Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X

While it is possible to use the digital audio workstation (DAW), Logic Pro X, without a MIDI controller, you’ll find sequencing and recording much easier when using one.

A MIDI controller provides a physical interface with knobs, pads and sliders that simplifies settings changes and activating user made presets.

Logic Pro X, the tenth version of the Apple product, runs on the Mac iOS.

A user can set up their iPhone or iPad to function as a remote to work in conjunction with the program.

The DAW offers a digital recording environment with built-in audio effects and software instruments. It works with Apple Loops which provides professional level royalty-free instrument loops.

Logic Pro X provides 255 audio tracks and multichannel surround sound mixdown.

It also provides a humanize effect. Other aspects of the software include music and drum notation, guitar tablature and chord abbreviations.

The program includes software instruments including a drum kit designer, drum machine designer and numerous synthesizers including a retro synth, a vintage clavicle and vintage electric piano.

You can activate any of the software instruments by typing into the MIDI notation window or via input from a MIDI controller. The controller can take various forms.

A keyboard design is the most common, but MIDI guitars and drum machines have become more common.

Other interfaces are rarer but seen in more complete digital studios such as pad controllers which have drum pads, faders, buttons and knob controls, and hybrid controllers which combine traditional piano keys with the features of pad controllers.

MIDI Controls for Logic Pro X Comparison Chart

8 Best MIDI Controls for Logic Pro X (as of April, 2024):

1. Akai Professional MPK249 MIDI Controls for Logic Pro X – Best All-Around Controller Review

Let’s open with the best controller out there, the Akai Professional MPK249 MIDI controller, which is iOS compatible.

It is designed for use in a professional studio. It offers 49 velocity sensitive, semi-weighted, full-size keys.

It provides a comprehensive interface that lets the user alter the virtual instrument and its operation.

The controller also provides an after touch option.

Key Feature: all-in-one controller that includes both keyboard and trigger pads.

Via: @annietheproducerjules

Main Features

• All-in-one controller with keyboard and trigger pads for performing live and composing in studio
• 49 semi-weighted, full-size keys with pressure sensitivity
• USB-MIDI with 5-pin MIDI input & output
• 16 RGB-illuminated MPC-style pads (64 assignable via 4 banks)
• 8 control knobs, 8 faders, and 8 switches (24 assignable each via 3 banks)
• Does not come with a traditional power adapter since the keyboard is mainly used with a computer
• USB cable is the power cable because the computer fully powers the keyboard

The All-New Akai Professional MPK249 Keyboard & Pad Controller:

MPK249 Hands On Review:

2. Alesis VI49 MIDI Controls for Logic Pro X – Most Versatile Controller Review

The Alesis VI49 MIDI controller offers the greatest sound flexibility of any Logic Pro X controller because it provides 49 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, 36 buttons and 12 controller knobs that you can assign to different sounds then edit and alter them.

Its design makes it equally useful in the studio and as a live instrument.

Its keys respond well to velocity and pressure for realistic piano sound.

It is easy to see even in low light conditions.

Key Feature: Greatest Flexibility from Its 49 Keys and 48 Controls.

Via: @rajita_15

Via: @cameronu2

Main Features

• USB MIDI keyboard controller for composing digital music and playing virtual instruments
• 49 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys
• 16 multi-color RGB backlit pads
• 12 knobs and 36 buttons assignable for hands-on control of your digital audio workstation, plug-ins, and instruments
• Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control
• Powered by USB connection to computer with optional power adapter for more complex setups
• Includes AIR Xpand!2 virtual instrument and Ableton Live Lite free downloads

Alesis VI49 Advanced USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Overview:

3. Akai Professional MPK Mini MK2 MIDI Controls for Logic Pro X – Easy to Learn for Beginners Review

Choose the Akai Professional MPK Mini MK2 if you’re new to home recording and MIDI.

It offers a lower price point than most and a good learning environment. It’s extremely portable.

It features 25 miniature keys with three touch sensitivity settings, eight backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads and eight assignable Q-Link knobs.

Smaller than a laptop, it still packs in the power of a larger design with eight rubber, velocity sensitive pads and eight programmable knobs.

