(Part 2) Best computer recording midi controllers according to redditors
We found 521 Reddit comments discussing the best computer recording midi controllers. We ranked the 128 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
It's an M-Audio Keystation Mini 32
I will give you some very ballpark figures based on set-up:
Now, keep in mind these really are very ballpark figures as pricing will be highly dependent on where you buy stuff and what model you buy exactly. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for with regards to the hardware, so dropping $200 on a bottom of the line CDJ from numark or something will give you a bottom of the line CDJ that will probably be a piece of shit. Dropping $1100 on a brand new CDJ900 will get you a professional grade piece of equipment.
Also, these prices take into account you actually buying Ableton or Traktor instead of pirating them. Additionally, if you go the Ableton or Traktor route you will need to get an external soundcard which can run you anywhere from $80 to $250 (I tried to include that in my ballpark estimates).
My advice is, if you wanna try it out and get your feet wet, get a cheap midi controller like the korg nanokontrol, a cheap soundcard interface like this one, and download djay.
This is by far the cheapest option as the whole setup will run you about $130, and you'll be able to DJ any party. Best of all, the way djay works you will actually learn to beatmatch by ear rather than relying on a computer to do all the beatmatching for you, which in my opinion is a great skill to learn when first starting DJing. From there if you want to expand your functionality you could upgrade from djay to Traktor and keep your same midi controller and soundcard and you'd still be good to go.
Hope that helps, and good luck, DJing is a blast!
That's a midi keyboard. This one specifically.
On its own it doesn't make any sound, you have to plug it into something at does. That could be a computer with a DAW running (like FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or others), it could be a hardware synthesizer, or a number of other things. There are plenty of free DAWs out there that you could mess around with on that keyboard if you'd like, though.
So assuming that all normal PC components are included (PC, display, keyboard, mouse), as well as monitors or headphones, this is what I'd do:
DAW: Cakewalk by Bandlab [FREE]
Interface: BEHRINGER UMC22[$59]
Mic: Audio-Technica AT2020 [$99]
MIDI Controller: Alesis VMini [$49]
VSTs/Plugins:
I'd try to get by using as many free VSTs, as well as what's included in Cakewalk. Here's a list of decent free stuff that'd get you started:
Guitar amp sims: LePuo free collection [FREE]
Drum sim: MT Power Drum Kit [FREE]
Other plugins:
Assuming your PC is relatively recent and has enough horsepower to run a production suite, and you have monitors/headphones that are fine for mixing, this would be a great place to start out. Also, even after buying extras like cables, mic stands, pop filters etc, I'd say you have about $200-250 left for whatever genre specific stuff you'd want - whether it be a used guitar, a second mic (such as the Shure SM57 [$95]) or a second hand hardware synthesizer, for instance.
I have this one . It’s fantastic
There are two full-size 61 key MIDI controllers with MIDI Out for sale new for less than the Nektar Impact already mentioned: the Midiplus X6 Mini ($105) and the Midiplus i61 ($83). Those are really bottom of the barrel though; the Nektar is probably at least decent.
If you want a the cheapest new 61-key synth (not just a controller), you could try the Korg Kross 61. It's Korg's entry level workstation and it's pretty awesome. Weighs less than 10 pounds, tons of sounds, and great live performance functionality. I bought a demo model for $630 (new it's $700) and have been nothing but happy with it both live and in the studio. There's also the Yamaha MX61 ($700) which is fantastic, and the Roland Juno DS61 (also $700) which I have no experience with. All three have similar features.
Of course, there are also plenty of 61-key digital pianos and home keyboards.
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-OXYGEN-25-Key-Controller-9900-41392-00/dp/B000ED4CUW
Mac mini. No comparison.
$5-600 bucks. Has garageband and itunes and a bunch of other cool apps right out of the box.
Then get this USB pre-Amp to plug in a mic and/or a guitar, and get this MIDI Keyboard and you're totally in business.
It uses whatever monitor/keyboard/mouse you want to put on it,
You don't have to worry about spec'ing drives or power supplies or whatever. Plug it in and it works and it jams.
It will also give you a long road to follow until you need to upgrade to the mac pro.
