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

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I chat all things GarageBand (and post the occasional spicy meme) here:

#Bestbudgetmidicontrollergarageband #BestbudgetMidikeyboard #bestmidicontrollerunder100

[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

[jamesorrell]

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.

[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!

[osagie]

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 !!

[thomcalhoun]

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! 😊

[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.

[midionkeyboards]

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

[natestarot]

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

[philodonoghue]

Wheels to raise or lower by an octave are called “transponders”

[seanohaimheirgin]

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

[l_a]

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

[avinashmusicin]

Can I use these all with my iPad 6th gen

[clearlyepic]

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

[bestrickie]

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?

[Fecho]

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

[eo]

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!

[Logroosee]

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

[simplyviki]

how is Alesis v25 compared to novation launchkey mini ?

[noodlez]

Can you do a review on the Alesis VMini

[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.