It comes with two sound banks. It uses a more compact thumbstick design to replace standard pitch/mod wheels.

Key Feature: Extreme lightweight portability.

Via: @artsol.store

Via: @tj_thepenguin

Main Features

• USB MIDI controller with 25 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys
• With dedicated octave up and down buttons to increase the keyboard to the full melodic range
• Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control,
• Built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
• Features additional inputs ¼ inch (6.35 millimeters) TS input for sustain pedal
• MPK Mini MKII’s pads will only respond if there are sounds within the host DAW that are mapped to the MIDI notes that the pads are triggering
• 8 fully-assignable Q-Link knobs for mixing, tweaking plug-ins and more

THE BEST AKAI MPK MINI TUTORIAL AND REVIEW:

AKAI MPK Mini MK2 – A Review:

Akai Pro MPK mini MKII – Complete Setup, Software Download, and Installation Walk Through:

4. Novation AMS-IMPULSE-49 – Best Controller for Logic Pro X Review

The Novation AMS-IMPULSE-49 provides the best midi controller for Logic Pro X due to its modern design, quality automapping software and ultra-responsive keyboard.

Its software, Automap 4, integrates with Logic Pro X.

If you want to experiment with another DAW, it comes with Ableton Live Lite.

You’ll also get a taste of Novation’s bass synth and loop masters in the complimentary sample pack. You can control your mixer and transport controls, plus leverage effects, plug-ins and VSTs.

Its semi-weighted keys with aftertouch perform well in concert settings and the production studio, as do its faders and knobs. Other hardware features include multi-function drum pads that let you roll beats and warp arpeggios.

Via: @daydreamdaisymusic

Its assignable aftertouch feature provides the feeling of playing a piano. You’ll choose your Impulse by choosing its 25, 49 or 61 key model.

Key Feature: Comes in your choice of 25, 49 or 61 keys.

Via: @timbrooksmusic

Main Features

• Ultra-responsive semi weighted keyboard with aftertouch
• Full DAW/plug-in control surface with 8 knobs, 9 faders and buttons
• Automap 4 control software enables instant hands-on access to your DAW and plug-ins
• Multi-function drum pads enable you to warp arpeggios, roll beats and launch clips in Ableton Live
• Includes downloads for: Ableton Live Lite, Novation’s Bass Station synth, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, and a Loopmasters Sample Pack
• 2-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects

Novation // Impulse MIDI Controller Keyboard Overview:

5. Korg Nanokey2 – Lightest MIDI Controller Review

The Korg Nanokey2 weighs next to nothing compared to most MIDI controllers.

You can tote it in a backpack since it only weighs 0.54 pounds and measures just over one foot in length.

You’ll get 25 slim-line keys, a 16 pad slim-line drum pad controller, eight faders, DAW control buttons and an X-Y touchpad, plus octave and mod buttons.

Key Feature: Comes in your choice of 25, 49 or 61 keys.

Via: @lorendigiorgi

Main Features

• Low-profile, 25-key USB-MIDI keyboard
• Multi-function control surface
• New track select and marker advance parameters
• 8 Channels; each with three buttons, one fader, and one knob
• Dedicated transport control section
• Supports numerous software titles including major DAW programs
• Advanced-design keyed offers improved accuracy and velocity-sensitive keys
• Sustain button – ideal for entering piano parts
• Ideal for use with laptop and netbook computers

Korg nanoKEY2 – Quick demo:

6. Nektar Panorama P4 – Most Comprehensive Design Review

The Nektar Panorama P4 controller comes in multiple versions.

Choose from a semi-weighted or weighted keys in a 49 or 61 key layout.

The controller also includes 12 velocity sensitivity pads, 16 encoders and 28 buttons.

It also features 10 assignable LED buttons and nine 45mm faders.

Its channel strip control easily associates with Logic Pro X to provide easy access to inserts, EQ and sends.

Key Feature: Comprehensive controller with buttons, encoders, keys, pads.

