pretty nice.

Another downside, however, is the smaller than normal key size (seems to be a trend on newer Roland gear), and the aftertouch response was just too heavy. There are aftertouch curves in the settings, but they couldn’t really overcome the physical properties of the board.

I was almost able to look past these issues, but in the end I feel like there’s a board out there that will work better for me. My search continues. One tip is to be sure to follow the driver installation instructions precisely (i.

e. make sure to unplug all USB devices other than your computer keyboard and mouse during installation).

I Like the many types of controllers on this unit. The menus are easy to use. A significant part of the reason I got it was for the ACT function for simplified remote control of my DAWs. I got it a few years back but for the last several months there’s some weird power issue which I don’t understand.

I tried a new AC converter but that didn’t help. I try it on buss power but whether on buss or via AC the light goes out periodically rendering it rather useless. I’d like a new one but it’s somewhat cost prohibitive.

I don’t enjoy repairing stuff but I may take that route. I’d recommend it because I don’t get the sense that the unit typically fails.

There’s so much to love about this controller. Integrated pads, faders, daw control, included software is outstanding. However, Arturia seemed to cut corners on some of the most important parts, the keybed and the overall quality.

The keybed is most disappointing. It’s tacky, high gloss keys and spongy action feel cheap, toy-like. This is far from the advertised ‘semi-weighted keys’ that Aturia claims. You can feel under the key how thin they are.

The action is sloppy and aftertouch requires more exertion than would be practical for performance. The keys really feel almost like they belong on a toy keyboard. You can see the aftertouch strip between the keys and they’re slightly more narrow than a traditional key.

The footprint and profile are superb. The low profile is super slick looking and great for a keyboard stand as there is a lot of clearance between keyboards. The metal construction and heft inspire confidence in the quality but that too is short-lived.

I had to order no less than 3 of these units before giving up entirely on the controller. Each one had a significant quality issue. 2 with paint chips and gouges and another with 3 non-operational pads.

The faders have nice action and drag but the fader keys themselves are a little wobbly. The 2 line monochrome LCD display seems like another corner not worth cutting. All of the competitors are now using small, oled color displays, even my low-feature SL controller has this.

The aluminum pitch bend and mod wheels are very nice and have nice action. All in all, I would definitely say this keyboard needs some more development, certainly a new keybed. Hopefully these significant quality issues will be addressed in the Mark III.

Also, why on earth are they shipping this box in its showroom box and not a proper corrugated outer shipper? It’s not a mailing cardboard box. So, expect holes in the box if you are ordering online and possible damage to the controller.

Having owned a few midi controllers from a variety of manufacturers over the years (not to mention synths and workstations), I have always had a mission to find the perfect controller keyboard for my relatively small desk.

I needed something that would give me control over Logic Pro X, including adjusting levels, pans, transport controls, undo, metronome, I wanted a jog dial to quickly move along the timeline of my project, I want excellent feel synth keys that aren’t too spring or too light, feel pro quality and as well as being velocity sensitive include aftertouch.

I want octave and transpose shift, usb and conventional midi connectivity, plenty of custom programmability for sliders, endless encoders, buttons (toggle or one touch), velocity and aftertouch sensitive pads, keyboard split, conventional mod and pitch bend wheels (not joystick), decent build quality (ideally metal not plastic, something with a bit of weight), but most of all reliable integration with my DAW, virtual instruments.

something that just works without having to fiddle around with mappings or buggy software. After much research (again!) and finally going with this Mk2 Keylab controller from Arturia, my wishes have at last been answered.

This is by far the best controller keyboard I’ve ever owned. The key action is also the best feel synth keys, even when compared to top yamaha synths and workstations. The build quality of the Keylab Mk2 is first class, solid metal case, quality feeling controls (smooth endless rotary encoders without detents, smooth long throw faders, lovely tactile clicky buttons, firm but responsive pads).

To top it all, even the mod and pitch bend wheels are made from solid metal! Connectivity is second to none, an incredible 5 pedal inputs! Of which all of them can be used with switch or expression type pedals.

There’s Midi in and out, USB and even. wait for it. CV in and out! The control panel is well thought out and everything feels logical and easy to use. Great UX, simple and logical menus, you can program this controller either on the board itself without a computer or using the Arturia Midi controller software.

Everything is configurable in user mode with up to 10 user templates to store your settings and redefine almost every button and control, even down to the Pad and user button LED colours! The 49 note version is great for a small desk and the handy octave up and down buttons give you +/- 3 octaves either way.