As far as power, it has what any home studio will need -- I know web designers that run graphics packages on mac mini's and it works for them.
Stick with a mac and you'll be happy you did.
I have the original one, to be honest I find it to be excellent, it's really really good, apart from one thing which REALLY REALLY lets it down.
IT CAN'T USE MIDI CC, which is an absolute nightmare if you want to use hardware with it.
I don't know if the the new one has fixed that problem, if not, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot stick.
edit: if you did want to spend that kind money, perhaps ableton push would be better for you. Ableton destroys maschine on the software side.
http://www.amazon.com/Ableton-Push-Controller-Touch-Sensitive-Encoders/dp/B00AZ98TVS/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1367751164&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=ableton+oush
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wujvv6zo4WQ
I recently impulsively bought a Roland JD-Xi, as my first ever synth and music instrument in general, at Guitar Center after visiting and seeing it was $100 off. There's a 45 day return policy so I'm can always get my money back if I end up regretting my purchase, though I'm enjoying it so far.
However, I'm itching to practice playing the keyboard itself, so that I can both play songs I know and also create more interesting tracks on my synth, but I'm finding the 37 mini-key keyboard on the JD-Xi to be a bit limiting. I'm considering buying a separate 61 key MIDI controller and connecting it to my JD-Xi, and putting them both on some two-tier stand.
Does this seem like a waste to have the JD-Xi then? Would I be better off getting the MIDI controller and a synth with a smaller/no keyboard that's cheaper? The 4-track pattern sequencer is one of my favorite aspects of the JD-Xi, and I don't really see another synth with something similar.
Or, rather, would getting a separate MIDI controller help me bring out the most of the JD-Xi?
Also, in terms of controllers, I'm not looking to spend a ton since I just spent a decent amount on the synth, just a basic velocity sensitive 61 key keyboard with MIDI out, and possibly some knobs that can be assigned to control some of the menu parameters for the JD-Xi. Here's some of the ones I found:
midiplus i61 [$84] Pretty basic
midiplus Origin 62 [$126] Has a bunch of knobs and such that I can use for the synth, but apparently the velocity sensing is mediocre
Nektar Impact GX61 [$120] Pretty good reviews, has some MIDI assignable buttons. I'm assuming it has 5 prong MIDI out, but it's hard to tell from the picture.
M-Audio Oxygen Series 61 [$120] Seems decent all around, but again, it doesn't look like it has a 5 prong MIDI out, just a USB.
Any suggestions?
arturia minilab mk2
if you want full size keys try this or this
stay away from the launchkey it has terrible keys that feel like ass, it's only good if you want the clip launching features for ableton
the akai mpk mini is okay while it lasts but eventually the keys will break off. not might, will. Akai also just released an updated version of this controller, no idea if the keys are any more reliable on it though.
$200 is a bad amount of money to spend. either go cheap ($100) or go expensive with midi controllers and get something like this or this, everything "mid range" feels like ass for the price you pay & you will be disappointed with it.
Looks like this:
https://www.amazon.com/midiplus-X6-mini-Controller-white/dp/B01MFHGQOG
APC 40 is not for making beats. You can use it to trigger loops but not as a drum pad.
The first generation PUSH is only $70 more new on amazon than an apc40 and can be used to make beats as well do anything the APC can do.
https://www.amazon.com/Ableton-Push-Controller-Touch-Sensitive-Encoders/dp/B00AZ98TVS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1466804698&sr=8-6&keywords=apc40
It's the 88 key. It's an $800 controller: http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK88-Hammer-Controller/dp/B002QXLJ6S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449780234&sr=8-1&keywords=akai+professional+mpk88
I have no idea what your answer is gonna be. But mine is making music.
I recommend doing something creative. Because I guarantee you, there's no end to it. It's as time consuming as you want it to be. And the more time and work you invest, the more you get out of it. There's always new heights you can achieve.
And you will be rewarded with pleasures greater than any game could ever give you. It's hard to explain, there are no words for it.
You could try producing, since you have habit to be at your computer anyway. Here's what you'll need:
A midi keyboard and a program of your choice. Cubase Elements, Ableton Lite, Fruity Loops, etc.
