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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3 Controller Keyboard
$1,169.00 - $1,299.00Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3 Controller Keyboard Meet your new creative command center. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 Mk3 isn't just another keyboard controller — it's the intelligent...12 Payments of $108.25
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk3 Controller Keyboard
$759.95 - $849.00Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk3 Controller Keyboard The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk3 isn’t just a MIDI controller — it’s your creative hub. With 61 semi-weighted keys and advanced NKS t...12 Payments of $70.75
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Arturia Keylab 61 MK3 Controller Keyboard
$539.95 - $599.00Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Controller Keyboard The Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 is a universal MIDI controller that seamlessly bridges the gap between software flexibility and hardware reliability. Redesigned from the ground...12 Payments of $49.92
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Roland AE-20 Aerophone Wind Instrument
$989.95 - $1,149.99Roland AE-20 Aerophone Wind Instrument The Roland AE-20 digital wind instrument takes the jaw-dropping playability and expressive control of top-tier models and packs it into a streamlined, travel-friendly design...12 Payments of $95.83
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Arturia Keylab 88 MK3 Controller Keyboard
$899.95 - $999.00Whether sculpting a studio masterpiece or channeling the raw energy of a live performance, KeyLab Mk3 88 is a MIDI controller designed to meet the demands of professional use at an affordable price. Featuring a full...12 Payments of $83.25
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Novation FLkey 49 49-Key Controller for FL Studio
$224.95 - $249.99The Novation FLkey 49 controller is just what you need to unlock the full potential of your creative genius. With its advanced design and powerful features, the FLkey 49 makes it easy to take control of your product...6 Payments of $41.67
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Novation Launchkey Mini 37 USB Keyboard Controller
$134.95 - $159.99Find inspiration anywhere with the Novation Launchkey Mini 37 – a portable, all-in-one DAW controller with three octaves of synth-action minikeys and 16 patented FSR pads for finger drumming, clip launching, and mor...6 Payments of $26.67
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Arturia MiniLAB 3 25 Key Keyboard Controller
$104.95 - $119.00<p>MiniLAB 3 is a compact MIDI keyboard & pad controller that lets users make music, right out the box. With a creative plug-and-play workflow, versatile assignable controls, 500 curated sounds from An...6 Payments of $19.83
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Novation Launchkey 25 MK4 USB Keyboard Controller
$169.95 - $189.99Add inspiration to your setup with the Novation Launchkey 25 – a compact, all-in-one DAW controller with two octaves of full-size, synth-action keys and 16 patented FSR pads for finger drumming, clip launching, and ...6 Payments of $31.67
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Akai Professional EWI5000 Wireless Electronic Wind Instrument
$799.95The Next-Generation Wind Instrument EWI5000, the latest addition to the EWI series, combines innovative instrument design, wireless connectivity, and a sound library by SONiVOX to create the most expressive and v...12 Payments of $66.66
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M-Audio Keystation 88 MK3 88-Key Controller
$269.95 - $299.00With Keystation 88 MK3, maximizing your creativity while minimizing the complication is easy! Start creating and performing music on your Mac or PC with the world’s best-selling 88 key keyboard controller: the Keyst...8 Payments of $37.38
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Nektar Impact LX Mini 25-Key USB MIDI Controller
$107.95 - $119.99Designed for real-time performance, the Impact LX Mini packs an extensive set of MIDI control, performance and production options into a highly portable package. At the core is an expressive mini-keybed with 25 velo...6 Payments of $20.00
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Controllers
MIDI Controllers
The best MIDI controller is the one that fits how you actually make music — not the one with the most features. Whether you trigger samples with pads, sketch ideas on keys, or need a hybrid that does both, you can find MIDI controllers from Akai, Arturia, Native Instruments, Novation, Korg, and more right here at American Musical Supply.