I also love how you set the transpose option by just pressing the key you wish to transpose in but then toggle the transpose off and on without having to reset its value. The keys are incredibly expressive (I have not needed to adjust the velocity curve from default) and the aftertouch is also dependable and controllable.

I believe the key action is the same used on Arturia’s top Polybrute and Matrixbrute synths. There’s a substantial weight to this controller (even the 49 note!) after owning lightweight plastic controllers, this helps improve the feel and solidity of the action when playing it.

You also get some great software included, Arturia’s analog lab which gives you stunning presets from the Arturia’s fantastic virtual analog synth instruments – the dedicated analog lab mode on the controller gives you immediate hands on control over certain parameters and macros of these presets – if you own any of the full instrument plugins such as V Collection you can even dive further and create new sounds from scratch.

What I really love though is being able to effortlessly switch between Analog Lab mode, DAW mode and User mode whilst working on a project. DAW mode turns the sliders and knobs into a control surface for your DAW with track selection, level controls, pan.

The transport controls work across all 3 modes which is great. Using the User mode you can set up templates to control individual parameters in your virtual instruments or effects, or even control other instruments connected via Midi.

The pads can be used to trigger samples, drum sounds, key notes (great for those keyswitches for articulations in some instruments), chords… yep there’s some clever chord modes that enable you to memorise a chord you play and then transpose it to any key… or store up to 16 chords on the pads to trigger with your left hand as you play keys in your right.

The keyboard can run entirely from USB bus power, or if you don’t have a computer handy you can connect an AC adaptor. In summary this is a really well thought out controller keyboard, for me it ticks all the boxes and feels reliable, dependable and intuitive.

Combined with the slick integration with Analog Lab, the user and DAW modes, great key action, premium build quality and a choice of 49, 61 or 88 key versions, all in either black or white, this should definitely be on your list of Midi controllers to consider.

What’s more PMT have again provided me with fantastic service, good comms, excellent prices and I’ll definitely be shopping here again!.

Decent product. Directly connects to garageband on IPAD without hassle. Lightweight. Key feel is okay i guess. I’m not a professional keyboardist, so cannot say much about the key feel. looks compact and beautiful.

Can be an ideal instrument for amateur recording. Can also be used to learn scales and improve on the piano. Definitely not the best for live performance. Not very suitable for electronic music n stuff.

Personally, I returned it as I wanted something suitable for live purpose. Bajaoo has 14 day return policy if not satisfied, was kind enough to take it back but I was charged for the return shipping which was a considerable amount.

Bottom line is, go for it if you dont want basic controls and you dont mind using the controls on your Mac or Ipad.

Nice sized keys, but not too large, works and controls FL studio seamlessly. The bitwig software was a bit of a disappointment which was the reason this keyboard was the one I purchased – for additional instruments! The instruments contained are basic to say the least.

But if you didn’t have any DAW this would definitely be a plus for you. All in all, the keyboard has plenty of functions and has a great manual for setting up the keyboard. Also, registering the product was very simple and definitely added an extra feel of warranty for added peace of mind.

Definitely a 5 star purchase, even without the additional instruments I was hoping for.

You can read my full review at my blog: https://www.tate.fyi/new-organ-part-5/ Long story short, you could pay more to get less, but I recommend buying this MIDI controller instead!

I’ve had the SL88 Grand for a little more that three months now, some tips and observations: ~The feel of the Keybed: Of COURSE it doesn’t feel like a grand piano. but it’s a good keybed for piano, and with a good piano library like Garritan CFX in a good set of cans, you get lost in the piano experience and you forget it’s not a real piano.

~The Speed of the Keybed: The stock velocity curve falls short IMO, you HAVE to play around with velocity curves by moving it a little, playing, moving it a little, playing, etc. This controller has a LOT of capability.

You can also adjust volume PER KEY if needed (no hardware is perfect). You have 250 presets so if you make a velocity curve you like for piano, and another for strings, drumming, brass, whatever, just save them to different presets to call up on the controller itself.

~Legato: So here’s where the stock velocity curve becomes a plus–this keybed is surprisingly easy to play in legato string and brass lines! ~Joysticks: They’re weird. You can probably get used to them, some do.

I actually disabled the 1st and 3rd. I’ll explain the 2nd one next. ~The reported issues of doubled notes: It’s the 001 Preset. StudioLogic “helps us out” with this preset supposedly for a Grand Piano but it has all 4 zones activated! I made a preset with zones 2-4 turned off and Joysticks 1 and 3 disabled, no doubled notes.

