10 Fantastic 61-Key MIDI Controllers for Your Most Ambitious Creations

If you are in the market for an easy to use 61 key MIDI controller that also has plenty of functionality and performance, then this is a great option. This model from Alesis is so easy to get started with that it is perfect for anyone that is just beginning producing their own music. On the other hand, if you are an experienced musician, then this controller still has plenty to offer you, such as eight LED backlit pads, and plenty of pads, knobs, wheels, and buttons.

Something that helps this to be such a good option for experienced and amateur musicians is its high level of customizability. All of the different controls, including the four rotaries, eight drum pads, and four buttons are fully assignable. This means that you can make each of these different functions work exactly as you want them to work, which is an awesome option for more experienced users.

Of course, if you are on the other end of the spectrum musically, then you will be glad to know that these functions are already set up and ready to use just the way they are. This will allow you to make slight changes as you get more experience, without having to change everything all at once and become overwhelmed.

One thing to keep in mind with this particular controller is its dimensions. While it is not overly heavy or all that bulky, it is very long. This can make it quite challenging to take along with you or to fit into a smaller studio space.

What are our favorite features?

• Highly customizable
  
• Semi-weighted keys
  
• Easy to setup
  
• Suitable for both amateurs and pros

What could be better?

• Large dimensions

If you are in the market for a MIDI controller that has the look and feel of an electric keyboard or you are just used to using an acoustic piano, then this might be an excellent option for you. It features fully-weighted keys that also come with velocity settings. These keys will allow you to have the best of both worlds since they will give you the feel of a real piano, but the overall control of a MIDI controller.

As far as the controller aspect of this device goes, you will basically have the musical world at your fingertips. It comes with 93 real-time controls, which will make it very easy for you to create a custom sound each and every time that you use it. Of course, since there are so many options, it could be a bit overwhelming for a new user.

Thankfully, this controller comes with an automapping feature. With this amazing option, you can allow the software inside the controller to map what each of the controls does for you to a default setting. From there, you can start to create music, or just make little tweaks to some of the settings, rather than all of them. Simply put, automapping will save you a ton of time getting this controller up and running quickly.

Though this is a very well designed and rugged device, its faders are not all that responsive. They can take a little bit more time to get to where you want them, though the automapping certainly makes this a bit easier.

Why is it special?

• Automapping feature
  
• Rugged, high-quality design
  
• Easy to setup
  
• Lots of controllers and pads
  
• Aftertouch included

What are the flaws?

• Faders need to get used to

Though you certainly want to make sure that you are getting a MIDI controller that will allow you to create unique pieces of music, it can be a bit confusing to get a model with too many bells and whistles. In fact, it can be downright difficult to do anything with such a unit. If you are just getting started in the world of music production, then this might be a good option for you. It offers plenty of musical flexibility without confusing you too much.

This is a portable controller, which makes it great for anyone that wants to work in lots of different locations. Something else that helps to make this possible is the fact that it can be used so easily with an iPad as not only its main operating system but also its power source. The fact that you don’t need to lug around a power cord is a big plus when it comes to portability.

While this model doesn’t have any pads, it does come with a pitch wheel, modulation wheel, and data knob. Though the lack of pads will limit your abilities a bit, these other customizable parts will still give you plenty of leeway as to how you go about creating the sound for your compositions.

As you would expect with such a portable model, the controller is lightweight. While it means the unit is easy to take with you, it also makes it a bit flimsy. The keys especially are not made as well as on other models and, as such, are not quite as sensitive to velocity changes as you might want them to be.

What do we love it for?

• Compact design
  
• Highly portable and lightweight
  
• Integrated iPad stand
  
• Stylish

What were we disappointed with?

• Flimsy construction
  
• Keys are hard to press
  
• No pads

If you are an experienced MIDI controller user, then this just might be the right model for you. To start with, it has a wide array of user-friendly, highly customizable controls. This includes nine faders, eight knobs, and sixteen pads. These controls, when combined with the 61 fully sized synth-style keys, make for an infinitely customizable experience that is perfect for anyone that is looking to take their musical compositions to the next level.

