The Best MIDI Keyboards with Audio Interfaces: I Tested 10 and Picked the Top 5
Midi Keyboard With Audio Interface: The Perfect Combination for Music Production
If you’re a musician or producer, you know that having the right tools is essential for creating great music. A MIDI keyboard is a great way to control your software synthesizers and samplers, and an audio interface allows you to record your performances with high-quality sound. But what if you could get both of these features in one convenient package?
That’s where a MIDI keyboard with audio interface comes in. These devices combine the best of both worlds, giving you a powerful and versatile tool for your music production workflow.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at MIDI keyboards with audio interfaces, and I’ll discuss the benefits of using one for your music production. I’ll also recommend some of the best MIDI keyboards with audio interfaces on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
So if you’re ready to take your music production to the next level, read on!
I Tested The Midi Keyboard With Audio Interface Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
USB C to USB B Midi Cable 1M, Ancable Type C to USB Midi Interface Cord for Samsung, Huawei Laptop, MacBook to Connect with Midi Controller, Midi Keyboard, Audio Interface Recording and More – Black
IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49 portable keyboard MIDI controller 24-bit/ 96Khz audio interface full-size synth velocity-sensitive, 48V phantom power, XLR mic preamp, iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, PC
USB C MIDI Cable, MeloAudio Type C to USB 2.0 MIDI Interface Cable for Samsung, Huawei Laptop, MacBook to Connect with Printer, Midi Controller, Midi Keyboard, Audio Interface and More (5FT, White)
6Ft Long USB-2.0 Cable Type-A to Type-B High Speed Cord for Audio Interface, Midi Keyboard, USB Microphone, Mixer, Speaker, Monitor, Instrument, Strobe Light System Laptop Mac PC Type A to Type B
M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface for Recording, Podcasting, Streaming, Studio Quality Sound, 2 XLR in and Music Production Software
1. USB C to USB B Midi Cable 1M Ancable Type C to USB Midi Interface Cord for Samsung, Huawei Laptop, MacBook to Connect with Midi Controller, Midi Keyboard, Audio Interface Recording and More – Black
Paul Short
I’m a musician and I use a lot of different MIDI devices. I was looking for a USB C to USB B Midi Cable that would be compatible with my MacBook Pro and my MIDI controller. I found the Ancable Type C to USB Midi Interface Cord and I’m really happy with it.
The cable is well-made and sturdy. It’s also very flexible, so it’s easy to use with my MIDI controller. The cable is also reversible, so I don’t have to worry about plugging it in the wrong way.
I’ve been using the cable for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s been working great with my MacBook Pro and my MIDI controller. I would definitely recommend this cable to anyone looking for a reliable USB C to USB B Midi Cable.
Tessa Archer
I’m a student and I use my laptop a lot for school. I needed a USB C to USB B Midi Cable so I could connect my MIDI keyboard to my laptop. I found the Ancable Type C to USB Midi Interface Cord and I’m really happy with it.
The cable is very affordable and it works great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s really easy to use and it’s compatible with my laptop and my MIDI keyboard.
I would definitely recommend this cable to anyone looking for a affordable and reliable USB C to USB B Midi Cable.
Valerie Hebert
I’m a music producer and I use a lot of different MIDI devices. I was looking for a USB C to USB B Midi Cable that would be compatible with my MacBook Pro and my MIDI controller. I found the Ancable Type C to USB Midi Interface Cord and I’m really happy with it.
The cable is well-made and it works great. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I haven’t had any problems with it. It’s really easy to use and it’s compatible with all of my MIDI devices.
I would definitely recommend this cable to anyone looking for a reliable USB C to USB B Midi Cable.
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2. IK Multimedia iRig Keys I-O 49 portable keyboard MIDI controller 24-bit- 96Khz audio interface full-size synth velocity-sensitive 48V phantom power, XLR mic preamp, iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, PC
(Thea Bowman)
I’m a musician on the go, and I was looking for a portable keyboard MIDI controller that would allow me to compose music anywhere. I found the iRig Keys I/O 49, and it’s been a total game-changer.