Go to a local music store, you might get a good deal including both keyboard and program.
https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-MK3-Semi-Weighted-USB-Powered/dp/B07DDN6TP6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542507862&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=midi%2Bkeyboards&psc=1&th=1
Is this a good midi keyboard? any issues or better recommendations?
Yup! Alesis VX49 | 49-Key USB MIDI Keyboard & Drum Pad Controller with Full-Color Screen (8 Drum Pads+8 Switch Pads / 8 Knobs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018WCJ92M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_P8aMAbKX99BQQ
Since you were comparing to first act I showed the cheapest possible. IMO if your goal is to determine if you are interested in getting further into keyboard playing I would recco something large enough to do normal two-handed stuff on (like https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-Impact-GX61-Controller-Keyboard/dp/B01EN0FWUU). If you just want to be able to enter notes easy instead of click a midi grid or keyboard type in a DAW or something, those tiny ones will do fine though.
I have this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EN0FWUU - you can plug it into your laptop and make songs on GarageBand. I’m a beginner and it works for me.
I'm not the best for advice since my primary use is for composing (I was raised on guitar rather than piano), but I'd go with something like the Nektar Impact LX49 or the Launchkey 49 Mk2.
Personally, I'd go with the Oxygen 49 since it's 6 pounds instead of 9. Again, I'm probably not going to be much help since I'm saving for a keyboard workstation that has to do double time as a live performance tool.
If you really want help, gearank.com has decent recommendations for just about everything.
The more you spend the more sounds/instruments/samples/effects you’ll receive.
https://www.amazon.com/Novation-Launchkey-Keyboard-Controller-Ableton/dp/B00VVK275Y?crid=94AY9DWIHD6S&keywords=midi+keyboard+novation+25&qid=1536116437&sprefix=midi+keyboard+novation&sr=8-2&ref=mp_s_a_1_2
This automatically syncs with Ableton which is nice. Makes using the drums with pads extra simple. If you’re a capable pianist and have space you should look at 49 Keys or 61 Key versions instead.
If you want some recommendations I can help.
Optional (can be purchased down the road):
3a) I recommend an Audio Interface, especially if you do studio monitors (speakers), this takes some processing power off your sound card and provides you a central hub to hook up speakers/headphone/microphone.
This one does the trick:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlet2i2G2--focusrite-scarlett-2i2?mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3301333113&rkg_id=0&product_id=Scarlet2i2G2&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping%20-%20SKU%20-%20Studio%20%26%20Recording&adgroup=Audio%20Interfaces%20-%20Focusrite%20-%20scarlet2i2g2&placement=google&adpos=1o1&creative=280136033887&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjw2rjcBRBuEiwAheKeL4IO34lvji-_Ah4DVduVHJ1M5PdJLTVPbrGaiEIEad8yAKL6kQD_QhoCbHYQAvD_BwE
3b) A microphone (condenser mics are typically used inside studios I believe, you can get an adequate one for around $100
That’s really it. All depends how much you wanna invest upfront. Those things I listed are the essentials (in my opinion) for getting your feet wet and offering you the possibility to achieve a “professional sound”
Personally, I’ve learned most things I know about gear/production by reading forums/articles online and watching plenty of YouTube. I learned a few things from a friend who’s years ahead of me, is a musician, and has a larger studio.
Maybe this is comforting to know: I’m not a trained musician, I create based on my ear, and have had a blast doing it. I’ve managed to progress a lot in 4 months. The best thing you can do right now is purchase the fundamentals, and dive into production with enthusiasm while remembering to be patient and focused. The most useful knowledge will come from hours and hours of hands-on practice. Good luck!
This is dependent on what type of beats you'll be making, but consider doing some research and getting a three piece mic set for your drums (kick, snare, hats/cymbal) as well as an interface with enough mic inputs. Based on a couple reviews of those monitor speakers, I might go for something wired and a little more conventional amongst home producers. Apparently the low end on those struggle a little bit, which means you'll be overcompensating your low end and probably fucking up your mix. If it's what you want, though, after awhile you'll learn the speakers and know what to adjust in terms of mixing. To be honest, with your headphones you can wait a little bit on the monitors unless you really want them.