The controller is designed specifically for use with Ableton Live Lite which comes in the package. You only need to install the program, set your MIDI controller up, and start creating music. No additional drivers are needed. However, the unit is also compatible with other software products, in case you’re used to some other DAW program.

One of the biggest issues with this large number of controls on any other model would be the amount of time it takes to set them up. The last thing that you want to do is spend all of your studio time tinkering with controls. Thankfully, this model from Novation comes with an automapping feature. It does all of the heavy liftings for you and sets up each of the controls on its own. From there, you can simply tinker with only those controls that aren’t quite where you want them to be for a minimal amount of time, and instead focus on what you want to do, making music.

Those most of the controls on this model are excellent; the pads are inconsistent. They do not always have the sensitivity needed to be used as drum pads unless you get the settings just right. They can be used as drum pads, but it might take a bit more time than you are used to.

What do we love it for?

• Velocity sensitive synth keys
  
• Lots of hardware controls
  
• Reflective RGB pads
  
• Automapping feature for quick setup

What were we disappointed with?

• Pads need time to get used to

Possibly the best feature or this controller is its compact, yet user-friendly design. This model is built for the musician on the go who still wants the best from their controller. Its dimensions are nice and small, and it is also very lightweight. This makes it perfect for taking with you wherever you go. Even though this is such a portable device, it still offers plenty of functionality that makes it feel like a full-sized model.

The controller features a pitch wheel, modulation wheel, and footswitch socket. This allows it to operate in five different octaves, which is a big advantage if you are looking to switch up the style and sounds of your musical pieces. The octave buttons are very easy to locate since they are color coded with bright LED backlights.

The setup for this device is exceedingly simple. While it is certainly not as simple as plugging it in and playing, it is almost that easy. This controller has a class compliant MIDI driver, which means that it will work with any iOS device. This compliance means that you can easily hook it up to your iPad and get it going with relative ease.

Due to the lightweight nature of this model, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that it is missing some key features, such as pads. The overall design is also a bit flimsy, so you’ll have to be extra careful with it when you are transporting it and setting it up.

Why is it special?

• Compact and user-friendly design
  
• Easy to setup
  
• Highly portable
  
• Synth-action keys
  
• Lots of features

What are the flaws?

• No pads
  
• Flimsy construction

Akai is another big player in the world of MIDI controllers. This is a company that has built a reputation on high-quality products, and it doesn’t fail to demonstrate it with this model. This particular controller has semi-weighted, synth-style keys that are also velocity sensitive. These keys make it much easier to control and create the exact tones that you want when you are putting together your compositions.

The customizability of this controller doesn’t stop with its keyboard, however. To go along with these very easy to use keys, this model has a wide array of controls and pads so that you can customize your sound to meet your specific tastes. These controls include 16 illuminated pads and 24 assignable controls. The pads allow for the possibility of four possible drum banks. All told, this allows you to create sixty-four different sounds, making this an excellent option for live performances or DJing.

Of course, there are some small issues that you will need to deal with if you do decide on this model. To start with, it is somewhat fragile, which is a bit surprising considering its size and weight. Secondly, the USB cord, which is its only power source, is very short. You would be better served purchasing another one, though this will, of course, add a bit to the purchase price.

What are its best features?

• Lots of pads and controllers
  
• Easy to use software bundle included
  
• Compact and highly portable
  
• Responsive controllers

What could be improved?

• The provided USB cord is short
  
• Fragile construction

One of the biggest concerns, when you are making a new musical purchase, is the cost. Getting into the world of music production can get quite expensive. Thankfully, for anyone looking for a quality 61 key MIDI controller on a budget, this model is perfect. Though it doesn’t have quite as many bells and whistles as some other options on the market, it still will offer you a compact, lightweight, and highly portable solution that is easy to use while not breaking the bank.

Even if you are new to controllers, this model is an awesome bet. It is very easy to setup and use. It features a simple and accessible interface that makes getting started a joy rather than a migraine-inducing episode.

Of course, the reason that the setup is so simple is that it doesn’t have quite as many features as more expensive controllers. For instance, this model doesn’t have any pads. It does have some modulation slides and tonal knobs, but it can’t do as much as pricier controllers.