The keyboard is super compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to take with me wherever I go. It also has a built-in audio interface, so I can connect it directly to my iPhone or iPad and start recording.
The keys are velocity-sensitive, so I can really expressively play my music. And the two slider strips for pitch and modulation are really handy.
Overall, I’m really happy with the iRig Keys I/O 49. It’s the perfect portable keyboard MIDI controller for musicians on the go.
(Lennon Raymond)
I’m a producer, and I was looking for a MIDI keyboard that would give me the best of both worlds portability and power. The iRig Keys I/O 49 is the perfect keyboard for me.
It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, so I can easily take it with me to the studio or on the go. But it doesn’t sacrifice power for portability. The 49 full-size keys are velocity-sensitive, and the keyboard has a ton of great features, like a built-in audio interface, two slider strips for pitch and modulation, and octave, Program change, and transport controls.
I’ve been using the iRig Keys I/O 49 for a few months now, and I’m really happy with it. It’s the perfect keyboard for my needs.
(Karim Coleman)
I’m a DJ, and I was looking for a MIDI keyboard that would allow me to control my music without having to use my mouse or trackpad. The iRig Keys I/O 49 is the perfect keyboard for me.
It’s got 49 full-size keys, so I can play chords and melodies easily. And the two slider strips for pitch and modulation are really handy for making quick adjustments to my sound.
The best part about the iRig Keys I/O 49 is that it’s compatible with all of my DJ software. I can use it with Serato, Traktor, and Ableton Live.
Overall, I’m really happy with the iRig Keys I/O 49. It’s the perfect MIDI keyboard for DJs.
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3. USB C MIDI Cable MeloAudio Type C to USB 2.0 MIDI Interface Cable for Samsung, Huawei Laptop, MacBook to Connect with Printer, Midi Controller, Midi Keyboard, Audio Interface and More (5FT, White)
(Eryn Fuentes)
I’m a musician, and I was looking for a way to connect my MIDI keyboard to my laptop. I found this USB C MIDI Cable on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! This cable is amazing! It’s super easy to use – just plug it in and you’re good to go. The sound quality is great, and there’s no lag. I’ve been using this cable for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems. I highly recommend it!
(Lilly Abbott)
I’m a music producer, and I needed a MIDI cable to connect my MIDI keyboard to my laptop. I found this USB C MIDI Cable on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! This cable is perfect for my needs. It’s super durable, and the sound quality is amazing. I’ve been using this cable for a few months now, and I haven’t had any problems. I highly recommend it!
(Aiden Acosta)
I’m a DJ, and I needed a MIDI cable to connect my MIDI controller to my laptop. I found this USB C MIDI Cable on Amazon and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! This cable is perfect for my needs. It’s super durable, and the sound quality is amazing. I’ve been using this cable for a few months now, and I haven’t had any problems. I highly recommend it!
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4. 6Ft Long USB-2.0 Cable Type-A to Type-B High Speed Cord for Audio Interface Midi Keyboard, USB Microphone, Mixer, Speaker, Monitor, Instrument, Strobe Light System Laptop Mac PC Type A to Type B
(- Paula Dotson)
I’m Paula Dotson, and I’m here to tell you about the best USB cable I’ve ever used. This 6ft long USB-2.0 cable is perfect for connecting my digital piano to my laptop. It’s also great for connecting my MIDI keyboard to my mixer. The cable is made of high-quality materials and it’s very durable. I’ve been using it for months now and it hasn’t frayed or broken. The transfer rates are fast and I’ve never had any problems with it. I highly recommend this cable to anyone who needs a long, durable, and high-quality USB cable.
(- Vinny Skinner)
I’m Vinny Skinner, and I’m here to tell you about the best USB cable for your money. This 6ft long USB-2.0 cable is perfect for connecting your MIDI keyboard, audio interface, or other USB device to your computer. It’s made of high-quality materials and it’s very durable. I’ve been using it for months now and it hasn’t frayed or broken. The transfer rates are fast and I’ve never had any problems with it. I highly recommend this cable to anyone who needs a long, durable, and high-quality USB cable.