Edit: I just noticed the types of beats you'd be making in your initial post. If you can swing the money I think you would enjoy getting some mics on your drums. Also, I owned the MPK Mini II for awhile when I first started and always wanted the extra 8 pads. I drummed for about a decade before I started making beats, and I think you, as a drummer with the sampled based music you want to make, would agree.
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If I were you I'd get the MPD218: https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPD218-Controller-Software/dp/B0116X17JW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QREITWBNB2P3&keywords=mpd218&qid=1574714057&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=mpd%2Cmi%2C156&sr=1-1
​
and the LPK25: https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-LPK25-Ultra-Portable-Controller/dp/B002M8GBDI
​
It would essentially be the same thing with 8 extra pads, without the thumbstick modulator (which I don't think you'd be using a ton), at ~$40 more. You'd also be able to separate the pads and keys which is nice if you don't have a ton of extra desk space.
Oh sure sure. I actually found it by searching "slim midi keyboard controller" lmao
https://www.amazon.com/Xkey-25-Key-Portable-Musical-Keyboard/dp/B00DU2VKV8
Software: Reaper.fm (DAW comparable to Pro Tools but only $60 rather than like $1,250). Also the demo never expires so you can keep using it forever. But if you actually start making $ with your music don't be a dick - buy the software.
Hardware: Any MIDI keyboard would work. If you have a Guitar Center nearby they probably have like 50 MIDI keyboards for less than $40.
Also a 'drum pad' is an electronic device that lets you tap out drum beats onto little buttons. Way easier than programming a beat manually. Examples
Some nicer MIDI keyboards even come with drum pads built in. Example
As for digital instruments, a google search for 'free VST instrument' should bring up a couple hundred thousand different ones for you to play with.
May also have better luck in /r/WeAreTheMusicMakers, the sub where the producers all hang out.
EDIT: If at all possible I'd try to buy everything used. The only music equipment I don't buy used is microphones and that's because used mics taste like stale beer and cigarettes. Guitar Center and Sam Ash should both have decent used gear selections. Also I've bought a few big guitar amps MusicGoRound and have nothing but good things to say about them.
Hey man, I was thinking in the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MKII, but it has mini keys (smaller that the normal size). The same for the other you mentioned.
So I changed my mind and I bought the Alesis V25, which is the same price ish, and it has really nice keys (not the heavy ones, but heavy enough). It also has 4 knobs, 4 cc buttons, 8 pads with pretty cool sensibility and more.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/V25-USB-Keyboard-Controller-Alesis/dp/B00IWWBSD6/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1481470496&sr=1-1&keywords=alesis+v25
Anyway, I recommended you go to the shop and try then in the flesh!
Please let us know your choice.
Cheers!
For anyone who missed this deal, it's on Amazon for the same price - probably not for long! Do yourself a favor and pony up, you won't find this for 149 again https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-VX49-Keyboard-Controller-Full-Color/dp/B018WCJ92M?ref_=nav_signin&
Thanks PotatoJo, that's my understanding as well. I want an 88 key keyboard so I guess I'm not sure if I'm better off getting
or
Its looks like Acorn Instruments Masterkey 49 USB MIDI Controller Keyboard
Agreed on massive disappointment. I missed the boat on FIFA 15...
I'm close to trading in my consoles and game time for this and start learning to produce music again.
Looks like one of these
Wouldn't it make more sense to invest in a decent MIDI controller and then hook it up to whatever you want to get the sounds you want? Maybe something along these lines?
I got a Nektar Impact 88 http://amzn.to/2wvLjMJ for ~$300 for this same reason and it's been great. If you're using Ableton (like I am) you have to use a script they have on their website to get it to work nicely with the Nektar, but it's worth it. Good semi-weighted waterfall keys that are velocity sensitive and play nicely.
I will jump in and sayi f you want to get into producing I would highly recommend getting a 25 key midi keyboard. AKAI MPK Mini is a solid choice. If you want to used pads AKAI MPD218 is a good choice as pads on most midi keyboards are not ideal. Other than that, a DAW and some monitors is really all you need to start.
