MIDI controllers are essential tools for music production, allowing you to control various software instruments and effects with physical knobs and buttons.
When it comes to using FL Studio, having a MIDI controller can greatly enhance your workflow and creativity.
But with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
The best MIDI controller for FL Studio will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Some factors to consider when making a purchase include the number of keys, the type of pads, the layout of knobs and faders, and the overall build quality.
Additionally, compatibility with FL Studio and ease of setup and use are crucial.
At Burton, we spent hours researching and testing various MIDI controllers to identify the best ones for FL Studio users.
In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide insights into what makes them stand out.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional producer, we’ve got you covered with the best options on the market.
Best MIDI Controllers for FL Studio
We know that finding the right MIDI controller for FL Studio can be a daunting task.
With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best MIDI controllers for FL Studio.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, our roundup includes options that will help you take your music production to the next level.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect MIDI controller for you.
Novation FLkey Mini Compact MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio 25 Mini Keys
If you’re looking for a compact MIDI keyboard that’s perfect for FL Studio, the Novation FLkey Mini is a great choice.
Pros
- Seamless Integration with FL Studio: The essential controls are at your fingertips, making it easy to produce music with this MIDI keyboard.
- Mixer Control: The eight knobs allow you to adjust volume and pan, giving you more control over your mix.
- Step Sequencer: Take control of FL Studio’s step sequencer and program drums easily.
Cons
- Limited Key Range: The 25-mini-key keyboard may not be suitable for those who need a wider range of notes.
- No Aftertouch: The keyboard doesn’t have aftertouch, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
- Limited Control: While the keyboard offers essential controls, it doesn’t offer as many controls as some other MIDI keyboards on the market.
The Novation FLkey Mini is a great choice for those who need a compact MIDI keyboard for FL Studio. It offers seamless integration with FL Studio, making it easy to produce music.
The mixer control allows you to adjust volume and pan, giving you more control over your mix. The step sequencer is also a great feature, allowing you to program drums easily.
However, the keyboard does have some limitations. The 25-mini-key range may not be suitable for those who need a wider range of notes.
Additionally, the keyboard doesn’t have aftertouch, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Finally, while the keyboard offers essential controls, it doesn’t offer as many controls as some other MIDI keyboards on the market.
Overall, the Novation FLkey Mini is a great choice for those who need a compact MIDI keyboard for FL Studio.
It offers essential controls and seamless integration with FL Studio, making it easy to produce music.
AKAI Professional Fire
If you’re an FL Studio producer, the AKAI Professional Fire is a must-have tool that can enhance your workflow and music-creating experience.
With its seamless plug-and-play integration, the AKAI Professional Fire is a dedicated hardware controller that allows you to get hands-on with the immersive performance capability of FL Studio.
Pros
- The AKAI Professional Fire is a high-performance tool that features a 4 x 16 pad matrix with radiant RGB backlighting and a graphical OLED display, making it perfect for studio and live performance scenarios alike.
- With its 64 velocity-sensitive RGB pads, the AKAI Professional Fire allows you to quickly input patterns on the step sequencer or switch up to performance mode to play and record notes and launch your patterns using the velocity-sensitive RGB pads for maximum expressive capability.
- The AKAI Professional Fire includes 4 banks of assignable touch-capacitive MIDI knobs/encoders that provide ultimate control over channel, mixer, and custom user-assignable mappings.
Cons
- The pads on the AKAI Professional Fire are not velocity sensitive, which can be a drawback for some users.
- The AKAI Professional Fire can take some time to get used to, particularly if you’re new to FL Studio or hardware controllers in general.
- Some users have reported that the AKAI Professional Fire can be a bit buggy at times, particularly when it comes to its integration with FL Studio.
Overall, the AKAI Professional Fire is a great tool for FL Studio producers who are looking to take their workflow to the next level.
With its seamless integration, intuitive controls, and high-performance capabilities, the AKAI Professional Fire is definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a MIDI controller for FL Studio.
Novation FLkey 37 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio 37 Keys
If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard controller that can help you produce music easily with essential controls at your fingertips, the Novation FLkey 37 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio 37 Keys is a great option.
Pros
- Seamless Integration with FL Studio: The Novation FLkey 37 MIDI Keyboard is designed to work seamlessly with FL Studio, making it easy to control the software’s sequencer, channel rack, mixer, and more.
- Mixer and Channel Rack Control: With eight knobs, you can adjust volume and pan, tweak your volumes or pans, and record automation on the fly.
- Step Sequencer: Take control of FL Studio’s step sequencer and program drums easily.
Cons
- Small Keys: The keys on the Novation FLkey 37 MIDI Keyboard are smaller than those on some other MIDI controllers, which may be a downside for some users.
- Limited Number of Keys: With only 37 keys, this MIDI keyboard may not be suitable for more advanced users who require a larger range of notes.
- Price: The Novation FLkey 37 MIDI Keyboard is priced higher than some other MIDI controllers on the market, which may be a downside for users on a budget.
Overall, we recommend the Novation FLkey 37 MIDI Keyboard for FL Studio 37 Keys for producers who are looking for a MIDI keyboard that can help them produce music easily with essential controls at their fingertips.
The seamless integration with FL Studio, mixer and channel rack control, and step sequencer make it a great option for beginners and intermediate users alike.
However, the small keys, limited number of keys, and higher price point may be downsides for some users.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile MIDI controller for FL Studio, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys are perfect for creating melodies and basslines, and the 4-way joystick allows for dynamic pitch and modulation control.
- The 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style pads with Note Repeat and Full Level make it easy to program drums, trigger samples, and control virtual instruments and DAW parameters.
- With 8 360-degree knobs that can be assigned to any plugin parameter, you’ll have complete control over your virtual instruments and effects.
Cons
- The mini keys may take some getting used to if you’re used to playing on full-sized keys.
- The drum pads may lack sensitivity, requiring you to press harder or activate the Full Level button.
- The included software may not be suitable for advanced users who already have their own preferred DAW and plugins.
Overall, the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 is a powerful and portable MIDI controller that offers a lot of features for its size.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this controller can help you take your FL Studio productions to the next level.
Buying Guide
When selecting a MIDI controller for FL Studio, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product that meets your needs. Here are some of the essential features to look for:
Key Features
Number of Keys
The number of keys is an important consideration when selecting a MIDI controller. If you’re a beginner, a 25-key controller may be sufficient, but if you’re a professional, you may need a controller with 61 or more keys.
Pads
Pads are essential for triggering samples and loops in FL Studio. Look for a controller with responsive pads that allow you to play drums, percussion, and other sounds with ease.
Faders and Knobs
Faders and knobs are essential for controlling parameters in FL Studio. Look for a controller with assignable faders and knobs that allow you to tweak your sounds and effects in real-time.
Connectivity
USB
Most MIDI controllers connect to your computer via USB. Look for a controller with a USB port that’s compatible with your computer’s operating system.
MIDI
If you have other MIDI devices, you may want to look for a controller with MIDI ports that allow you to connect to other devices in your studio.
Software Compatibility
Make sure the MIDI controller you choose is compatible with FL Studio.
Check the manufacturer’s website to ensure that the controller comes with drivers and software that work with your version of FL Studio.
Portability
If you plan to take your MIDI controller on the road, look for a lightweight and compact controller that’s easy to transport.
In summary, when selecting a MIDI controller for FL Studio, consider the number of keys, pads, faders, and knobs, connectivity, software compatibility, and portability.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best MIDI controller that meets your needs and helps you take your music production to the next level.