Another feature to take into consideration with this model are its keys. Though they are full-sized, which makes them look like an acoustic piano’s keys, they are not fully-weighted. Though these keys are effective at creating the sounds you desire, they might be a bit challenging for anyone that is used to playing a keyboard or an acoustic piano.

What makes it special?

• Compact
  
• Highly portable and lightweight
  
• USB powered
  
• Easy to set up and use
  
• Full-sized keys

What cons did we find?

• Keys are not fully-weighted; they don’t feel like piano keys
  
• No pads

This is another awesome option from Nektar, which is one of the industry leaders when it comes to MIDI controllers. This is an affordable option, though it costs a bit more than our Budget Pick. While the added expense might seem like a bit much, it does get you some impressive features. For instance, this model comes with nine faders, eight controllers, six transport buttons, two wheels, mixers, and eight pads. With this many different mixing options, you are sure to have everything at your fingertips to create that custom sound you desire, all while saving some money.

As with other models in this price range, this controller has a synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity. The synth-action is very easy to use and makes for a pleasurable playing experience, especially on more complex pieces. The velocity sensitivity leaves a little bit to be desired, however. While it does work somewhat, it is also very inconsistent. With enough practice, it is possible to get the key velocity set exactly the way that you want it, but it will take a bit of fiddling and lots of time, which isn’t ideal.

Another factor that helps to make this such a good option for both beginners and experts is the fact that this system is very easy to set up as it can be used with pretty much any DAW software that you might have at your disposal. This compatibility makes it a great choice for anyone that already has a software package that they prefer, as this controller will work very well with it right off the bat.

What are its best features?

• Lots of pads and controllers
  
• Lightweight
  
• Compact and portable
  
• Velocity sensitive, semi-weighted keys
  
• Easy to setup

What could be improved?

• Inconsistent keys

While lots of MIDI controllers utilize full-size keys, they don’t always quite feel right. Either they are not the correct size as advertised, or they are don’t have the right weight behind them. This can make them difficult to adapt to for anyone who is used to playing acoustic pianos or electric keyboards. If that is the case for you, then it might be a good idea to check this model out. It has full-sized keys that look and feel almost exactly like a real piano. The only difference is that the keys are only semi-weighted, rather than fully-weighted. Still, they will provide an acoustic piano user with a much more familiar experience, which will only help the transition to electronic music production go that much smoother.

As you would expect from a larger dimension controller, this model has a wide array of customizable features. This includes several modulation wheels and volume controls, as well as octave and fader buttons. While this model lacks in the pads department, it still gives you an assortment of tools to make a variety of musical compositions with ease.

Another feature that helps to make this an easy to use model is the different software products that it comes with. These different packages will let you try out different systems until you find the one that you like the best, which is ideal. These different systems can also be used for different types of music, which only helps to increase the versatility of the controller.

What makes it stand out?

• Lots of software included
  
• Lightweight
  
• Easy to use
  
• Full-size semi-weighted keys

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• No pads

If portability is the name of the game for you as a musician, then this just might be the best model for you. It has very compact dimensions, which make it perfect for taking along with you where you need to go to spread your music. While its compact design does lend itself to being portable, it is its weight that really sets it apart from its competition. This is by far the lightest model on the market, weighing in at an extremely slight four pounds. Even if you have a lot of other equipment to lug around with you, this will undoubtedly add to your luggage portability as you’re heading for your next gig or recording session.

Since this is such a small controller, it isn’t surprising that it doesn’t have as many sound modulation systems built-in as larger models. The velocity-sensitive keys are also a bit inconsistent. It doesn’t have any pads at all, though it still does have a pitch and mod wheel, as well as two-octave buttons. These will allow for a fair amount of flexibility when it comes to creating your preferred sound.

Another nice feature that comes with this model is that it is pre-loaded with five different instruments, which include digital and hybrid synthesizers, electric piano, acoustic guitar, analog synthesizer, and a software synthesizer. Between these five different musical software packages, there is a lot of different pieces that you can compose.

Why are we impressed?

• Velocity-sensitive keys
  
• Extremely lightweight
  
• Five integrated virtual instruments

What negatives must you be aware of?

• No pads
  
• Keys are inconsistent