Via: @amanimusicuk

Main Features

• 49-note weighted (semi-) velocity-sensitive keyboard w/aftertouch
• Control Bitwig Studio, Logic Pro X, Reason, Cubase, or Nuendo from a single device
• 100 mm ALPS motorized fader
• 4 keyboard zones programmable with controller filters and program changes
• 12 pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
• 16 encoders, 9 45mm faders, 10 assignable LED buttons, 20 preset locations store all settings including links to keyboard, pad and F-keys maps

7. Roland A-49 – Most Reliable Instrument Review

Musicians know the Roland brand well.

The firm manufactures a number of musical instruments.

Roland A-49 provides a durable MIDI keyboard controller that easily interfaces with Logic Pro X.

This lightweight instrument transports to gigs easily since it weighs only six pounds.

It features 49 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity.

Like many of the other controllers in this guide, it uses a USB cord to connect to the computer for power.

The beam is invisible, but the activating motion boosts the sound and adds color to it.

Key Feature: Reliable Roland Design.

Via: @i_am_sarvpreetsingh

Main Features

• 49 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity
• Lightweight and compact, easy to use
• Two knobs, two switches, and D-Beam controller
• USB bus powered; no AC adapter required

A-88/A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller Overview – Roland Connect Sept. 2012:

8. M-Audio AxiomAIR49 – Best for Mapping with Logic Pro X Review

The M-Audio AxiomAIR49 offers a 49-key MIDI keyboard known as the best for mapping with Logic Pro X.

Besides its full-size, synth-action velocity-sensitive keys, it also provides eight velocity-sensitive trigger pads and eight assignable knobs.

The pads and knobs enable beat production, launching clips, mixing and plug-in activation.

Like many devices of today, it uses a USB connection to the computer for power.

Via: @themremusic

Key Feature: Reliable Roland Design.

Main Features

• 49 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys with aftertouch
• 12 illuminated trigger pads respond to pressure and velocity
• Roll button helps to create realistic drum parts
• Assignable controls provide convenient front-panel programming:
• 8 rotary encoder knobs; 9 long-throw 70mm faders; 9 buttons
• 3 banks of pad and controller assignments with color-coded illumination
• HyperControl automatically maps controllers to popular software
• Drum Pad Learn feature and Identify button allow you to work quickly
• Dedicated transport and navigation buttons make recording easy
• Octave/Transpose buttons access the entire note range, in any key
• Assignable pitch bend and modulation performance wheels
• Selectable velocity curves to match your playing style
• 128 memory locations for saving your custom settings
• Sustain and Expression pedal inputs deliver additional control
• MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks; USB/MIDI port
• Functional design provides backlit LCD plus under-keyboard cable routing
• Pro Tools® Express with iLok (redeem online)
• 16 tracks of the industry-standard recording platform
• Ignite by AIR (via download) with over 275 instrument sounds from AIR Music Technology
• Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Mac OS X class-compliant

Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X – Buyer’s Guide

While we’ve jumpstarted your shopping for a MIDI controller for Logic Pro X by reviewing the top five devices, you may decide you’d like something else instead. Here’s a short rundown on what you need to look for in a device.

Compatibility

Check with which operating systems the hardware device is compatible. Not all controllers work with Mac iOS.

Some controllers work with multiple software programs. You can find controllers that come with a bundle of two or three software that works together.

Keyboard

Evaluate the keyboard for ease of use. Check the response of the keys. Change the settings, especially the aftertouch, then try the keys again since this can alter the response. Also, pay close attention to the tone.

Determine if you want synth action, semi-weighted or weighted keys. How many keys do you want?

User Interface

Test the knobs, sliders and pads for resistance and response. Do they easily trigger an effect?

Budget

Determine your budget. Be willing to save your money for a couple of months to purchase quality. You could buy a simple controller for a small investment immediately, but you may exceed its capabilities quickly.

Saving for a more advanced model lets you purchase a MIDI controller with more features that can take you from amateur to professional performances. You won’t need to save for long because even top of the line controllers only cost about $400.