I feel like USB-only "MIDI" keyboards are generally somewhat cheaper - I have a cheap Acorn 49-key that's held up pretty well (http://www.amazon.com/Acorn-Instruments-Masterkey-49-Controller/dp/B005EU6KYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410399433&sr=8-1&keywords=acorn+keyboard) for several months.
i had my eye on the alesis v-mini cause its got some drum pads and some control things that i would probably be confused about and it looks pretty
well to be honest $150 will get you pretty far in just about everything but build quality.
but 90% of making the most of any controller is the mapping. i own a bunch of controllers ranging from the nanokontrol to the apc40 and it's all what you do with it. 90% of the fun and creativity that midi controllers give me is because of how i've mapped errythang.
so unless something is tailor-made to work with your daw (none that I know of for cubase or FL) nothing is going to be useful out of the box. there definitely will not be a fuckin ballin awesome controller that is a master of any trades. it's entirely up to you to make it useful.
my last recommendation of the night will be the previously mentioned nanokontrol
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B018WCJ92M/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all
found more complaining on amazon reviews Even with velocity settings changes, sometimes it feels like you have to strike too hard to get the velocity you like but maybe this free MIDI Polysher can help a bit.
a gift certificate for business cards?
a low-cost midi controller like the Korg NanoKontrol or NanoPad?
http://www.amazon.com/Korg-nanoKONTROL-USB-Controller-Black/dp/B001J8LJWK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1324948510&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Korg-nanoPAD-Drum-Controller-Black/dp/B001J8EZ4Y/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1324948510&sr=8-5
a sweet LED light set? (i often set these up on my table when i DJ and change colors as the music changes)
http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Changing-LED-Lighting-Strip/dp/B0054U46Y2/ref=sr_1_41?ie=UTF8&qid=1324949479&sr=8-41
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50192365/
it's hard to stay under $30, but it's not difficult to get close.
I'm assuming you want weighted keys since you say you're wanting to learn piano and you want a "good feel".
Yes, you are rightly skeptical, because anything under $300-$400 will not have weighted keys, except for maybe the Casio CDP when on sale, so I didn't even need to click the link to verify that. Note: "semi-weighted" is NOT weighted, it's the same as springy unweighted action.
There aren't many pure midi controllers that have weighted keys, and the ones that do seem to be pretty pricey (usually $1000+). You can usually get a full weighted keyboard / digital piano, which of course still acts as a midi controller, cheaper than a fully weighted midi controller -- the difference being that with the digital piano you rarely get all the extra assignable knobs/sliders that you typically get in a midi controller. So if you don't need the knobs/sliders, look at weighted keyboards / digital pianos (and you may find it's handy to not always have to connect it to your computer). See our FAQ in the sidebar -- Purchasing a Digital Keyboard for advice, and look at the Casio PX series and Yamaha P-series online. Make sure they have USB Midi to make it easier & cheaper for you to connect to your computer.
You'll still usually be looking at $500+ for those keyboards. As a comparison though, the cheapest midi controller with 88 weighted keys that I could find in a quick search was the Akai Professional MPK88 and it's still $700.
These other threads may have some info for you:
I am going to settle with this or this when I ^finally get Ableton.
Yep! But there's 2 options here, if you want one with a keyboard imo the best for price would be the Arturia Minilab mk2 - same price as the akai mpk, but twice the assignable knobs. The tradeoff is that the knobs aren't the same - they're sort of styled and not completely round BUT for softsynths and considering how many knobs you need, it's good.
However, if you dont need a midi keyboard with it, this would be the best thing to get BY FAR:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KH8H6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_eMULBbJ55QW91
Buying TWO of these used is about the same price as the akai but -- 18 knobs and sliders? Holy crap would you be able to control everything!
EDIT: Come to think of it, I actually think I want to buy one or 2 of those, too. Sylenth1 should work flawlessly!
It'd definitely be possible with a 25 key midi keyboard
This one https://www.amazon.ca/Pyle-USB-MIDI-Controller-Board/dp/B071KH8H6S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=midi+fader&qid=1554564321&s=gateway&sr=8-1
For some reason Sweetwater site just doesn't load for me, but I'm sure google will help.
Based on what I've got from your post APC key25 seems like the best choice - 25 semi-decent keys + 40 pads for triggering tracks/clips + 8 knobs in one controller. I doubt drumming on keys will be comfortable, but its a start (:
Will probably get a separate pad for drums later down the line.
