Best Budget MIDI Controllers for GarageBand

What is the best budget MIDI controller for GarageBand?
That's a question I get asked a lot. Like, a LOT.
I've put this list together to help answer that question as well as give those on the lookout for a brand spanking new interface an idea of what these budget beasts are capable of.
--TIMESTAMPS--
M-Audio Keystation Mini: 0:33
Akai MPK Mini: 02:31
ROLI Lightpad Block: 05:19
iRig Keys Pro: 07:51
Alesis V25: 09:48
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Learn more about the Controllers and Keyboards featured in this video here: kit.co/TheGarageBandGuide/bes...
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#Bestbudgetmidicontrollergarageband #BestbudgetMidikeyboard #bestmidicontrollerunder100

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Learn more about the Controllers and Keyboards featured in this video here: kit.co/TheGarageBandGuide/best-budget-midi-keyboards-and-controllers

[@brutalgamez2758]

Does any of them have after touch in the keys ?

[@user-pk4sd9dd2w]

great vid! I want a 49 full size semi-weighted keys, easily useable with all the most common daws. I'm not planning to use for live performance, rather production/songwriting. Solid build quality and key action most important for me. Which would be your top choice? thanks!

[@SquizbarDeAlienOfficial]

As an Ableton producer I’m actually ashamed to tell people I make the majority of my music ideas on GarageBand. Thanks to people like you that feeling is getting less because the sound quality is so much better after finding your channel. Thank you so much for your videos, they have helped my music production journey more fun. Keep up the good work. 🤘👽🤘 Squizbar

[@thomcalhoun6949]

Hey, Patrick. Very informative. I like the overhead shots on the orange tabletop. Very clean. Very crisp. I have a Roland Fantom X8. It's a bit of overkill... But I know it, front to back, so... Thanks for all you do! 😊

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Cheers Thom, I'm glad you enjoy the setup! Sounds like a serious price of kit!

[@osagie2]

I own the i Rig Key PRO !and Being a traditional Songwriter,I find it works just Great for me !!! By the way !! Here's wishing You a great 2020 Patrick !! Regards from Switzerland !!

[@l_a5091]

VERY topical for me right now. Thanks for this vid!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Thanks for watching! 🙏👍

[@ralis]

Love your voice and delivery!

[@deepgravity]

Very helpful to people in Australia that are looking for a MIDI keyboard to operate with IOS. As most of the time, budget normally means someone with a disposable income. I was pleased to see the first option started in Australia at $99. Thanks very much!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Nice! Good to see you guys don’t necessarily always have to pay more. 👍

[@coversongsonkeyboards]

Wow so much information in just few minutes this is cool , i like it

[@JamieMallender]

Thanks for this vid! I have a really big key station in the studio. Looking for something I can throw in a bag. I fancy the MPK Mini but am dubious about the stick getting damaged in the bag.

[@jamesorrell7462]

One controller that I would recommend that is not on this list in the Arturia Keystep. You can get them for around £100 used and they are fantastic. It comes with velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch which is an underrated feature missing from most budget controllers.100% would recommend.

[@natestarot]

I am new to Garageband. I am very much enjoying your channel!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Amazing! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@Fecho33]

Hi, super cool video, i wonder if the knobs on the akai mpk min or the arturia mini lab are already mapped to any function and if its practical to use... also you said the pads are already maped in a fixed way i would love to see how this works... it seems its better to get only a keybed controler for the GB

[@seanohaimheirgin1047]

Thank you Patrick, I don't suppose you know of any good midi controllers which just have sliders and/or buttons?

[@clearlyepic9958]

Big Fat Sausage Fingers!.... you and me both Brother!😂. Thanks for posting this one Patrick... it’s got me thinking for sure! Steve

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Ha ha! We’re cursed man! 😂🖐🏼

[@58frogs]

Top quality video again Patrick! I use the Akai MPK in my “lounge studio” when I just want to throw down some ideas, though I have written entire tracks on it. Shame the knobs aren’t assignable - given GB must be one of, if not the most popular budget DAW out there, you would think they’d cater for it better with hardware. I also have the Roli Lightblock and although I found it a novel way of playing at first, it quickly found it’s place in my box of redundant kit (that I’ll never throw away of course - just in case!) Keep up the great work!!

