Garageband Midi Keyboard

GarageBand of course works great with the keyboard as well. It's good to note that this keyboard also has a mode for beginners to learn as well. The lesson mode teaches some basic songs, and even scores you on your playing. Here's most of what's included.

If you're sick of using the Musical Typing keyboard in Garageband, then look no further than this article. Connecting a keyboard MIDI controller to Garageband is incredibly simple.

MIDI connects your hands to your software, a vital tool needed for musicians to translate their compositions onto a computer. A MIDI controller should be your first hardware purchase for music production software like GarageBand and speeds up the writing of music via virtual MIDI instruments in your software. Amazon's Choice for garageband keyboard. Midiplus, 32-Key Midi Controller, 32-Key (AKM320) 4.3 out of 5. Alesis V49 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Backlit Pads, 4 Assignable Knobs and Buttons, Plus a Professional Software Suite with ProTools First Included. 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,534. 00 $199.00 $199.00. The best midi keyboard for GarageBand that we will be reviewing in the article will all be Midi over USB, which mean that all you have to do is switch on the computer, plug in the keyboard then you will be playing the selected sounds and pre-set synths inside of GarageBand from your new keyboard controller.

Without further ado,

This is how you connect a keyboard into GarageBand.

The process for connecting a keyboard into your computer and DAW is identical for nearly all of them nowadays. However, with Apple and other laptop makers opting for USB-C, you may have to purchase a USB-C to USB cable. Click the link here to get one.

You don't have to purchase an Apple one, necessarily. There are other good ones as well that are half the price, but I have the Apple one, and it's the one I use, so I recommend it because I know it works from experience.

When purchasing a new MIDI Keyboard, it'll likely come with all of the cables necessary for use, including the USB Firewire Cable, which you can also pick up at Amazon for fairly cheap if your keyboard, for whatever reason, didn't come with it.

1) Assuming that you have the brand new MacBook Pro, you can connect your MIDI Keyboard by a USB Firewire cable directly into the back of the Keyboard.

2) Plug your *USB-C to USB adapter into your laptop.

3) Plug your USB Firewire into your *USB-C to USB adapter.

4) Now open Garageband.

5) After you've opened up the program, you don't have to use musical typing anymore. The keyboard will automatically work right away, without any problems.

*If you have an older computer, it's possible that you may not even need this adaptor. The keyboard, through the USB port, should be able to connect to your laptop.

In the past, MIDI Keyboards were connected through the use of Pin Drivers, but new MIDI Keyboards usually use USB. If you want to connect an older keyboard into Garageband, you'll need a MIDI to USB adaptor.

What MIDI keyboard should I use for Garageband?

Considering you're likely in the beginning stages of music production, I would recommend getting an Acorn Masterkey 49. (Although, they aren't on Amazon anymore, so it would be best to grab the M-Audio Keystation 49 instead).

Click the link here to read more about the one I own. It has 49 keys, which is essential if you're trying to get the full range of the piano (it‘s the one in the display picture for this blog post).

In my opinion, a 25-key is good for traveling and when you need something on the road, but for regular music production, a 49-key or larger is best.

It's a nice little starter keyboard and it works perfectly for a beginner. There are even more options available, like a 61-key, and an 88-key.

Perhaps the most popular keyboard out right now is the Akai MPK Mini Mk2. A lot of people prefer this little machine, and there are more expensive, larger, and superior versions available.

In addition to the price, the Akai MPK Mini Mk2 only has 25 keys, so I didn't want to get it for that reason.

Once you've gotten some experience under your belt, you can pick up a more professional keyboard like the Akai MPK, but it's certainly not necessary for a beginner to drop this kind of money.

How To Assign Sounds to MIDI Keyboard in Garageband?

From what I understand, it's not actually possible to assign individual samples to different keys in GarageBand anymore. I don't know how to do it, and after scouring the internet for answers, I, unfortunately, can't find a way.

In prior versions of the software, it was possible, but I don't think you can anymore, for whatever reason. What Apple giveth, it also taketh away.

I could be wrong. Let me know in the comment section below if you know how to do this because I don't.

If you have the older version of Garageband. The tutorial video at this linkwill show you how.

How To Use A MIDI Keyboard in Garageband?

Background and General Information

The moment you connect your keyboard into your computer, it should work right away. Garageband will recognize exactly what tool you're using the moment you connect it.

It works the same way that the Musical Typing option does, but with a much bigger range, which makes writing music a lot easier, especially if you like to use the piano.

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. The ability to change phrases of music after you've recorded it is the main benefit of using MIDI.

For instance, if you've written a piano riff using a MIDI Controller, you can go back and adjust the timing, velocity, rhythm, as well as the pitch of the note.

It's a lot easier to change and modify music created through a MIDI Controller, in comparison to an analog recording.

Tip: After making a melody with a MIDI Controller, open a new track with whatever instrument you want, and then copy and paste it into the new Software Instrument Track.

For instance, if you've created a melody using the Steinway Grand Piano, you could copy and paste your music into a new Software Instrument Track like String Movements, thus, filling out your mix within seconds.

Using the MIDI Keyboard

To use the MIDI Controller, you'll have to open a 'Software Instrument' track. On the left-hand corner of the string, Garageband has all of the different instruments and settings that you can use.

When using the MIDI controller for creating drums, the drum sounds will usually be within the first octave of the keyboard. Most drum-kits have a limited number of sounds, usually around 9-12.

When creating melodies, whether, through the use of the Steinway Grand Piano, or a Synth, the MIDI controller offers the range of however many keys you have with your controller.

