When adding hardware to a home studio, adding a keyboard can be an invaluable resource. But before investing in one, be sure to assess how this keyboard will enhance your workflow and if its purchase will actually enhance it.
Keyboards serve as MIDI controllers and can be used to manipulate virtual instruments, drums, beats and the DAW itself. In addition, keyboards can also be recorded directly with an audio interface via line-out cable.
Versatility
An audio keyboard can provide musicians with the perfect way to explore various musical genres and hone their craft in various musical styles. With its ability to imitate traditional piano sounds, stringed instruments, drums and synthesized tones – it’s an ideal home studio instrument for exploring various genres or honing specific techniques.
Keyboards can also be used to control software plugins and virtual instruments, as they send MIDI signals directly to your computer that it interprets into sound via its built-in audio engine. This process is known as audio-to-MIDI conversion, allowing you to play your keyboard while controlling music production software without needing separate audio interfaces or external hardware.
The best MIDI keyboards for home recording will include multiple assignable knobs and pads, making them simple to use with music production software. For instance, the Alesis V25 offers 25 full-sized synth-action keys, eight backlit velocity/pressure sensitive pads with lights at night that illuminate when hit with velocity/pressure pressure, plus high-quality sounds to add a dynamic and authentic tone to your recordings. In addition, its rotary knob and assignable sliders enable users to quickly manipulate sounds for expressive performances.
The National Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 MIDI controller is another excellent choice. Specifically created to work seamlessly with their KOMPLETE software, yet adaptable enough for use in any DAW environment, its compact size makes it easy to fit into smaller studio spaces while the 32-key range feels more natural than some MIDI keyboards with less keys. Plus, with dedicated controls for the most important functions it makes getting started simpler than ever!
A MIDI keyboard can make an invaluable addition to a home studio, but its size and type should depend on what music you plan to produce. For classical compositions, an 88-key weighted feel keyboard would likely be necessary; but for hip hop or EDM tracks production a smaller keyboard with lighter weighted keys may be more suited.
Sound Quality
If you’re spending money on a keyboard for your home studio, it must sound great – onboard sounds can make or break your experience using this instrument. Luckily, top manufacturers such as AKAI, Nektar and M-Audio provide high-quality MIDI keyboards at prices to suit every budget.
At the core of any keyboard is its recording process; from line-out connections (usually 1/4” jacks) for dry signal recording to DAW compatibility for seamless music production. These keyboards often come equipped with line-out connectors that let users easily plug their keyboards directly into audio interfaces or mixing boards and begin recording immediately; once recorded into your DAW, add effects or plugins as you see fit to create your final masterpiece!
Ideal is recording the keyboard in stereo so that you can pan each part separately for greater depth and detail, recreating how a real piano sounds when played live.
One way to create a richer and more natural sound with keyboard is using a tube amplifier as a mic-up solution, similar to what some guitar amplifiers produce. This gives your keyboard an individual sound similar to what some guitar amps produce.
Keybed quality should also be a major consideration when purchasing a keyboard for home studio use. A top-of-the-line keyboard should feature an exceptional keybed that feels fantastic to play and offers outstanding response; this will make playing your keyboard more enjoyable, which can make serious music production much more accessible to amateur musicians.
Designed specifically to work with Ableton Live DAWs, the M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 stands out as being designed specifically for its unique set of features such as auto-mapping. With this feature you can select your DAW from a menu and automatically map all controllers from the keyboard onto its controls in Ableton Live.
Other key features on this keyboard include a full-sized octave keypad and faders for real-time DAW control, helping keep your workflow flowing efficiently without returning to your computer regularly. This will keep the momentum going while cutting down on distractions from computer use.
Cost
A keyboard is at the heart of any home studio. Not only is it one of the most versatile instruments, but its cost can add significant expense. Therefore, when selecting one for your setup it is crucial that several factors be taken into account.
Before selecting your keyboard, it is essential that you determine your budget and select an ideal keyboard according to its use. When looking at keyboard options available to you, take into consideration which keys will best meet your needs; an 88-key workstation may not be ideal if you play bass music for example.
Another factor is how much control you require over your DAW. Some keyboard controllers offer various MIDI controls that allow real-time manipulation of sound parameters; such as large faders and knobs for plugin control. DJ Tech Tools’ MIDI Fighter Twister boasts 16 rotary encoders across four banks for instantaneous access to 64 controls; Studiologic SL Mixface features an equally impressive layout, featuring nine large faders and eight knobs for instant DAW management in real-time.
Keyboards can also be specifically tailored for creating specific genres of music. If you are creating hip-hop beats, for instance, consider getting a keyboard with built-in drum pads to provide more responsive beat creation capabilities.
A keyboard can also be an ideal option for musicians who create and perform live music, providing both creative and performative abilities in equal measure. To do so, seek a workstation with either 61 or 88 keys – this type of instrument doubles as a sequencer while offering many useful features to facilitate your musical creation and performance.
If you’re on a tight budget but in search of an effective keyboard to enhance your home studio, the Arturia MINILAB should be at the top of your list. Boasting an exceptional keybed that would please even experienced pianists, this keyboard also comes with all Arturia’s virtual synths and sounds for maximum creativity – as well as eight drum pads and octave shift buttons for precise control.