[@wolfetteplays8894]

Not to mention garage band on iOS is also missing automation tracks for panning and filter levels. Which is kinda crippling in a way.

[@marchaney]

I recently upgraded to a new iMac, putting my eMac into semi-retirement (along with the iLife suite that came with it so l-o-n-g ago!), and I chose the Alesis V25 as my controller. I am very pleased with it. I am primarily a guitar player so there's plenty to learn and keep me busy with this keyboard. Thanks for the continued source of usable and reliable information.

[@tranmplinh]

Hi Marc! I'm also interested in getting the Alesis V25, but I heard a lot of feedback regarding its drum pad issue- that it might make double sound when you only click once. Did you experience any issues? Also Patrick in the video said the buttons above the pads aren't assignable in GarageBand? Is it really the case?

[@johnclarke4701]

@@tranmplinh The real problem is that Apple does not give any info about MIDI controller info. You can use the Alesis V25 Editor app to change the settings in the keyboard, but it is by trial and error. Also GB listens to all Midi channels so it does no good setting competing controls to different channels (as I would like to set the four switches to different uses to select different instruments, tracks, etc.) without worrying about conflicts popping up. Other DAW including GB's big brother do let you fine tune such settings to your needs. So the KB is good for inputs but if you want different performance you'll need to choose another DAW.

[@alessandrosimonini2345]

Thanks a lot or sahring this? Can it be used without connecting it to effects or sofwtare? Which and how many bass effects does it havr as it is?

[@KashMoneyKhan07]

Hey so I have a question about the Lightpad Block and was wondering if you know the answer. Do you know if there’s a way to put soundpacks from the NOISE app onto GarageBand on the Mac?

[@AntonioRodriguez-iu1zy]

Can I play with my iPhone XS Max? Amazing information. Thanks.

[@eo7994]

Hey, thanks for the video! I was planning to buy Arturia mini mk2 but I can’t see it here in your list of midis. Is it worth buying in for iPad Pro? Planning to use it on a go with tracks looping. Thanks!

[@linorow2835]

Hi Patrick, nice vid. I got a question tho: Do you think iPad 6th gen, could work with an Alesis V49? A Lightning to USB Camera Adapter could make the trick? Thanks maaan!

[@bestrickie2]

Hello, How are you? Thanks for your videos. I already own a good iRig keyboard for use with GarageBand iOS. Does the Aki keyboard 25 note on board dials allow use when tweaking volumes, panning and other parameters when performing a final mix of projects?

[@ken7neth]

MPK mini all the way for me 👍🏼

[@NiseG-ko4ni]

Does the Novation Launchkeypad mini work with Garageband?

[@Houston1906]

Do all of the drum pads on the MPK Mini work with GarageBand drum kits?

[@D00FY98]

Great video I’m looking to get my first midi controller. You said that the mpk mini pads weren’t programmable in garage band out of the box. Is it possible to program them at all though garage band?

[@pandacocoa]

With the Irig if I eventually want to use it with FL studio on a pc can I do that?

[@codyjones9518]

Which one is the best to actually learn the letter notes by trial and error practice in garageband screen?

[@cfov]

I use the Arturia Keystep because it has the addition of an arpeggiator and sequencer!

[@lordalmight9727]

How did you get Aturia to work with iPad??😅😢

[@noodles830]

Can you do a review on the Alesis VMini

[@ItsCottonie]

I’m thinking of getting the akai mpk mini, does anyone have any problems with it working with catalina?

[@_Doom_20]

How do you fix latency issues with the iPad? I have an iPad Pro and the Alesia v49 and notice just a little bit of latency

[@HeartCrash999]

I bought the Akai Pro lpk25

[@simplyviki]

how is Alesis v25 compared to novation launchkey mini ?

[@mrbarr63]

Does anyone know how to use the MPK mini knobs to control Garageband internal synths knobs play stop volume up/down?

[@KuroMicra]

Hi. Loving your channel. New to iOS music am looking to invest in a MIDI controller for use with iOS. What kind of cabling/adaptors are required to enable out of the box set up? Thanks in advance.

[@JackBaker-fi4vu]

What do you connect the v25 to the iPad with?