Using a 49 key device as a base point, expect to pay:

•  $100 or less for a mini synth-action keyboard with five or fewer controls
•  $100 to $200 for a synth-action keyboard with a fair amount of controls
•  $200 to $300 for a full size keyed, semi-weighted keyboard with many controls, such as eight or more buttons, eight to 16 pads, 9 faders and 9 knobs
•  $300 and up for a full size keyed, semi-weighted keyboard with numerous built-in controls

Area of Use

Determine whether you need a device for use in the studio, in live performance or both. Will you use the MIDI controller as a notation device, as a musical instrument or simply as a control surface?

As your compositions become more complicated, you’ll find buttons, knobs, and sliders help you edit and create custom settings. Drum pads can not only help you devise drum lines, but let you program each pad for a specific beat or set of beats.

With a single mode change, tapping the pad triggers that beat. The buttons, knobs and sliders come in handy during live performance to quickly trigger presets.

Some controllers draw power from the computer via USB cord. Most provide an optional wall adapter for plugging into a standard electrical outlet. Some do not.

Level of Experience

Your level of experience a pianist and as an audio engineer influences your choice of controller. Beginners will probably find it easier to use a keyboard with full-size keys since they’re easier to trigger.

If you have experience with simple note entry using a controller and piano roll mode, you won’t have problems with a slim key model. If you’re just starting out as an audio engineer, a complicated keyboard controller may be daunting.

Weight

A lightweight device makes it easy to transport, but a heavy weight can add to its durability and can signal many features. Lighter works better if you need to transport it to gigs.

Power Source

Many MIDI controllers and keyboards now use only USB power cords that connect to the computer for power. This can present a problem for those who need to use the controller in a live performance.

This has occurred with Roland devices and those devices could not charge by alternate means. Consider the situation in which you’ll use the device before purchasing.

There’s no one perfect MIDI controller that works best for everyone. Choosing the right product for you means taking into consideration the controller’s:

•  compatibility
•  keyboard design and size
•  the user interface
•  your budget
•  area of use
•  your level of experience playing piano and with audio engineering
•  controller weight
•  power source

Your controller needs to fit your needs and budget. We hope this buyer’s guide helps you choose the right one.

Whether you need an ultra-light device you can take with you or a full-size keyboard with a bevy of knobs, faders and drum pads, you can find a controller that fits your needs and works well with Logic Pro X.

You can expect to pay between $100 to $400 for a MIDI controller that works well with Logic Pro X.

Aftertouch: do you need it?

Are you searching for a convenient and ergonomic way to add expressiveness to your playing? Obviously, you need Aftertouch!

You may see the way Aftertouch working when a keyboardist lays down a synth lead line that ends in a bit of tasty vibrato. When this keyboardist’s finger leans deeper into the key, providing the extra key pressure that triggers an aftertouch event.

Usually this option is used in higher-end controllers. You know, Aftertouch is the option you don’t need until you used it.

There are two kinds of aftertouch: monophonic and polyphonic. How does it work? Channel aftertouch (monophonic) uses a rail that can be pressured by any key. It sends an average MIDI value for all held keys.

Polyphonic kind of aftertouch offers you vary a parameter on each note independently. It is based on the pressure on the key after the note is struck.

To take full advantage of it you should have a certain dexterity to work with it. It is expensive to design and manufacture, that is why it is important to know how to use it properly.

Keyboard: Action types

If you get to this part of the article, probably, you are a bit of a pro. So, you know that one of the most important quality of a keyboard is the keyboard action (the way in which the key responds to playing).

No matter whether you have live performance or studio recording: you have a need to feel comfortable with your controller. You should not underestimate the impact of having a less-than-ideal keyboard on your creativity and productivity.

You have an opportunity to choose one of 3 basic keyboard action types. They type of action depends on what you are accustomed to and what you prefer (style of music and way of playing).

There are 3 keyboard action types: weighted hammer action, semi-weighted action and synth action.

Weighted hammer action is determined by the controllers that have 88-note keyboards. They replicate the mechanical action of a conventional piano keyboard. You know that a controller does not have any strings or hammers, that is why sometimes it is difficult to do. People who manufacture the controllers use different methods of applying weights and springs to mimic a piano’s action. Some of them add a hammer action to more closely replicate a true piano ‘feel’. To sum up, if your primary instrument is piano or similar to piano instrument, the realism of a weighted hammer-action keyboard could be the most appropriate for you.

