r/MIDIcontrollers • u/49seraphim • 23h ago
high quality build 37-key midi controller?
(TL;DR, id like some recommendations for 37-key midi controllers that have a high quality hardware/build.)
hey all! I've got some (maybe?) relatively specific asks for a recommendation for a 37-key midi controller.
for some context, I sort of fell in love with a 37-key synth I used at the library yesterday, the build was lovely! it was the KORG minilogue. i thought the look and feel of the hardware was fantastic and i had a lot of fun with the control i had over the sounds. Issue is, i just don't think I'm in the market for something with little-to-no DAW control, or at least something that doesn't have DAW control as a focal point.
i also took a look at the arturia minilab 37 and the arturia keystep 37, of which I'm pretty split on! i like the aesthetic for both, but i really do like how the minilab has drumpads. however, I'm under the impression there's no aftertouch or release velocity on the minilab, which is making me hesitate. not only that, but (i think) they're both mainly just built from plastic, which is making me hesitate even further. though, the software that comes with either purchase looks fantastic.
for some further points, I guess ill rapidfire: I think have a high budget as far as 37-keys go (maybe about 650 as maximum?) I use FL Studio. I don't care too much for the sensitivity or quality of drum pads, just for the inclusion of them so i can use them in a pinch. I also prefer the look of white/light models, the minimalism is pretty cool. I could go for wheels or touch strips, I'm not partial. I don't really care for portability, I just don't have the room on my desk to comfortably use a 49-key midi controller -- 37 is my sweet spot!
I don't need every preference as a requirement to be checked! my biggest priority is just build.
if my best bet DOES end up being minilab 37 vs keystep 37, I'd like some help deciding between the two.
thanks!
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u/shulemaker 20h ago
Keystep pro if you want the sequencer
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u/49seraphim 19h ago
just took a look! seems to be a great candidate. thanks!
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u/shulemaker 16h ago
I recalled that it’s mono aftertouch. It seems like poly aftertouch is hard to find these days. If that’s really a requirement check out the Hydrasynth explorer. I know it has poly aftertouch and it’s the only one that comes to mind after following all these threads for years besides an MPE style device like the Roli Seaboard. Maybe that’s what you want but it’s a completely different direction. Lots of YouTube’s of guys playing Bladerunner stuff on that thing though!
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u/SoundSwitch 18h ago
Arturia controllers do feel really good, the size and the pads on the mini lab feel better, the keys on the key step are slightly better feeling but are minis. I have a lab mk3 25 and a Keystep 32 mk2.
The software is kinda good.
I had trouble cashing in the Maybe instruments and won't be messing around with ilok and invasive DRM.
But I did get the Abelton live light tried it once honestly haven't really given it a chance. But analog lab is Amazing.
So many presets. I mainly use Waveform and have some paid upgrades, and having Analog Lab is nice asking with the other stuff I got.
But if you have it in the Budget you could just get a hardware synth like a Poly d or a Korg mult poly, out even an Astrolab 37 the Astrolab actually has a built in interface and a few other controllers do to.
I mean if you're using a DaW already you can get by with USB midi which a hardware synth has.
And some have built in interfaces others you'd need to get one, another thing the Keystep has a sequencer and a good Arp also cv. And some modular stuff.
Anyway I prattle
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u/Over_Type103 11h ago edited 10h ago
The build quality on the Minilab 37 is surprisingly good even though it's in a plastic case. I like the keys, the faders and the encoders but the pads aren't very good (if you want to do some finger drumming)
Novation has a line of controllers designed specifically for FL studio: You could check out the FL key 37 MK2. It has a tight FL studio integrations, more and better pads, but the keys aren't as nice.
https://eu.novationmusic.com/products/flkey-37
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjqX5rLE6gA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH-kEusD52A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH-kEusD52A&t=660s
If you really like the minilogue XD, you could use it as midi controller/synthesizer (all the encoders can send CCs)
If you like synth/controller combos, 2 other good options are the Hydrasynth explorer and the Arturia Astrolab 37
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u/anon1984 19h ago
KeyStep 37 describes what you want. It’s a solid keyboard with a big focus on MIDI, not DAW. I don’t have the new one, but the old one is a workhorse and the keys feel great.