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The fascinating world of the master keyboard: the best brands and models available on the market

986 Views Posted on: July 6th 2023
 

10 min read

The master keyboard is an essential electronic musical instrument for any musician or producer looking to control their virtual instruments and record their music with precision and ease. There is a wide range of master keyboards available on the market, offering various features and specifications to meet the needs of each user. In this article, we will explore some of the best master keyboards available for purchase from leading brands such as Arturia, Novation, M-Audio, Akai, Native Instruments, Alesis, and Korg.

The essential features of a master keyboard

Before delving into the various models of master keyboards, it is useful to know the main features you should look for when making your purchase:

  • Keys: The size of the keyboard is a crucial factor, ranging from 25 to 88 keys depending on your needs and skill level.
  • MIDI and USB: MIDI and USB connectivity allows the master keyboard to easily connect to your computer and virtual instruments.
  • Additional features: Buttons, faders, pads, and other controls may be present on the master keyboard to facilitate control over your instruments and effects.
  • Keyboard expressiveness: The keyboard offers excellent expressiveness thanks to its hammer action, which faithfully reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano.
  • Navigation software: The navigation software allows users to easily navigate between different sounds and settings on the keyboard.
  • Light guide technology: With the built-in light guide, it is possible to follow in real-time the notes played on the keyboard.
  • Price: There are master keyboards available for every budget, from entry-level models to high-end professional models.

A suite of music production software for limitless creativity

The master keyboard comes with a suite of music production software that allows users to create professional-quality tracks. This suite includes:

  • Virtual instruments: Virtual instruments offer a wide range of sounds and faithfully reproduce the tones of many acoustic instruments.
  • Audio effects: Built-in audio effects allow real-time sound modulation and processing to create unique soundscapes.
  • A sequencer: The integrated sequencer allows for easy composition and arrangement of tracks.

Total control over production with the integrated transport controller

It also features an integrated transport controller, which allows users to control essential functions of the music production software suite directly from the keyboard. Users can play, stop, or record tracks without needing to touch the computer.

Ergonomics designed for musicians

The ergonomics have been designed to offer musicians optimal playing comfort. Among the elements that contribute to this ergonomics, we can mention:

  • Compact design: The keyboard has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and install in any workspace.
  • Intuitive controls: The keyboard controls are arranged intuitively, allowing users to quickly adjust settings while playing.
  • Cable management system: The integrated cable management system helps maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Durable for long-term use

A master keyboard must be durable and withstand intensive use. It is equipped with sturdy keys and a solid construction, ensuring exceptional longevity. Here is a list of the most popular ones on the market:

Arturia KeyStep and KeyLab

KeyStep

The Arturia KeyStep is a compact and versatile master keyboard, featuring 32 velocity-sensitive and aftertouch-sensitive keys. It has MIDI and USB connectivity, as well as a built-in sequencer, making it ideal for musicians on the go or those with limited space.

The KeyStep is also very affordable, making it an excellent option for beginners or producers with a limited budget. It is available in white but also in limited edition black series. A KeyStep Pro version is also available.

KeyLab

The Arturia KeyLab is a series of larger and more comprehensive master keyboards, available in white and in 49, 61, and 88-key versions. Each model in the KeyLab range offers a multitude of controls, such as faders, rotary knobs, and pads, allowing for precise control of your virtual instruments.

MIDI and USB connectivity are also present, and KeyLab keyboards come with Arturia's Analog Lab software, offering a wide selection of synthesizer and piano sounds. The Minilab Mk II, in particular, is ideal for musicians on the go who are looking for an efficient and compact controller.

Akai MPK

The Akai MPK master keyboards are known for their sturdy construction and numerous features. The MPK range includes 25, 49, and 61-key models, all featuring velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys, as well as iconic Akai MPC pads for sample launching or rhythm programming. The MPK keyboards also offer MIDI and USB connectivity and come with a software suite including Hybrid 3 and SONiVOX Twist.

Alesis

Alesis offers excellent sound quality and great versatility. For example, the Alesis VI61 features 61 semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys, assignable buttons, and backlit drum pads. It allows musicians to control and express their creativity in various genres of music.

Korg

The Korg Kronos LS is a must-have choice for professional musicians. Equipped with an 88-key wooden keyboard with natural hammer action, providing an authentic playing experience and precise response. It also features over 9GB of built-in sounds, covering a wide range of acoustic and electronic instruments, as well as advanced synthesis technology for creating custom sounds.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol

The Komplete Kontrol master keyboards from Native Instruments have been designed to seamlessly integrate with the brand's virtual instruments and effects, but they also work well with any other compatible software. The models in the Kontrol S-Series Mk3 range range from 49 to 88 keys, and offer controls such as rotary knobs and touch strips to modulate your sounds in real time.

MIDI and USB connectivity is also present, and each Komplete Kontrol keyboard comes with a selection of software, including Kontakt, Massive, and Monark. Many promotions are also available on the Native Instruments website.

The 88-key keyboards provide a piano-like touch, with polyphonic aftertouch. Each model in the range is black in color, with a limited edition in ultraviolet.

Novation Launchkey

The Novation Launchkey series is specially designed for Ableton Live users, one of the most popular sequencers on the market.

Available in 25, 49, 61, and 88-key versions, Launchkey keyboards incorporate launch pads, faders, and transport buttons for easy control of your Ableton session.

The Launchkey keyboards are also MIDI and USB compatible, and include a software suite including Addictive Keys and Klevgrand R0verb.

Roland A-88MKII

The Roland A-88MKII is a solid choice for musicians and producers looking for a simple and efficient master keyboard. With its 88-key Ivory Feel keyboard, it offers a realistic playing feel, immediate response, and great expressiveness.

The keyboard is also equipped with programmable buttons, drum pads, and faders, providing precise control over music production. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of music production software, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, and Cubase.

Yamaha MODX8

The MODX8 is a popular choice for musicians looking for a wide variety of built-in sounds. With its hammer-action keyboard, it provides a realistic playing experience and great expressiveness. The MODX8 features Yamaha's FM-X Synthesis technology, which allows users to create complex and unique sounds. The keyboard also comes with a wide range of built-in sounds, including pianos, organs, strings, brass, and synthesizers.

M-Audio Oxygen

The M-Audio Oxygen master keyboards are also very popular among musicians and producers. They offer a wide range of features, including velocity-sensitive keys, similar to a classic piano keyboard, assignable control buttons, drum pads, and pitch and modulation wheels.

Oxygen is also compatible with a wide variety of music production software, making it ideal for use in the studio or live. Furthermore, its compact design and intuitive user interface make it a popular choice for beginner musicians or those looking for a quality MIDI keyboard at an affordable price.

In conclusion: a profitable investment for musicians

The choice of a master keyboard will depend on your specific needs in terms of size, features, and budget. Brands like Arturia, Akai, Alesis, Native Instruments, Novation, and Korg offer a wide range of models to meet the requirements of every musician or producer, often with many promotions. Don't hesitate to try out different master keyboards and ask for advice in stores or at professional trade shows to find the one that best suits your expectations and playing style. On our platform Green Musicians, each keyboard can be shipped by GLS, Chronopost to a pick-up point, directly to your home, or to a nearby music store.

And Voilà! We hope this article has answered all your questions.
All that's left for you to do is browse Green Musicians to find the perfect second-hand equipment at the best internet price. If you can't find it, no problem, you can create an alert and we'll search for it for you!

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Please note that if you can't find the ideal second-hand instrument on Green Musicians, we offer a huge selection of downloadable music software and plugins that allow you to transform your sound by reproducing the famous mythical sound you desire so much, very realistically!


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