[@dafingaz]

Nice! I’m using the iRig Keys I/O 25. 👌🏾

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Also a great choice! 🤘🎹

[@dafingaz]

TheGarageBandGuide yeah. Thanks for these videos!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

@@dafingaz Thank YOU. You always watch and always have something interesting to comment - I really appreciate it 🙏

[@dafingaz]

@@TheGaragebandGuide You're welcome. I always got more to learn. LOL....

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

@@dafingaz I don't know about that! I heard (and voted for) your entry to The Beat Community's chop and paste challenge... I think you could teach me a thing or two! 🔥

[@derwin93]

Hi Patrick hope your well ? Was just wondering if you could recommend a solid midi controller with trigger pads my budget is about £200 / £250 I have a MacBook Air which is type c not usb that would be plug and play thanks in advance also it would need to compatible with Logic Pro x as I’m upgrading from GarageBand not sure if that is relevant cheers

[@rrssss6410]

Hey patrick , i tried to use the Knobs and the Switches and they are without avail in garageband for mac !!!

[@sebaszwarc6028]

I wish to know what keyboards can connect to iPad by bluetooth instead of buying Camera Kit, is it still sold in 2021?

[@JosueMartinez-wd3yu]

Does anyone know if Garageband Live Loops support Launchpad X. Wanted to find out so as to use it with my I phone.

[@tranmplinh]

Hi Patrick! I'm also interested in getting the Alesis V25, but I heard a lot of feedback regarding its drum pad issue- that it might make double sound when you only click once. Did you experience any issues? Also you said in the video that the buttons above the pads aren't assignable in GarageBand? Is it really the case? So they can't be used for anything if plugged into GarageBand? :(

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

I haven’t has any triggering issues with the pads so far. The pads will trigger sounds in GarageBand, you just can’t re map them to trigger specific sounds.

[@MikeDamone]

New Subscriber here. I can't stop binge watching your videos. As someone new to Garageband and slowly educating myself on how this all works my question is... Do some Midi Controllers play nicer than others when working with Garageband? I'm overwhelmed at all the different options for a 49 Key Midi Controller with pads and don't want to buy something that doesn't work with Garageband. The simpler the setup the better for me as I'm just getting started.

[@cavabertcavabert6147]

Iris key

[@cavabertcavabert6147]

Irig key je pense tu prend pas de risque. Compatibilité max !!! En plus c’est de la qualité. Et je rajoute qu’il a en plus des autres une sortie midi jack/broches et usb midi.

[@CTzem]

Where can i buy the roli one?

[@blackbusiness7]

Great video. Very informative! Which is better; the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 or the AKAI Professional APC Key 25 to control ableton for a beginner noob? Do they do the same thing? What is the difference?

[@marshall100w6]

Thanks for the video. One question, do you know if the Arturia minilab runs in iPad GarageBand? Thank you.

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Thanks for watching! Yes, you can use the mini lab with your iPad and GarageBand. More info here: www.arturia.com/faq/minilabmkii/minilab-mkii-general-questions

[@marshall100w6]

@@TheGaragebandGuide Thank you.

[@FreastRider7]

so we can't use the drum pads at all in Garageband....? Is there any way through which we can use pads to make beats....?

[@johnwillard6198]

I’m a beginner, just bought my first laptop - MacBook Pro, and I’m wondering which MIDI is going to be most compatible and not too complicated for garage band keep in mind I’m brand new at All of this. Thank you so much

[@phayik]

asking myself the same but I don't feel like I got an answer...

[@phayik]

but it helped a lot though

[@cavabertcavabert6147]

@@phayik irig key…

[@anthonyskellern5970]

Very helpful and informative guide - sorry it took me a month to find it - I bought a controller for GB just last week! Anyway, I am glad to find out it is on Patrick's short list; the M-Audio KeyStation Mini 32 - which I love! It replaces my Akai LPK25 - I never liked the rubbery keys, and though I am not a keyboard player myself, 25 keys is pretty limiting even for my step time bass parts and 3 finger chords. The action on the M-Audio feels much nicer - I have small hands anyway so the mini keys are fine for me. For less than £50 this is a quality item. Big thank you to Patrick for his contribution and services to Musicians on Garage Band!

