Apple Logic Pro – £175, with 90 day free trial.

FL Studio– From £85, with free trial version.Ableton Live 11 Suite – Around £539, with free 90 day trial.We’ve listed a few popular options below: This allows you to record MIDI notes from a connected keyboard or controller, and you can combine these MIDI performances with audio from a microphone, or audio files on your computer. If you want to get the best from a MIDI keyboard, and you’re keen to get into recording and producing your own music, you’ll need DAW software. READ NEXT: The best MIDI keyboards to buy What software do I need? MIDI keyboards are not standalone digital pianos they don’t have speakers and they won’t work on their own. The key word in all this is “controller”. They are sometimes also kitted out with various buttons, knobs, sliders and drum pads to control sounds and effects. These can be used in tandem with a computer and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to record and edit your performances, and allow you to transform your keyboard into a vast range of acoustic and electrical instruments using virtual instruments.Īs with other keyboards, MIDI controllers can be full size keyboards with 88 weighted keys, or much smaller controllers (sometimes even just one octave long) with semi-weighted or unweighted keys. If you’re into music production, then you’ll likely want a MIDI keyboard or keyboard controller. You can also buy digital pianos with 76, 61 and even 49 keys. READ NEXT: The best rechargeable batteries to buy What size keyboard do I need?Ī standard piano is 88 keys (seven octaves), but you might not necessarily need a full-size keyboard – particularly if you’re just starting out.

Cheaper keyboards might not have the full 88 keys, nor will they feel like you’re playing on a real piano, but they’re a good option if you’re just looking to play around and have some fun – they’re usually more portable too. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner or you’re dealing with a tight budget, you might not want to make such an investment.

Vintage casio 88 key weighted keyboard