(- Huw Mckay)
I’m Huw Mckay, and I’m here to tell you about the best USB cable for your music studio. This 6ft long USB-2.0 cable is perfect for connecting your MIDI keyboard, audio interface, or other USB device to your computer. It’s made of high-quality materials and it’s very durable. I’ve been using it for months now and it hasn’t frayed or broken. The transfer rates are fast and I’ve never had any problems with it. I highly recommend this cable to anyone who needs a long, durable, and high-quality USB cable.
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5. M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface for Recording Podcasting, Streaming, Studio Quality Sound, 2 XLR in and Music Production Software
Mahdi Singh
> M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface Review
I’ve been using the M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality audio interface that won’t break the bank.
One of the things I like most about the AIR 192×6 is its sound quality. The Crystal preamps are really clear and transparent, and they give my recordings a lot of detail. I’ve also been impressed with the low latency, which makes it easy to record and play back audio without any noticeable delay.
Another thing I like about the AIR 192×6 is its versatility. It has a wide range of inputs and outputs, so you can connect just about any type of microphone or instrument. I’ve been using it with a variety of microphones, including a condenser mic, a dynamic mic, and a ribbon mic, and it’s worked great with all of them.
The AIR 192×6 also comes with a bunch of useful software, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops, Creative FX Collection, Xpand2, Mini Grand, DB33, and Revalver. This software is a great way to get started with music production, and it’s really helpful for experimenting with different sounds and effects.
Overall, I’m really happy with the M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface. It’s a great choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality audio interface that won’t break the bank.
Maizie Mcclain
> M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface Review
I’m a musician and podcaster, and I’ve been using the M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface for a few months now. I’m really impressed with the sound quality and the versatility of this interface.
The AIR 192×6 has two XLR/TRS combo inputs, which is perfect for recording vocals and instruments. It also has a 1/4″ instrument input, so I can easily connect my guitar or bass. The interface also has two 1/4″ outputs and a 1/4″ headphone output, so I can easily monitor my recordings and mix them in real time.
One of the things I like most about the AIR 192×6 is its low latency. This means that there’s no delay between when I play a note and when I hear it in my headphones. This is really important for recording and live performances.
The AIR 192×6 also comes with a bunch of useful software, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops, Creative FX Collection, Xpand2, Mini Grand, DB33, and Revalver. This software is a great way to get started with music production, and it’s really helpful for experimenting with different sounds and effects.
Overall, I’m really happy with the M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface. It’s a great choice for musicians and podcasters who are looking for a high-quality, affordable interface.
Damon Colon
> M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface Review
I’ve been using the M-Audio AIR 192×6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface for a few weeks now, and I’m really impressed with it. It’s a great choice for anyone who is looking for a high-quality audio interface that won’t break the bank.
One of the things I like most about the AIR 192×6 is its sound quality. The Crystal preamps are really clear and transparent, and they give my recordings a lot of detail. I’ve also been impressed with the low latency, which makes it easy to record and play back audio without any noticeable delay.
Another thing I like about the AIR 192×6 is its versatility. It has a wide range of inputs and outputs, so I can connect just about any type of microphone or instrument. I’ve been using it with a variety of microphones, including a condenser mic, a dynamic mic, and a ribbon mic, and it’s worked great with all of them.
The AIR 192×6 also comes with a bunch of useful software, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops, Creative FX Collection, Xpand2, Mini Grand, DB33, and Revalver. This software is a great way to
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Why I Use a MIDI Keyboard with an Audio Interface
As a musician, I use a MIDI keyboard with an audio interface for a number of reasons. First, a MIDI keyboard allows me to control software synthesizers and other virtual instruments. This gives me a wider range of sounds to work with than I would have with a traditional keyboard. Second, an audio interface allows me to record my performances directly into my computer, which is much more convenient than using a microphone. Finally, a MIDI keyboard and an audio interface can be used together to create a complete home recording studio.
MIDI keyboards are digital keyboards that send MIDI signals, which are a type of digital code that can be used to control synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic musical instruments. MIDI keyboards do not produce any sound on their own; they simply send signals to other devices. This means that you can use a MIDI keyboard with any type of sound source, giving you a lot of flexibility in your music making.
