MIDI Master Keyboards
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Buying MIDI master keyboards for recording at home and in the studio, and for performing on stage and on the go
MIDI master keyboards, also known as USB controller keyboards, have become essential tools in modern music production. These keyboard instruments don't generate sound on their own; instead, they're used to control DAW software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X or Cubase on a computer, apps on mobile devices, or external MIDI sound modules. As such, a MIDI keyboard can be used to play, shape, and alter virtually any sound.
Additional control elements typically include faders, knobs, pads and buttons. MIDI master keyboards are available in a wide range of designs and sizes, from compact mini models for travelling to powerful 88‑key keyboards with hammer‑action mechanisms for musicians used to playing real pianos.
This buyers' guide is intended to help our customers choose the right MIDI master keyboard for their exact skill set and set up. Thomann's even more comprehensive master keyboard guide provides detailed information on everything else you might like to consider when purchasing and using a USB/MIDI keyboard controller. The Thomann Studio/Synth/Computer department is also on hand at any time with advice and support at studio@thomann.de or by phone on +49 9546 9223‑30.
Once you've chosen a keyboard, Thomann ensures you can enjoy both the first few weeks testing it and then many years of use, with our 30‑day money‑back guarantee and our 3‑year Thomann warranty.
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What's the best MIDI master keyboard?
Compact USB keyboard controllers are available for well under 100 euro. Key criteria when choosing a model are the size and quality of the keyboard action: Options range from 25 to 88 keys, making it easy even for beginners to find a suitable MIDI keyboard for their digital music productions. Power often comes directly from the USB connection. It's important that musicians choose an instrument with a feature set that matches their intended use: For example, if they're planning to use the keyboard mainly to control a DAW, they'll need to focus on the device's transport buttons and control knobs. Performance features such as pitch bend and modulation wheels, on the other hand, as well as layer and split functions, are important for controlling instruments live on stage. The physical playability of the keys and the overall feel of the controls also play a major role. For artists looking for a way of playing high‑quality virtual piano sounds with genuine expression, a premium hammer‑action keyboard is an absolute must.
What is MIDI?
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MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and refers to the technology that allows digital musical instruments and computers to communicate with each other.
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When you press a key on a master keyboard , MIDI transmits information about which note was played, how hard you played it, and when it was released.
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Controller data such as movements of the modulation wheel is transmitted as well. A virtual instrument on a computer, or an actual synthezier, then generates the sound itself.
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MIDI data can be sent either via dedicated 5‑pin MIDI cables or via a standard USB connection.
What is a DAW?
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DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, which is to say that a DAW is a music production software environment for use on a computer.
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A DAW (sometimes pronounced 'door') is used to process audio and MIDI data into sounds. Audio can be recorded or generated artificially, processed with effects, and digitally manipulated in many ways until the result matches the artist's intentions.
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A USB/MIDI controller allows you to operate a DAW remotely, including playing its virtual instruments.
-Well‑known DAWs include Apple Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, and Presonus Studio One. Apple MainStage is also a DAW, though it's designed specifically for live performance rather than studio production.
What are the different parts of MIDI master keyboard?
Keyboard
Extremely compact USB keyboards usually feature mini keys. Despite their small size, these are typically velocity‑sensitive. Larger master keyboards come with synth‑action, semi‑weighted or fully weighted keybeds, some of which also support aftertouch.
Controls
To control virtual instruments, faders and knobs are used to send MIDI data from a controller to a DAW: Sometimes, rotary knobs actually function as endless encoders. Transport controls (like Play, Pause and Record) allow producers instant access to a computer's music software. Drum pads, which are often velocity‑sensitive, can be used to trigger loops or samples: Buttons and pads are frequently backlit to provide visual feedback. An integrated display makes it much easier to operate a master keyboard, especially when you're adjusting more complex settings.
