Top Five MIDI keyboard controllers for under R 2,000
The music production journey is more accessible than it has ever been – we don’t need huge, expensive studios anymore.
Getting into music production can be an expensive hobby, there’s so much gear out there that we dream of having in our studios, however in reality – a LARGE portion of the music creation process is in-the-box these days.
With so many affordable and even free plugins that offer high-end sound, the true essential item in a studio these days is a MIDI controller.
We’re going to outline some of our favourites for under R 2,000 for those starting out.
Korg MicroKey 25
What is it:
The Korg MicroKey is a bare-bones MIDI keyboard controller, it offers some essential features at an incredibly affordable price point. It’s equipped with 25 keys and pitch and mod joystick.
Best feature(s):
Built-in USB Hub
iPad Compatible
Not so cool:
light-weight build quality
I’m not a fan of pitch/mod joysticks
Price:
R 1,120
Akai LPK25 Wireless
What is it:
Akai LPK25 is another compact MIDI controller, the focus on this unit is portability and function. Its battery powered and offers wireless Bluetooth connection to fit into just about any situation, home-studio or live.
Best feature(s):
Has the option to connect via USB, if you’re not convinced by wireless
Not so cool:
No pitch-bend or parameter controllers
Price:
R 1,399
Samson KC49 Carbon
What is it:
If your production is based heavily on notation, and you can play keys with both hands – this is one of the better options on this list. The Samson KC49 Carbon is one of the very few MIDI keyboard controllers that offer four octaves, within the R2000 price range.
Best feature(s):
Traditional Pitch and Mod controls
Data Entry controller that can be assigned to parameters
Traditional MIDI Out make it a great budget option to use with hardware synths
iPad compatible
Not so cool:
I can’t fault the Samson KC49 Carbon, there are “better” options on the market, but none in this price range.
Price:
R 1,499
M-Audio Oxygen 25 MKIV
What is it:
If your production is based heavily on sound design and “beatmaking” then this is by far the controller I would recommend. It’s built surprisingly well for its price, and offers two octaves, eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, eight rotary encoders and a linear slider. It’s everything you need in a controller, at a very reasonable price.
Best feature(s):
Solid build-quality
Plenty of parameter controllers
Transport section for DAW control
Includes some nice loops and plugins
Not so cool:
I would have liked to see a traditional MIDI output, however that’s asking a bit much at this price point!
Price:
R 1,799
Every producer has their own specific requirements…
If you’re in the market for an affordable MIDI controller that suits your needs, hopefully we’ve helped you find your perfect match.
Korg MicroKey 37
What is it:
Korg’s MicroKey 37 is very similar to the abovementioned controller, with some key differences – they’ve swapped out the “dinky” pitch and mod joystick, for a much better set of traditional pitch and mod wheels and added a third octave.
Best feature(s):
Built-in USB Hub
iPad Compatible
Not so cool:
light-weight build quality
Price:
R 1,990
Online stores top browse for controllers:
AudioChain SA | AudioMart | Sound Select
