Reason has been around for more than two decades and is still one of the most popular digital audio workstations. Its unique studio simulation feel with rack mounts and wires has a particular place in music producers’ hearts all over the world. Investing in a high-quality midi controller is one of the best things you can do to improve your workflow and overall Reason experience. Although there are numerous possibilities available, not all midi devices are created equal.
Making amazing melodies does not necessitate the use of MIDI controllers. They do, however, humanize your music and save you a significant amount of time – especially when compared to using a mouse or computer keyboard. Furthermore, because MIDI keyboards allow you to interact with hardware controls, they improve the usability of DAW-based workflow. As a result, your tunes have a tactile quality to them.
Sadly, finding the best MIDI controller for Reason can be difficult. To begin with, just a few MIDI keyboards are designed expressly for Reason. Second, the finest MIDI keyboard for Reason is determined by your budget and requirements. For instance, how many keys do you require? Is it better to use weighted, semi-weighted, or non-weighted keys? How many programmable sliders or knobs do you require? What about the settings for aftertouch, power, input, and output?
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Nektar Panorama P6 61-key MIDI Controller Keyboard
- Nektar's most advanced MIDI Controller. 61 semi-weighted full-size velocity...
- Deep DAW integration for Cubase, Logic, Studio One, Bitwig Studio, Nuendo,...
- Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software...
With its after-touch and 61 ultra-expressive synch-action keys, the Panorama P6 elevates DAW and MIDI control to new heights. Its semi-weighted keys provide a smooth down movement while maintaining a comfortable playing experience. The channel after-touch, in combination with modulation wheels, pitch beds, expression pedal jacks, and a footswitch, prepares you for a fantastic performance. If you need a 49 key option, check out Nektar Panorama P4.
Panorama P6 is fully MIDI programmable, in addition to the pre-configured smart capabilities. Its assignable controls allow you to control 93 parameters in real time. You can create personalized F-key maps or presets using the control edit menu. Simply pick a control and give it the command you want in real time. Notes, NRPNs, MIDI CCs, and other commands can be assigned. The given value for each control can also be inverted, scaled, and allocated to global or individual MIDI channels.
You can use all of the functions at the same time because switching between settings is effortless. The controller has an 11-button transport bar that also serves as function buttons when the shift button is pressed. Panorama P6 is compatible with Studio One, Reaper, Nuendo, Logic, Cubase, and Bitwig, in addition to Reason. Its pre-configured DAW integration software connects your digital music workstation instantly. You can begin composing music right now.
Panorama’s mode buttons, on the other hand, provide you the creative flexibility to concentrate solely on your songs.AU and VST plugins can be be tweaked from the keyboard for a fantastic hardware synth feel. The majority of plugins have been pre-mapped for ease of use. Plus, there’s more. These maps are extensive, with numerous pages available for a full hardware synth feel.
In short, Panorama P6 is the greatest MIDI controller for Reason 4, as most controls of various (important) synths are pre-mapped to it.
Native Instruments A49 Komplete Kontrol Keyboard Controller
- Smart, streamlined keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments and...
- Semi-weighted custom NI keybed
- Informative OLED display for at-a-glance navigation
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 makes music production enjoyable, quick, and physical. Thanks to its sensitive, semi-weighted keyboard, you can quickly locate the correct sound, own it, perform it, and capture the results.
Premium instruments and MASCHINE Essentials are included with the MIDI controller, giving you everything you need to bring your musical ideas to life. You won’t have to worry about hitting the wrong note with the included Smart Play. No. Simply choose a scale and begin playing.
By using the Activate chord mode, you may create a rich progression by striking single keys, and then using the arpeggiator to turn the rich progression into an expressive musical performance. The Easy Mode in Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 assists piano beginners in mapping the white keys to their preferred scale. Intuitive control over virtual instruments and effects, as well as an instructive OLED display for at-a-glance navigation, will assist keyboard newbies.
Plus, there’s more. The MIDI controller works with a variety of programs, including MASCHINE, KOMPLETE, and NKS plugins, as well as Ableton Live, Garageband, and Logic Pro X.
M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32
- Production and Beat Maker Essentials Program beats, loops, and grooves...
- Complete MIDI Control 8 encoders, 3 dedicated transport controls and 5...
- Effortless Setup HyperControl unites your hardware and software by...
