In the world of the modern DAW-based recording studio, many of us have come to rely on our keyboard controllers for far more than just inputting notes. Even if we don’t categorise ourselves as keyboard players or composers, there can’t be many studios in the world that don’t have some kind of MIDI or USB keyboard within easy reach. Here are 10 features we think you should look for in your next keyboard controller. These are in no particular order and some may not be relevant to your requirements but it’s worth knowing what your options are when it comes to parting with your hard-earned cash. How many does your current model have?
1 - The Keys Or Keybed
It goes without saying that one of, if not the most important feature of a keyboard controller is the keys themselves. This is often referred to as the keybed. Most if not all controller keyboard manufacturers buy in their keybeds as designing and building their own from scratch is not practical or financially viable. The style and size of keyboard controller you require will very much determine the keybed and key action you get but it’s worth knowing the basics.
Italian company Fatar, who also produce their own line of controllers under the Studio Logic brand, also make some of the finest and most popular keybeds in both 88 note piano or hammer action and synth-action designs. Fatar keybeds are found on many of the popular keyboard products from brands like Novation and Arturia.
Depending on the size and style of controller you go for, will determine the type of keys and keybed you are going to get. Don’t expect to find high-quality hammer action keys of a 25 note portable controller. Also, expect to pay a fair chunk more cash for an 88 note weighted keyboard as opposed to an 88 note synth-action keyboard and mind your back when you move the weighted keyboard!
As a rule, a quality 49, 61 or 76 note controller from a well-known manufacturer will feature high-quality synth-action keys. However, the feel of the keys is very much a matter for personal preference. When shopping for a new controller keyboard make sure you try a good range of them, even those well above your price bracket so you can find out what the different keybeds feels like. Then find one that has one that feels the most comfortable for you. The old Korg Trinity, although not specifically a controller keyboard had an amazing feeling synth-action keybed. I have been searching for many years to find a controller that features the same feel as that vintage synth.
2 - USB And MIDI
These days most of us will be using a keyboard controller in conjunction with some DAW software. This is normally connected over USB. However, some you might still be using stand-alone MIDI hardware like synths and sound modules most of which will not have a USB port. You need to be able to connect to these via MIDI. Make sure that your keyboard controller has at least one MIDI out port if not a full set of MIDI In, Out and if possible a Thru. Better still, the more full-featured controllers will feature a number of MIDI outs to enable it to be used a MIDI interface for your DAW. Don’t write MIDI off just yet. There is a lot of kit out there still making amazing sounds that are controllable no other way.
3 - Drum Pads
There is nothing less natural than playing a drum pattern into a DAW via your controller's keys. Playing or programming a drum pattern, loop or groove via built-in pressure-sensitive pads is far more real world.
The Akai MPC60 was one of the first MIDI controllers/sequencers to feature drum pads but now most, if not all brands have at least one model that features some touch-sensitive drum pads.
But don’t just think of these as pads for drum or percussion sounds. When used in association with DAW applications like Ableton Live the drum pads can become sample triggers, bank or patch changers, loop controls and more.
4 - Pitch & Modulation
Be it a joystick-style control like that found on the classic Roland D50 synth or a more common Pitch and Modulation or Mod wheels found on most synths, keyboards and controllers, these are two of the most common kind of performance controls you should expect to find on even the smallest of controller keyboards. You should also be able to control the amount of pitch and modulation these controls impart. By this, I mean a full push of the pitch wheel should be able to be either a semitone or half-step all the way up to a full octave or even 2 octaves. Check that the controller you are looking at has the ability to edit the range of both the pitch bend and the modulation.
5 - Faders Encoders And Buttons
Working with a mouse is fine but there is nothing more real than grabbing hold of an encoder or fader and dialling in just the right amount of filter sweep with your fingers. Many high-end controllers now offer 8 faders, 8 encoders (knobs that have an infinite rotation) and plenty of buttons to control the soft synth or plug-in that you have in focus. These should feel nice to the touch and not flimsy. You want to feel confident when you are making mix or effects parameter changes. A cheap-feeling fader or encoder is much less likely to inspire confidence.
Transport Controls - Some controllers like the Novation SL MKIII range and the Arturia Keylab MKII, to name but two, also feature dedicated transport Control buttons for your DAW software. This is hands-on the controller and hands off the keyboard and mouse feature, which personally I like.
