Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X
Martin Kristiansen
My name is Martin Kristiansen and I’m the founder and chief editor of HomeStudioIdeas.com. I’ve been playing, recording and producing music for the last 10 years.
Our reviews of the best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X are made by experienced producers and performers. The list only includes MIDI keyboards that have a seamless integration with Logic Pro X.
When we started this research we looked at some features that we think the best Logic Pro X MIDI controller should have. That includes flexibility, ease of use, portability and value.
Let’s dive in!
Our Top Picks
- Editor’s Choice: Akai Professional MPK249
- Best value: Nektar Impact LX49+
- Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X for experienced producers: Novation Impulse 49
- Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X for beginners: Alesis V49
- Best MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X for piano players: Nektar Panorama P6
- Best budget MIDI Controller for Logic Pro X: M-Audio Oxygen 49 IV
Best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X reviews
Buying Guide
Logic Pro X is one of the best DAWs available and Apple’s flagship when it comes to music production softwares. There are many compatible keyboards available but some are better than others. The best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X plug effortlessly and allow instant control over your DAW. Instead of using your mouse and keyboard to navigate, you should be able to produce a whole track using only your controller. Apple’s DAW are designed for both experts and beginners and it comes with a wide variety of useful features. Adding the best MIDI keyboard for Logic Pro X unleashes the full potential of this powerful DAW.
The result? An entire recording studio in your own home.
What is Logic Pro X?
Logic Pro X is a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that turns your Mac into a professional recording studio. Logic Pro X was released on July 16th, 2013 and offered a complete redesign and new user interface from its predecessor Logic Pro 9. With Logic Pro X you can record, edit and mix digital audio and the music production software counts as one of the most popular today!
Big names who use Logic Pro X are Pharell Williams, Chris Martin, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. The software supports all essential key features like time stretching, piano roll, sampling and pitch shifting. You can download Logic Pro X from the App Store and it costs $199. You can try Logic Pro X free for 90 days before making a purchase!
Using a MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro
A MIDI controller combined with a powerful production software like Logic Pro X takes your creative abilities to a whole new level. You can definitely use Logic Pro on its own but it’s when you add a MIDI keyboard to your setup of studio equipment you really get flexibility. The world of MIDI controllers are almost infinite and it ranges from full-size models to compact 25-key models. Many keyboards have built-in pads, knobs, sliders and controls that you can use to control and automate different effects and software instruments of your choosing.
When choosing the best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X you should have a basic understanding of what’s available and how different features can help improve your workflow. The idea of using a MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro is to get away from using your mouse and keyboard while producing.
Guide on how to connect MIDI devices to use with Logic Pro
Key features for Logic Pro X controllers
Logic Pro X is one of the most popular DAW on the planet thanks to all its capabilities. You can put thousands of hours of work in Logic Pro X and still learn new features that help improve your workflow. Other Digital Audio Workstations like FL Studios and Ableton Live are more aimed towards loop-based and sample-based electronic music. Logic Pro X lets you record, edit audio and all of the above.
The developers approach is fluid workflow and removing unnecessary barriers to creativity
The best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X should have enough pads, sliders, faders and knobs so you can automate and control every parameter of importance to you. Obviously you know your needs and your current limitations but all MIDI keyboards in our list are packed with useful features!
Key weightening
Key weightening is one of the most important things to consider. Most MIDI keyboards have “Synth Action” and don’t have any weight attached to them. If you are a piano virtuoso you are probably used to fully weighted keys. Synth Action keyboards produce a quicker and lighter feel and they work very well when playing other sounds than piano.
Number of keys
There is no right or wrong number of keys when choosing the best MIDI controller for Logic Pro X. The standard amounts are 25 keys, 32 keys, 49 keys, 61 keys and 88 keys. More keys gives you a wider melodic range which usually is preferred for those with a background in piano. With larger keyboards you also need more space on your studio desk or a separate keyboard stand.
Pads
If you are into beatmaking, drum pads are an important feature on your Logic Pro X controller. Pads are much more efficient than keys when you create drum patterns or sampling music. Many MIDI keyboards have drum pads but if you are more into chord progressions they might be redundant.
Controls
Many MIDI keyboards have knobs, rotary pots, sliders and faders. When mapped to Logic Pro X, these controls let you adjust settings and automate different parameters in the software. If you are a beginner and don’t need all the extras, a more basic model could be your best choice!
More keys, pads and controls equals higher cost
Connect a MIDI keyboard with Logic Pro X
Today most modern MIDI controllers send and receive MIDI through USB. Older versions use MIDI cables and require a third-party hardware interface. All the keyboards in our list transmits MIDI through USB. This is how you setup a MIDI keyboard in Logic Pro X:
- Connect your keyboard to your computer with USB
- Open up Logic Pro X
- In the menu, Click on “Logic Pro”
- Select “Control Surfaces” and click “Setup”
- Click “New” and “Install”
- Select your MIDI controller in Logic Pro X
- Click “Scan”