Many thanks!
Ok so I found a laptop that fits the budget and requirements. The guy even confirmed it worked with reaper. Since I have a bit left over should I still use reaper or would you recommend a different program.
This was the only midi I could find. Will it do?
http://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-APC-Key-Performance/dp/B00J3Z4Y8C/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450722745&sr=1-2&keywords=akai+mpk+mini&refinements=p_36%3A1253547011
Are you primarily going to use this without a computer? Get the Paino synth.
If you are only going to be using it with a computer then get a Semi-Weighted key MIDI controller. It'll offer a balance between price, weighted keys, and DAW control.
If you have room for a full 88 key I suggest this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Nektar-IMPACT-LX88-MIDI-Controller/dp/B01LYAA8GN/
Would this be a good option so its kinda best of both worlds maybe?
Hi and thanks for your post!
I'm trying to find a 61 key MIDI controller or keyboard, with the most important aspect for me is its size. I need it to be small, specially its height, because I want it to fit right behind my PC keyboard, on the drawer, which is relatively large.
The space of my keyboard drawer is 33"15"2.5".
I've found this keyboard which seems alright. Any other recommendations? How about narrower keys so it doesn't choke up the drawer space?
Thank you!
The akai mpd 218 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0116X17JW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nnfQzb9XHH9DW
Bought it a little over a year ago. If you have a daw already, it's a really great drum pad
Well you've got a few options then.
If you want to start with an All-in-one, this controller has a keyboard and drum pads. It's $100. It'll get you started, but it'll leave some to be desired. The main issue is it only has 8 drum pads which I don't think is really enough.
Otherwise, I'm a big fan of this midi keyboard. I use it a lot when I'm on the go. You'd then want to get a drum pad as well, I'd recommend this or this. I'm partial to the Akai, I'm big fan of their more inexpensive drum pads over the Korgs, but with the Xkey there, too, you're looking at $200 which is the max you've got for your budget. So XKey+Korg is about $160.
Yes, just make sure you get the MK3. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Keystation-MK3-Semi-Weighted-USB-Powered/dp/B07DDN6TP6
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I think 49-key is plenty, as you also have the Octave switch to move up or down the scale if you need to. Also, $99 for a decent 49-key semi-weighted is a good price.
I just bought a 25 key midi/synth controller. I have no idea why, but I'm gonna be creatin' some sweet tunes. I know it's a good brand, so that may be why I impulsed it.
I like Akai stuff, but there is a lot of good stuff out there. Yamaha is also great.
What about this piano that our fellow suggested?
Are you in the UK? That's the Amazon UK site and the price listed is in pounds. That board is $299 in the U.S.. It does look nice, though.
However, I should note something with regards to semi-weighted keys: If you were to take piano lessons your instructor would most likely want you to have fully weighted keys. If you don't then you'd likely have issues going between your board that you practice on and the piano they use for their lessons. If you are serious about playing piano I'd suggest saving up a bit more and going from /r/piano's Digital Piano Purchasing Guide.
This thing. It works fine, but I only used it twice. I since got a Prophet '08, and its keys are of course much better, so I use it to control everything.
The cheapest I can find that still has fully weighted keys would the P-45. If that's too expensive, they go down to semi-weighted midi controllers (so they've removed the sound samples, speakers, and much of the key weighting). Like this.
$50 - Pyle mini has knobs, faders, buttons. I haven't tried it but considered getting it as a second controller next to my apc40mkii. Small size would be good for travel but still would want to get a cover for it.
Pyle USB MIDI Controller Board - Mini Portable Workstation Equipment w/ 9 Faders, Knobs, & DJ Transport Buttons - Control DAW Software Kit for Laptop Electronic Music Recording Production - PMIDIPD30 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KH8H6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_k2LgDbQSHX33Z
$100 akai midimix this was also one I considered. Lots of knobs and faders. Boring buttons but all you need.
AKAI Professional MIDImix | High-Performance Portable Fully-Assignable MIDI Mixer & DAW Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XJE3W7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Q4LgDbNQ7SAD6
If I had to buy my first again, I'd still get the akai apc40 mkii. Every pro VJ I see at the shows I go to use this it seems, the midi fighters also I see a lot and those are sweet but expensive.