Performance controls
For expressive performances, controls such as pitch bend wheels and modulation wheels (or joysticks) are essential. On keyboards with a limited number of octaves, octave‑shift buttons can be extremely helpful. An arpeggiator automatically plays note patterns in sync with the tempo, while step sequencers assist with beat programming.
Connections
A keyboard usually connects to other devices via MIDI or USB. For live use, it's nice to have both options: The MIDI output can control other keyboards or sound modules, while USB sends MIDI data to a computer. Power is usually supplied via USB (bus‑powered) or through an external power adapter. Thanks to their low weight and modest power requirements, many USB keyboards are also battery operated. Almost all devices have input for a sustain pedal, and more advanced models often provide one or more additional inputs for assignable pedals.
Software
You can program most USB/MIDI keyboard controllers yourself, storing a range of setups. Manufacturers often also supply a proprietary editor suites that allow users to create, edite, and manage an instrument's settings directly from a computer or handheld.
New developments
The MPE standard (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) enables highly expressive performances; data such as pitch bend is transmitted separately for each note on a dedicated MIDI channel. Instruments like the futuristic Embodme Erae 2 or the more compact Exquis from Intuitive Instruments make use of MPE technology.
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Which MIDI master keyboard is best for beginners?
For young producers taking their first steps with MIDI, there are plenty of genuinely capable USB/MIDI keyboard controllers available from around 100 euro. Beginners will benefit from how easy these devices are to use – of course, they still transmit all the essential MIDI data needed to get your musical ideas working on a computer or tablet.
In most cases, it's enough to start out with a keyboard that has no more than 49 full‑size, lightly weighted keys, as well as USB connectivity, performance controls, and ideally some freely assignable knobs and pads. Many manufacturers also bundle their MIDI master keyboards with a software suite, often including lite versions of DAWs and virtual instruments, allowing musicians to get playing straight out of the box.
Which MIDI master keyboards are suitable for travelling?
For quickly editing a track backstage or on the move, a compact entry‑level model with a mini keyboard is often all that's needed. Very affordable options with 25 or more mini keys are available from around 50 euro – they'll fit in any backpack and still do the job reliably.
One advantage that almost all of these devices have in common is that they are USB‑powered and class‑compliant – this means USB plug‑and‑play operation without having to install drivers on a computer. Compatibility with smartphones and tablets is also more or less standard these days.
Which MIDI master keyboard is best for playing live on stage?
For live use, the housing, controls, and performance setup should be robustly built. A keyboard with a wider note range is recommended, so you don't have to make use of the octave‑shift buttons too frequently during a performance. Support for additional control elemtens (such as expression pedals) gives artists even greater control over their sound.
Layer and split functions, ideally with dedicated buttons, can be extremely useful on stage: Classic master keyboards are often equipped with multiple programmable keyboard zones, making it possible to address different sound sources on different MIDI channels. Then, the keyboard needs a proper MIDI output to control a rig of external hardware MIDI devices: By sending program‑change messages, entire stage setups can be switched instantly. For live performance, a keytar‑style controller worn over the shoulder is also an option. These portable performance keyboards add visual impact on stage and are great fun to play.
Which MIDI master keyboard is best for studio use?
To control DAW functions remotely, many USB/MIDI keyboard controllers come programmed with dedicated modes – such as Mackie Control or HUI – that ensure that a hardware device's knobs and buttons transmit standardised control data that compatible DAWs automatically assign to common tasks like volume levels, pan, mute or solo.
If you regularly, or exclusively, use one specific DAW, it can make sense to choose a keyboard designed with that software in mind. For example, the Novation Launchkey range is optimised for Ableton Live. Similarly, if you're a fan of certain plug‑ins, a specialised master keyboard can also be worthwhile: For instance, Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol S Series offers high‑quality, preconfigured mappings for NI Komplete instruments, as well as many NKS‑compatible (Native Kontrol Standard) instruments from leading third‑party developers. If analogue, modular synthesizers are part of your setup, a master keyboard with the once‑forgotten but now highly valued CV/Gate outputs can be an effective feature to look out for.