[@patrickking8861]

Hi Patrick. Potentially dumb question but here goes as I don't see this directly answered anywhere. So I know the minilab works with GarageBand on an iPad if connected through a midi interface like for my plan a waldorf streichfett. My question is does the Waldorf have to be connected directly to the iPad (camera adapter) or can I put the sound from that through some eurorack modules first which then enters the iPad through the camera adapter?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

It’ll depend on whether your eurorack modules are class compliant or not and how much power they need to run.

[@sandyturner1911]

I have an Alesis VI25, but i am a guitar player looking for something smaller, that will pair with Mac Garageband, for controlling recording, and drums. Thanks for the info.

[@sandyturner1911]

@@esketit4718 Is the Alesis good? Yes. The keys feel really good, and it plugs in and plays, with the Garageband.. I just have to figure out how to map it. The Instructions are almost useless, in how to use the Editior. I'm sure there's probably a KZbin video for that, too. lol! I got a IK and sent it back..the software was iffy, for me. It did map to the Garageband moog type keyboards, but it jst wan't worth th money, without the software.

[@LoveGuitar63277]

Exactly! I want to control recording functions in GB, Protools, etc. Guess we have to keep looking.

[@Houston1906]

Do all of the drum pads work with GarageBand drum kits?

[@sandyturner1911]

@@Houston1906 It's hard to map it. But I guess so. I haven't really been using it. I have totally changed everything, and got some new stuff. I'll be looking into that, soon. I'll let you know.

[@catashtrophe0]

What do people mean by that they cannot midi map with akai mpk and GarageBand?/ you meant when you can’t program? Does this mean I cannot assign samples to each pad?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Exactly

[@adrosorbot1267]

hi do any of these keyboard has any advantage over the other when it comes to controlling Garageband. ?

[@billjon2732]

I use a irig keys 2 which is made of Mac and iOS devices and can still be used with pc and the price isn’t too bad.

[@darrenbrown8877]

I love my Irig

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Nice! What model iRig do you use?

[@zaytura_]

Do these work on GarageBand Mac too or just GarageBand ios?

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

They all work on both. 👍

[@dizzyguy7423]

TheGarageBandGuide how do all of the knobs work on GarageBand with the akai mpk mini?

[@willb8096]

Is 25 keys enough or will i need 49. Thats something I’ve been struggling with, any reccomendations? I like the features like the modulation and pitch features and the apegirators these midi keyboards give and I’m thinking will my Korg M50 do this. It’s a full-size 88 key keyboard which I could plug into an audio interface or would I need one of these midi keyboards to get those features? Thankyou

[@johnclarke4701]

I got the Alesis because I wanted a KB that I could rest on my lap. My Roland and Yamaha KBs were too heavy and in my cramped (really tiny) setting, they got in the way more than they were useful. Since I planned on writing multi instrumental music one instrument at a time, I don't have a problem. If you were wanting to perform, you might make a different choice.

[@willb8096]

John Clarke good choice, do you find 25 keys does you fine or would you recommend going slightly bigger to 49 keys, or does the alesis do the job just fine.

[@iperTONYco]

i would like to buy akai mpk mini to use it with garageband . are the knobs already mapped? thanks

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

No, you can’t map them to controls in GarageBand either.

[@iperTONYco]

@@TheGaragebandGuide ok but do they work? I mean if i turn the knobs does It effect on the sound of synth?

[@Aviinash26]

Can I use these all with my iPad 6th gen

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

AVINASH music factory for sure 👍

[@Aviinash26]

TheGarageBandGuide ; thank you 😊👍

[@adrosorbot1267]

hi can you use this with the ipad pro 2020

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Absolutely, though you’d need a USB to USB C adapter

[@adrosorbot1267]

@@TheGaragebandGuide cool, i am thinking to get the akai mini mk3. do you have instagram, then i might learn some tips from there.

[@billjon2732]

Mpk mini 2 model is very popular so you would think they would make sure all there software works with computers today and that there keys were a little better lol. Don’t pay full price for it cause the bundled software doesn’t work. Go with Arturia, it’s cheaper with better quality and all the software is good, up to date and works. Or go won’t a Irig keys 2 or novation. There is no reason to get a mpk mini in 2020.

[@vikasvikkyy]

Could you suggest which one is good for an Ipad, similar functionalities like MPK ?

[@christophkotter7406]

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