6 - Software Control And Mapping
Short of manually mapping all the controls on your controller to those of your DAW or soft-synth (which you can do if you wish, but take it from me just don’t) you are going to need to install the software that allows your shiny new controller keyboard to talk to your DAW. All the major brands use a software bridge between the hardware and the software. They all work in a similar way on the surface (give or take) but they also have their own facets and foibles but these days most work really well. Don’t be scared. Let go of the mouse and slide that computer keyboard off to the side of your desk and get hands-on.
7 - Visual Feedback
From beautiful O-LED screens to RGB coloured trigger pads the modern keyboard controller is not only a lovely functional thing to use but it can also be a beautiful thing to look at. Depending on how you plan to use your controller, will determine the level of feedback you will require, but some controllers these days go as far as to show you the EQ curve of the plug-in you are tweaking or slope of the filter you are adjusting. Colour is also a great way to clearly indicate what mode you are in, what parameter you are adjusting or what pattern you are editing. It goes without saying that the more of these features you want or need in your controller keyboard the more you are going to have to pay.
8 - Bus-Powered Or Plug-In The Wall
Cables are the bane of most studios so it helps if your controllers do not need many. It’s a real bonus if your controller is or can be bus-powered. This means it gets the power it needs from your computer’s USB port and hence does not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Handy right? Hold on there a second. Bus power is great but make sure of three things.
Firstly your new controller should also be able to be powered from a mains adaptor or wall wart. Bus power is great but if you are running your laptop on battery and asking the battery to also power your controller, say goodbye to your battery life.
Secondly, when running on bus power, some units will limit their feature set to save on power so make sure that the controller you choose does not limit the features you want to use while on the go.
Thirdly, while your new controller might be able to be powered from the wall do make sure it comes with a power supply unit (PSU). Just because it can be powered from the mains does not mean it will come with that pesky wall wart out of the box.
A good PSU should cost you about £20 and always get the one recommended by the manufacturer. Please do not buy one from your local electrical store or online reseller unless you know the voltage and current usages of your controller first. You have been warned.
9 - DAW Dependant Or Stand Alone
When hooked up via USB to your PC or Mac your controller is probably going to be driving your DAW of choice or some form of softsynth. However, there are some controller keyboards that have their own functionality. The Novation SL MKIII range has a built-in 8 track pattern-based sequencer, allowing you to create beats in an 808/909 style workflow from within the controller with no additional software. Note that the SL MKIII makes no sounds so you will need to plug in into a MIDI or CV synth or sound-producing device.
10 - Extra Connections
Given that your controller needs to have at the very least a MIDI out and a USB connection what else would we also find more than a little bit handy? We have already said that you should be looking for a controller with MIDI In, Out and Thru, most will have at least In and Out. If you are a “proper” piano player, or you work with someone who is then you are going to need input for the Sustain pedal. Inputs for latching and non-latching foot-switches as well as expression pedals will also be a bonus to allow you to change patches and adjust settings using your feet while playing with your hands.
CV & Gate - If you are wondering what CV and Gate outputs are then there is a fair chance that you don’t need them. However, if you are one of the millions who are into vintage synths or the modern synthesis phenomenon that is Eurorack, then a set or two of these outputs are going to allow your new controller to take control of your modular systems in a whole new way. The Novation SL MKIII has two sets of CV, Gate and Mod outs as well as a Clock Out. The Arturia KeyLab MKII also has a CV Input.
Extra Credit
Polyphonic Aftertouch - If you are looking to control lots of softsynths you might want to look for a controller with Polyphonic Aftertouch as opposed to Channel Aftertouch. Channel aftertouch, which is far more common, applies any aftertouch data (often modulation) to all the current notes being played on the specified channel. Polyphonic Aftertouch only applies the aftertouch data to the specific note that it applied to. It does make the controller more expensive but hey, if you need it then you need it.
Nice Design Features - In researching this article I found a very nice feature that is only available on the Flagship Arturia Keylab 88 MKII. It’s a built-in Laptop stand that integrates into the top surface of the controller and when or if you don’t need it, you just detach it. This is a very elegant, simple solution to a real-life problem. I have seen hundreds of perched laptops on x-frames or other cheap stands. This is smart thinking. Great work Arturia.
What features do you use the most on your current keyboard controller and which have you never used? Also, let us know the features you crave in your next keyboard controller purchase in the comments below.