Reddit best snes usb controller11/11/2022 ![]() ![]() It feels like something that belongs in a professional studio. It's the most expensive of the lot at $139, but it's also the most solidly built (save for the KeyStep). Earlier this year the company launched its most portable model yet, the Komplete Kontrol M32. Native Instruments' (NI) controllers are the only ones that are even in the same league as Arturia's when it comes to the quality of the keybed. If you just want to be able to play the keys wherever you go and don't need a ton of bells and whistles, the MicroLab is probably your best bet.īuy MicroLab on Amazon - $89 Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 ![]() But it's the cheapest keyboard on this list at $89, and it comes with a top-notch software bundle, including Arturia's Analog Lab Lite and Bitwig Studio 8-Track. There's no sustain pedal input, no arpeggiator, no knobs, no pads or transport controls, and only USB for connectivity. The MicroLab is pretty bare bones though. Oh, and that cord sits flush with the side of the controller, so you don't have to worry about it getting in the way of your other gear. It also doubles as a holster for the cable, which wraps securely around the keyboard so it's not floating around your bag. There's a thin rubber case around the whole thing that should help protect it against light bumps. But what makes the MicroLab special is the thoughtful design. It also weighs less than two pounds, and while it's larger than a lot of the competition at about 16.5 inches long, it still fits in most bags meant for 15-inch laptops. The MicroLab has the same keybed as the KeyStep and MiniLab - which is to say, by far my favorite keybed of the bunch. Unless you absolutely need the CV and MIDI ports and don't plan to drag it with you often, you're probably better off looking at Arturia's newest offering, the MicroLab.īuy KeyStep on Amazon - $129 Arturia MicroLab At 19 inches it's quite hard to stuff into most backpacks. The KeyStep is also the longest controller I looked at. But frankly, it's not nearly small or light enough to carry around comfortably. The only other keyboard I considered including that weighs more is the much loved Arturia MiniLab, which comes in at 3.3 pounds. All right, it only weighs three pounds, but that's still a lot, relatively speaking. ![]() It's reasonably priced too, at only $129.īut the KeyStep has a major drawback: It weighs a ton. Basically, if there's a piece of gear out there, the KeyStep can probably control it without the need for a middleman. Plus it has a built-in arpeggiator, a sequencer and more connectivity options than you could possibly imagine. Its keyboard feels worthy of a device two or three times the price. If you've watched any synth videos on YouTube, you've most likely seen an Arturia KeyStep. So while having other connections is nice, it's not essential. My reasoning: I assume most of you are working with a computer to some extent anyway, especially while traveling. (They're a different beast.) We're also focused on USB-MIDI controllers. While pads are a bonus, we'll be ignoring pad-only controllers like the Novation Launchpad. For one, we're only considering keyboard-style controllers. So I've laid out the strengths and weaknesses of what I think are the five best options currently on the market.īut before we get to the nitty-gritty, let's be clear about what we're looking at here. None of these controllers rises head and shoulders above the rest to make it the clear winner. Similarly, you'll need to figure out which one best addresses your specific needs, with the fewest trade-offs. There are some very good ones out there, but none has ticked every box for me. (You don't want to lose or break something expensive while you're traveling, after all.) But honestly, there is no perfect controller. I've been on the hunt for the perfect portable and affordable controller. Whether you're a musician always on the go or just tight on space, there are plenty of reasons to pick up a portable MIDI controller. ![]()
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