The Arturia KeyStep Pro (opens in new tab) is also an excellent compact controller which can connect simultaneously to DAWs, hardware synths and even modular gear. Put simply, it has everything you’ll need: decent quality keys, endless rotary knobs, and eight sought-after MPC-style pads for creating beats. Next up, we also recommend the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 (opens in new tab). It has instant support for Ableton Live, and handy creative tools like an arpeggiator and chord memory function. In the compact corner, because of the sheer number of features crammed into such a light, small footprint, our first recommendation is the Novation LaunchKey Mini Mk3 (opens in new tab).

MIDI controller keyboards tend to fall into size categories: compact, portable devices with 25 keys larger, desk-based options with 49 or more keys and then 88-note keyboards aimed at ‘pro’ players. If you need more guidance, head to the buying advice section at the bottom of the page. Our price comparison widgets have found the best deals online right now, too. Next up, we detail our top MIDI keyboard picks, after which we have more in-depth reviews of each of the models in our buyer’s guide to help you find the right one. And if you are a trained keyboard player, you might want to consider an 88-note model with weighted keys – we have also included some of these in our guide. It might well be a little more rugged, too something to consider if you want to take it on the road. You can get a perfectly decent cheap MIDI keyboard for way less than $/£100 if you shop around, but up your spend even slightly and you'll get your hands on a higher quality model with more features and higher specs.

Many of the best MIDI keyboards also come with mapping templates for the most popular DAWs - Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, etc - making it easy to get up and running and start producing music right out of the box. And talking of software, most MIDI keyboards include good value software bundles, and we have listed the highlights with each keyboard. Most options we recommend here also come with additional features such as knobs, pads, buttons and faders to boost creativity and give you even more control over your software. You can opt for a compact, portable MIDI keyboard that fits comfortably in a laptop bag, or you can go all-in with a full-size 88-note model with weighted hammer-action keys. There are plenty of models to choose from. They are mostly used to let you play and record with your DAW's software instruments and any VST synth plugins you might have installed. They can be plugged directly into your computer or laptop via USB - or, in some cases, operate wirelessly over Bluetooth or connect to iOS devices to control apps. Players who like the original style effect but can’t commit to a spot on their board might find space for this one, as it brings a lot more modern functionality to the table (or board) that’s practical, and musical to dig into the low ranges while maintaining clarity.MIDI controller keyboards not only enable you to play and record tunes into your computer, they also let you control software - and in some cases, other studio hardware - so have become one of the most essential items for the modern music producer. It’s a great application considering its size, and ease of use. So, users who might want to do some looping, this is great way to put down a bass track, or even lower frequency, to layer or play over. It works equally well on bass and acoustic guitars, with again, excellent tracking results.

What this means is, playing Prince-esque funk bits on the high E and B strings come through un-affected, but shift to a low end run on the Low E, and the octaves (both up and down) kick in. At the 9:00 position it only engages when lower frequencies are played. No surprise that chordal work tends to be far superior, and in this mode, the -2 range control now flips to control the level of the -1 octave control. Switching into polyphonic mode things clean up quite a bit, and the tracking is far more refined. Simple two-note chords do work OK in this mode, but as notes ring and resonate, they tend to get a bit glitchy, but in a good kind of way. Add in the octave up function, and now it provides a gritty, faux-organ (forgan?) type effect. It’s not a negative aspect but knowing where (and how) to adjust a normal playing style to get the most out of the pedal really enhances its use.

Our reviewer has had a couple of Boss OC-2 pedals on his board in the past, so the vintage mode brought flashbacks of the original, with the inconsistencies and glitching that made using it a talent unto itself.

Best octave pedal