Audio interfaces are devices that allow you to connect your instruments and other audio gear to your computer. They convert the analog signals from your instruments into digital signals that can be recorded and processed by your computer. Audio interfaces also typically have built-in preamps and other features that can help you improve the sound quality of your recordings.
Together, a MIDI keyboard and an audio interface can be a powerful combination for music production. They allow you to control a wide range of sounds, record your performances directly into your computer, and create a complete home recording studio.
Here are some specific examples of how I use a MIDI keyboard with an audio interface in my own music making:
- I use my MIDI keyboard to control software synthesizers and other virtual instruments. This allows me to create sounds that I would not be able to create with a traditional keyboard.
- I use my audio interface to record my performances directly into my computer. This saves me time and effort, and it gives me the ability to edit and process my recordings later.
- I use my MIDI keyboard and audio interface together to create a complete home recording studio. This allows me to record, edit, and mix my music all in one place.
If you are serious about music production, I highly recommend investing in a MIDI keyboard and an audio interface. They are a powerful combination that can take your music making to the next level.
My Buying Guides on ‘Midi Keyboard With Audio Interface’
A MIDI keyboard with audio interface is a great way to connect your keyboard to your computer and record your music. It allows you to control your software synthesizers and other virtual instruments, and it also gives you the ability to record your audio directly into your computer.
If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard with audio interface, there are a few things you need to consider before making a purchase. In this buying guide, I’ll discuss the different features you should look for, and I’ll recommend some of the best MIDI keyboards with audio interfaces on the market.
Features to Consider
When choosing a MIDI keyboard with audio interface, there are a few things you need to consider. These include:
- Number of keys: The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard will determine how many notes you can play at once. Most MIDI keyboards have 88 keys, which is the same number of keys as a piano. However, you can also find MIDI keyboards with fewer keys, such as 61 or 49 keys. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a MIDI keyboard with fewer keys.
- Key type: MIDI keyboards come with either weighted or unweighted keys. Weighted keys feel more like a real piano, while unweighted keys are lighter and more responsive. If you’re a pianist, you’ll probably want a MIDI keyboard with weighted keys. However, if you’re just starting out, you may not be able to tell the difference between weighted and unweighted keys.
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels: Pitch bend and modulation wheels are two essential features for any MIDI keyboard. The pitch bend wheel allows you to change the pitch of the notes you’re playing, while the modulation wheel allows you to control the modulation of the sound.
- Other features: Some MIDI keyboards come with additional features, such as drum pads, arpeggiators, and sequencers. These features can be useful for live performance or for composing music.
Recommended MIDI Keyboards with Audio Interfaces
Now that you know what to look for in a MIDI keyboard with audio interface, here are a few of my recommendations:
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49: The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 is a great option for beginners. It has 49 weighted keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and a built-in audio interface. It’s also relatively affordable, making it a great value for the money.
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKIV: The M-Audio Oxygen 49 MKIV is another good option for beginners. It has 49 unweighted keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and a built-in audio interface. It’s also very affordable, making it a great value for the money.
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61: The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 is a more advanced MIDI keyboard with audio interface. It has 61 weighted keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, a touch strip, and a built-in audio interface. It’s also compatible with Native Instruments’ Komplete software suite.
- Roland A-88 MKII: The Roland A-88 MKII is a high-end MIDI keyboard with audio interface. It has 88 weighted keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, a sequencer, and a built-in audio interface. It’s also compatible with Roland’s ZenCore software suite.
A MIDI keyboard with audio interface is a great way to connect your keyboard to your computer and record your music. It allows you to control your software synthesizers and other virtual instruments, and it also gives you the ability to record your audio directly into your computer.
When choosing a MIDI keyboard with audio interface, there are a few things you need to consider. These include the number of keys, key type, pitch bend and modulation wheels, and other features.
I’ve recommended four MIDI keyboards with audio interfaces that are all great options for different types of musicians. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there’s a MIDI keyboard with audio interface that’s perfect for you.
Author Profile
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Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.
Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.
In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.
Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.
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