Keys, Pads, or Both — How to Think About Your Options
Most shoppers land on the wrong MIDI controller because they buy what looks impressive rather than what matches their workflow. A pad-heavy controller is ideal for producers who live in Ableton and rarely play melodic lines. A keyboard-centric controller is better for players who write and perform with both hands. A hybrid gives you range, but only if the keybed and pads are both high quality. A mediocre keybed on a hybrid controller is not a compromise worth making.
Compact Controllers: When Desk Space Is the Priority
Small doesn’t have to mean limited. The Akai MPK Mini IV packs 25 mini keys, 8 MPC-style pads, 8 assignable knobs, and a built-in arpeggiator into a unit that fits in a backpack. It’s one of the most popular MIDI controllers on the market for a reason: it’s genuinely useful for sketching ideas quickly, whether you’re in a home studio or working on a laptop away from your desk. If you want slightly more range without sacrificing portability, the 37-key Akai MPK Mini Plus adds full-size keys while keeping the same compact overall footprint.
Key Action: The Spec That Affects Every Session
Synth-action keys are light and fast, good for leads, bass lines, and producers who aren’t primarily piano players. Semi-weighted keys add resistance that makes sustained playing and chord work feel more deliberate and controlled. Fully weighted, hammer-action keys are for pianists who need their studio controller to feel like the instrument they practiced on.
The Arturia KeyLab 61 Mk3 and Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk3 both offer semi-weighted actions with aftertouch, landing in the sweet spot for players who want expressive control without full piano weight. The Kawai VPC1 takes the other end: a full 88-key wooden grand action in a dedicated MIDI controller, built specifically for pianists who refuse to compromise on feel.
Software Integration: More Than Just Plug-and-Play
A good MIDI controller does more than send notes. Modern controllers come with DAW integration scripts that give you hands-on control over parameters, plug-ins, and session navigation without manual MIDI mapping.
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 includes Analog Lab V (2,000+ sounds) and deep custom scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio out of the box. Novation's Launchkey 61 is purpose-built for Ableton, with dedicated clip launch and session view control that mirrors the software directly on the hardware. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S-Series connects to NKS-compatible instruments for instant preset browsing and parameter control directly from the controller.
Frequently Asked Questions About MIDI Controllers
Does a MIDI controller make sound on its own?
No. A MIDI controller sends performance data, not audio. Note messages, velocity, pitch bend, and modulation are transmitted to a connected device, whether that’s a software synthesizer in your DAW, a virtual instrument plug-in, or a hardware synthesizer, which produces the actual sound. Without a receiving device, a MIDI controller is silent.
Do I need a separate MIDI interface to use a MIDI controller?
In most cases, no. Modern MIDI controllers connect via USB directly to a Mac or PC, which handles both power and data. A separate MIDI interface is only necessary if you want to connect a controller to older hardware that uses 5-pin DIN MIDI ports. Several controllers, including the Novation 49 SL MK3, include a built-in 5-pin MIDI output for exactly this purpose.
What is MPE, and is it worth caring about?
MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) gives each individual note its own independent pitch, pressure, and slide data, making it possible to add vibrato, expressive dynamics, and tonal variation to notes independently rather than across the whole keyboard at once. It matters most for players who work with expressive virtual instruments designed to respond to those nuances. If you primarily program MIDI rather than perform live, MPE is not a priority.
Can I use a MIDI controller with a phone or tablet?
Yes, with the right adapter. Most USB MIDI controllers are class-compliant, meaning they connect to iOS and Android devices without additional drivers. You will typically need a USB-C or Lightning adapter, depending on your device. The Korg nanoKey Studio goes further, offering wireless Bluetooth MIDI that connects directly to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac without any cable at all.
Find the MIDI Controller That Fits Your Workflow
The right controller makes production feel natural and fast. The wrong one sits on the desk and gets ignored. That’s why AMS carries MIDI controllers for every style of working musician, and our team is available to help you choose if you’re not sure where to start. VERY fast and free shipping, 0% interest financing, a 12-month extended warranty, and a 45-day return window are standard on every order.