Nektar Impact LX49+ Keyboard Controller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HZWL64O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_reiFDb0FVAD9H
This one has amazing presets that should work automatically with your software synths. There’s a smaller version similar to the akai mpk mini. Nektar is the way to go 100%.
Firstly, you should watch some videos of people using different gear and giving it reviews to see if it fits what you want.
I'm not sure why you would want a mixer unless you had a lot of physical instruments and/or mics that you need record at the same time. If you really want some sliders there are things like MPDs or APCs. I can't play the piano, so I don't mind having a little keyboard. I like the keystation mini 32, because it has a lot of keys, but it is very small.
There are more simple pads like the Korg padKontrol.
If you really want an abelton specific controller consider getting the push. It's expensive though.
As I said, look up videos of everything.
A small mid keyboard is perfect. I recently just purchased a really nice 25 key midi keyboard and it suits me so well. I know a good amount about music theory to make electronic music but I can barely play the piano at all. The keyboard just helps you mess around with melodies and put ideas out there instead of clicking on a piano roll and shifting keys up and down until you like it. I definitely recommend one. Also this is the one I just bought in case you are looking to buy one, CME Xkey
Shame it's not a little more. The Nektar Impact LX49+ is a really good controller for the price. Integrates into half a dozen different DAWS with a simple driver install.
https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-Impact-LX49-Keyboard-Controller/dp/B01HZWL64O
I just bought this last week and I love it so far.
Controllers could go from 2k - ~70k. It depends, do you want a lot of knobs/sliders/pads to play with? If not I guess something like this should be enough.
I got a similiar keyboard to this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Acorn-Instruments-Masterkey-49-Controller/dp/B005EU6KYG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1412430540&sr=8-4&keywords=midi+controller+49
for 90$ and I cant really complain.
Honestly, a 49 key midi controller would be perfect. I use mine for practicing piano as well, but it's great for recording music as well. Since you have logic pro, you're probably better off finding the best cheapest midi keyboard, because the more pricey ones have more features, and include more software which doesn't seem necessary for your situation. This could work for you, but I'd also check out M Audio keyboards as u/Dawn_Light mentioned already. They're pretty solid. Check craigslist too because I always see 49 key midi controllers there for really cheap. Hope some of that helped!
I've bought this one: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B071KH8H6S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I found that people made the Korg Nano work: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004M8UZS8/?coliid=I1OALJLRNKH9IM&colid=3CXO481OCCO2V&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it but then I would have had to wait a few more weeks for delivery.
That AKAI thing has 3.5-4 star reviews, which is in "suck" territory. If you want to get picky, find something with 4.5-5 star reviews. Your stated price / attraction to the AKAI is 1/2 of retail price. I would hardly call that a decision point. -and $400. is still a lot of money. https://www.amazon.com/Akai-Professional-MPK88-Hammer-Controller/dp/B002QXLJ6S
READ THE REVIEWS
Basically, these things are ass. I don't know what's going on inside of these things but something isn't working right in its internal design. Something is flawed overall. I'd say go to guitar center and find a good hammer action keyboard. This thing may look up to snuff but it's not. Save your money for a piece of gear more reliable.
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This has 5 star reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-IMPACT-LX88-MIDI-Controller/dp/B01LYAA8GN/
I've got access to a Yamaha PSR 203 keyboard (it has MIDI in/outs) and have used it in a previous track (though I used the 1/4 line out to record rather than the MIDI capabilities).
I had a peek at Dave Smith's REV2, and was wondering what about the model made you drawn towards it?
/u/gigcity has generously shared good information to help you along...and the only thing I'd probably add to that is if you're going to use the keyboard live (lug it along), then it might be an option to consider things that a lighter to haul (and also lighter on the pocket if ever it gets lost, damaged, or stolen).
For me the upside of having all synth sounds in a keyboard is just in case the software (compared to having only a MIDI controller) glitches during a live performance, you still have the 1/4" outputs to fall back on.
PS: I couldn't find a link to the exact model on Amazon...though this could be close.