I use he second joystick as an emergency mod wheel if my FaderPort 8 isn’t booted up. ~The Control Knob/Display: The knob COULD be useful because but it’s SOOO wiggly and you sometimes change a parameter right before it clicks.

I use the SL Editor app. ~USB Bus Power: YES, IT IS BUS-POWERED. The manual says it’s NOT, no idea why. ~Sustain pedal: The keyboard comes with one. ~Stand: I suggest the Knox Z style, built like a tank.

Bottom line: To get a Fatar TP40/WOOD keybed on a solid metal controller for under a grand is crazy. Oh, make sure you update your firmware, at least v1. 70.

I bought this because it was meant to be a clean integration into FL Studio. I have the new M1 Mac Mini and I had a heck of a time getting this to connect to FL Studio. I know it’s only 25 key, but my gosh it’s small.

I guess I expected it to be bigger than my typing keyboard. I’ve have had tons of MIDI controllers, and they nearly ALL were Plug and Play on my Mac Computers. I actually had to YouTube how to get this thing to work properly.

At this point, It works, but not properly. Some of the keys are not reading in the software, and the Pads seem to do different things when I change instruments (which MIGHT be a good thing). I’m not saying its a bad product, I’m just a bit taken back on how it doesn’t seem to JUST WORK, being that its made specifically for FL Studio.

For the price, I didn’t expect the key bed to be the best. It’s not. Very flimsy, very toy like. Pads are solid, though, and I usually don’t care for pads. Overall, i’m counting on it becoming what i need it to be, but for now, well below expectations.

This is the best thing that happened to FL studio since the akai fire. The simplicity of use and build quality are perfect for beginners and pros. Would Definitely recommend to anyone using FL who wants to speed up their workflow and get more creative producing.

I had bought a Launchkey Mini Mk3, but got one of these the day it was available. Different as night and day, I was plugged in and playing in 5 minutes. Still complex in overall terms of managing flows and working in FL but so much easier.

The A49 keyboard is a great simple to use midi controller. If you are like myself and want an easy setup especially if you own Komplete software, then this is a great keyboard. The reason I gave it 4 stars is that the keys themselves really do feel cheap and i’m not sure how long it’s going to last.

A couple of the keys are already making sqeaky and clicky sounds when pressed, but i would still recommend this keyboard to anyone that is starting out in the MIDI music songwriting scene, and at this price point I can’t really complain too much.

This keyboard controller by Native Instruments has one of the best features a midi controller can have, onboard color screens so you dont need to be using the mouse and staring at the pc screen (most of the time at least), you can even eliminate the use of those if you combine it with a MIDI controller software on an iPad, the feedback on the screens along with the easy and hands on navigation buttons and knobs really is an improvement and speeds up production and composing workflows.

The lightguides on the keys are a plus too, you have to remember that to fully get out everything from this keyboard you have to use the software Komplete Kontrol, wich is kind of a wrapper for Kontakt and a lot of VST instruments and efx plugins that conform with the Native Kontrol Standard wich automaps all parameters inside komplete kontrol for fast tweaking, but you can use it without Komplete Kontrol and map everything yourself in MIDI Mode like any other Midi Controller out there.

The touchstrip is a nice physical addition and you can map it to any midi cc you want, there are 2 pedal inputs and you decide the behaviour they will have (momentary o switch), they are not predefined as ‘sustain’ or ‘expression’ like probably all other keyboard controllers have.

It is velocity sensitive and has aftertouch fratar keys. It has native integration with some DAWs and i specially bought this for Cubase 9. 5 Pro wich integrates perfectly. Also you can preview most of the sounds in a browser mode before loading them, this is very convenient since a lot of libraries are way too big and take several minutes to load like the spirfire ones, for this to work you need to download a ‘preview’ library that is 7gb in size so make a little extra space in your hard disk.

There are a lot of plugins that are NKS compliant right now like the Waves Bundles and many other developers are starting to implement this standard so that is a huge plus. Probably the only ‘downside’ is that it does not have semi weighted hammer type piano keys, but for me it’s not a dealbreaker, or you can wait that NI releases the 88key piano version of the m2.

This is a 10/10 a must have midi controller for anyone to accelerate wokflows and concentrate much more in the creative process.

Gorgeous slick midi keyboard and is the perfect size for me 🙂

Just getting my head around this piece of kit, all good so far, I’m liking the Fruity Loops 6 month free trial so far, not sure if I will stick to it or switch to Ableton though. Last time I bought a Novation item was 1994, super base station, glad to see the build quality is still the same.