Semi-weighted action is similar to a weighted action. But it has less key resistance and a slightly springier release. Many players use semi-weighted actions. You may need a semi-weighted keyboard when you don’t need realistic piano response but at the same time you do not care for spring-loaded synth actions. We will have a look at them below.

Synth action keyboard is similar to an electronic organ. Its spring-loaded keys are light and capable to be moved quickly. They also can return ti their resting position more quickly.When you try to play very fat parts, for example, it can be a big advantage. If you want to add MIDI functionality to your setup but at the same time you are not a pianist — synth-action keys are perfect for you! For those who need an ultra-compact controller that slips into a small bag, some manufacturers offer the controller with synth-action mini keys.

Alternatives to the Standard Keyboard

Definition ‘keyboard’ does not always describe the standard controller that you are used to using. Did you know ‘keytar’ that is often used by musicians during their performances. This tool allows these musicians step out from behind their rigs and claim some glory too (not only guitar players should get this attention 🙂

The wind controller is another device that abandons the keyboard concept. It gives wind players access to MIDI sound modules and software.

For programming drumbeats producers and musicians use pad devices. They allow MIDI samples to be triggered at the tap of a pad.

FAQ

What is MIDI Monitor?

A free utility which is used by many programmers to test MIDI drivers and applications. It is compatible with Mac OS X. It is used to display MIDI signals in a variety of formats. Incoming and out going MIDI streams can be watchable. You can filter them by message type and channel. It is often used by musicians to track down confusing MIDI problems. So, you can see many of us can find MIDI Monitor handy for many-many purposes.

How does MIDI work?

There is a series of signals called bits in a MIDI transmission. These are binary digits which go through a MIDI cable or virtual MIDI port. Digital audio workstations and virtual instruments work with software programs. Software programs are connected with this data. Once the data reaches its destinations, the software interprets ii as a series of instructions. As a result it products a sound.

What should I do if MIDI doesn’t recognize my device?

To make your device recognizable follow the steps described below.

Open the Audio MIDI Setup utility. Find any greyed out MIDI devices. After doing so, highlight any greyed out MIDI devices. Remove them from the list pressing DELETE or BACKSPACE.

Try to reconnect your MIDI device until it appears in the window.

You should wait until it appears. As you can understand it should not be greyed out. If so, it works properly.

How do you know your midi device transmits data with MIDI monitor properly? How can I test it?

It is quite obvious that you have to download and install MIDI Monitor first.

Open MIDI Monitor.

Find and click on the Sources tab to view MIDI devices. Can you see your MIDI/USB in the list? If yes, it is ok.

When your MIDI device is in the list and connected, press any key on your keyboard to confirm each button or key is sending data to your computer.

If everything is working fine, you will see a message with some data.

But still if you have some problems with sending data, there may be some issues with hardware. In this case contact the hardware manufacture for solving the problems or support.

What is the difference between a MIDI controller and a virtual instrument? Or between hardware synthesizer?

Yes, there can be a real problem to differ the meanings used in today’s pro audio websites and journals.  MIDI is a lightweight protocol that is widely used everywhere. Our website will provide you with the clear differences between these things.

What is a MIDI controller? It doesn’t generate any sound even if some of them look like musical instruments. To receive and send data MIDI controllers are used including sending data to computers that host virtual instruments. Sure, MIDI controllers look different. You may see them as pedal board, drums or foot-switches.

What is a virtual instrument? This is a plug-in that exists only in the digital domain. With the help of some plug-ins you can get all different kinds of sounds. In the early 2000’s all music production went digital. The market for this type of software increased in popularity. Some synthesizers can be dropped into a DAW and almost immediately create jaw-dropping sounds.

What is hardware synthesizer? Using MIDI synthesizers generate sound to trigger musical notes and embellishments. You can get some synthesizers with keyboards. The other synthesizers come without keyboards — they are desktop sound modules. Here you have to send data to the sound module through your DAW or external MIDI Controller.

Happy Shopping!