The tiny yet powerful design of the M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 appeals to us. This makes it great for beatmakers on the run. It also has high-end features such a user-friendly interface, easy setup, and velocity-sensitive keys. The M-Audio Axiom AIR Mini 32 features a space-saving design that is ideal for laptop artists or musicians on the go. The controller features 32 velocity-sensitive micro keys and eight responsive pads, allowing for new expressive possibilities.
There are several Next-Gen features on this keyboard. It allows you to save your favorite songs to one or more of the ten memory locations for easy access. For full pro capabilities, there’s also a separate transport for Reason (and other DAWs) control and track select buttons. In addition, the MIDI controller is a Pro Tools First, allowing you to swiftly capture musical ideas with excellent results.
The VIP gives you unrivaled access to your virtual instrument and effect library, as well as a flawless software-to-hardware integration. It also allows for the creation of music in a user-friendly and straightforward manner in a best midi controller keyboard for reason.
Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller
![Novation Launchkey Mini [MK3] — Portable 25-Key,...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IAHL8FLhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Get hands on with Ableton Live - Have a seamless music making experience...
- Get creative easily with arpeggiator - Easy to use but deeply controllable,...
- Play chords with one finger - Lay down chords for your track quick with...
The Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 is a small and portable MIDI controller that works with Reason. It’s the lightest micro controller on the market and offers the most functionality.
Mini controllers are ideal for generating hip hop beats, as this style often does not require all 88 keys. This controller isn’t the most sturdy, and it’s also quite little. Consider it a beginner’s MIDI controller or a portable keyboard. You’re in luck with the Launchkey Mini MK3 if you want to operate an external hardware synthesizer. You can use this to control whatever synthesizer you choose, which is a huge plus in my opinion.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller...
- Total Control of Your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic...
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-Style MIDI beat pads...
The Akai Professional MPK Mini line is always a good affordable, portable midi controller, and it can be set up to operate with Reason (see this video for a guide on setup). It’s easily recognised thanks to viral creator videos on YouTube, and that’s largely due to its simplicity. The MPK Mini MK3 features 25 velocity-sensitive keys, 8 MPC-style backlit pads, 8 knobs for controlling Reason parameters, and a joystick for pitch modulation and modulation.
It is extremely portable, weighing only 1.65 pounds (0.75 kilograms), and connects to your computer by USB port, making it ideal for traveling producers. Of course, the Akai Professional MPK Mini line is quite economical, making it ideal for users of beginner-level DAW software who want to gain a better understanding of Reason.
Nektar Panorama P4 49-key MIDI Controller Keyboard
- Nektar's most advanced MIDI Controller. 49 semi-weighted full-size velocity...
- Deep DAW integration for Cubase, Logic, Studio One, Bitwig Studio, Nuendo,...
- Comprehensive MIDI functionailty. Compatible with all MIDI music software...
If you use Reason, this is the best controller. The P4 is designed primarily for Reason, while it may also be used with other major DAWs. The P4’s DAW integration is quite thorough and well-thought out. This substantially improves my workflow while using this controller, and it also makes it much easier to dive into the nitty-gritty.
Overall, the only thing some controllers can do better than the P4 is browse settings directly from the controllers. When it comes to 49 keys, the Panorama remains one of the best MIDI controllers on the market.
Aside from that, there are excellent sample pads, motorized faders, pitch-bend, modulation wheel, and rotary knobs for controlling parameters.
Arturia Keylab 49 Essential Controller Keyboard
- Software Included: Analog Lab V with 2000 synth sounds, Ableton Live Lite,...
- 49 key velocity sensitive keyboard with hybrid synth-piano feel
- Controllers: 1 clickable encoder, 9 encoders, 9 30mm faders, 6 transport...
The long life of controllers allows users to enjoy making music for a long time without having to worry about repair or replacement. When you use the Arturia Keylab 88 MK II controller, you can count on it to last.
The Keylab 88 MK II has 9 faders and rotary knobs in addition to 16 drum pads and a weighted keybed, which you won’t find on your average MIDI controller. Despite its other qualities, it has a little screen that causes users to grumble.
It comes pre-loaded with the Analog Lab and Ableton Live Lite, which includes 500 free new sounds to use in your music production Pitch-bend and modulation wheel, 16 RGB lighted pads, dedicated transport controls, MIDI I/O/Thru, CV/gate, and deep DAW integration are among the other features on the Keylab 88 MK II.
It is, however, on the expensive side and is not appropriate for those on a tight budget.