Creating A New Software Instrument Track

If you want to create another Software Instrument track, click on the Track Header using the 'secondary click (right click)' function, and choose New Software Instrument Track, or New Track With Duplicate Settings.

Deleting the Software Instrument or Audio Track

If you want to delete the existing Software Instrument Track, use the (Command + Delete) function.

Changing the Timing, Pitch, and Velocity (loudness) Of Your MIDI Notes

Through the use of the 'Piano Roll Grid,' at the bottom of Garageband, you can adjust the timing and pitch of each note played.

Some people don't even use the keyboard to create melodies and drum tracks, you can manually type in each MIDI note by double-tapping your trackpad and selecting the 'create note' option.

Like I said before, the best part about using a MIDI controller is that you can fix mistakes that you've made simply by changing the position of the MIDI note.

How To Change The Timing Of Your MIDI Notes

The notes, which are little green squares, can easily be moved around by clicking and dragging it to the desired pitch and time.

If you use the Zoom-In function on your Mac, you'll see that the Piano Roll Grid is divided up with equally distributed lines.

If you want your music to be perfectly in time, just drag and drop the MIDI notes to the closest line, that way your melody is in time, and when you create drums later, everything will be synchronized.

This is legitimately important. Otherwise, your melody is going to sound off-balance and weird. Although, maybe that's what you want.

How To Change The Pitch Of The Notes

Drag and drop the MIDI notes either up or down to the desired pitch. On the left-hand side of the 'Piano Roll Grid,' you'll notice there is a vertical keyboard, showing at which point each note is played respectively to the piano.

Also, if you hover your cursor of the note, it'll tell you the pitch, as well as the velocity (strength) of the sound.

How To Change The Velocity (loudness) of the Notes

To my knowledge, there are two ways of doing this in the newest version of Garageband. On the left-hand side of the 'Piano Roll Grid,' you'll see a slider along with the title, 'Velocity.'

After selecting your note, you can change the loudness or strength of that note by dragging the slider to the left or right. Increasing the value, (0-100), will make it louder, and decreasing it will make it softer.

Underneath that option, there is also the 'Controller' option. You get to this setting by clicking on the button, 'Show/Hide Automation.'

Click the power button that looks like a typical 'Power' Function.

Then you can drag the vertical slider up and down to change the loudness of that note.

Truthfully, using a MIDI Keyboard in a DAW is a straightforward process, and through a bit of trial and error, you should be able to figure it out. My office crack.

How To Open Keyboard in GarageBand

Use the (Command + K) option to bring up musical typing in Garageband. You can also select the 'Show Musical Typing' option in the settings in the toolbar up top in the DAW.

Additionally, if you want access to a much bigger, but more limited way of playing the keyboard, then click on the option, 'Show Keyboard.'

This isn't nearly as good as using a regular MIDI Keyboard, but it'll do if you don't want to go out and buy a keyboard, which you definitely should do.

Why Isn't My MIDI Keyboard Working?

1) Make sure that you've selected the correct input and output options within your Garageband preferences to start. Usually, this part isn't even necessary, but if your MIDI controller isn't working for whatever reason, you can adjust these settings.

2) If your MIDI Keyboard isn't working, go into your Garageband Preferences, Select 'Audio/MIDI,' and then click the 're-set the MIDI Drivers' button.

3) Is it possible that your Instrument Track has been muted? In the 'Track Header' region, you can see there are two buttons, one that looks like a loudspeaker with a line through it, and another one that looks like a pair of headphones.

The one that looks like a speaker is the 'Mute' button, and the Headphones button is the 'Solo' button that isolates that particular sound within your mix, in case you want to just hear that one track, and not the others.

You'll know your mute button is selected because it'll turn a turquoise green and the MIDI region is no longer green, but a darker shade of grey.

When the 'Solo' button is turned on, it's yellow.

Also, if you've accidentally isolated a track using the 'Solo' button, you won't be able to hear the MIDI controller, unless you're currently playing the MIDI Controller through that particular 'Software Instrument' track.

4) Another potential reason is that you've slid the 'Volume Slider' all the way to the left, effectively muting the track.

5) Check your MIDI Keyboard connection. It may have something to do with your USB Firewire Cable.

6) If your computer isn't recognizing your MIDI Controller, unplug and plug it back in after restarting Garageband.

A way to tell if your computer has recognized the controller is by hitting a note on your MIDI Controller, and seeing if it registers that note at the top of the DAW.

If you hit one note, a little circle will appear in the top right-hand corner of the 'Beats Position Display' at the top-center of Garageband.

If you play a chord on the MIDI Controller, Garageband will tell you the exact chord.

Another way of checking to see if your computer recognizes the keyboard is to go into the 'About This Mac' settings. Then click on 'System Report.'

Go all the way down to where it says 'USB,' and click on that.

On the right-hand side of the menu, it will say what's connected to your computer currently. On mine, it says the name of the device, 'masterkey 49.'

7) Try another USB (USB-C) Port on your computer. If you're using the new MacBook, try a different device, it may be the adaptor.

Remember, the simplest solution is usually the correct one.

Free Midi Keyboard Controller Software

YouTube Video Tutorial

Conclusion

That's all for this tutorial. I hope it was helpful for you.

Check out my recommended product page for more on MIDI keyboards.

Don't be scared of technology anymore. When it comes to creating music on the computer as well as old analog hardware, the main language is Midi. However, this is not something you need to learn or understand to make music. In this writing, we will give you our buyer guides on choosing the best midi keyboards for garageband. Keep reading the post to get them.

Midi Keyboards for Garageband Comparison Table

How Many Keys Should You Get?

Play Garageband For Free

Choosing keyboard size is actually a personal choice. In this article, we will keep it pretty in the range of 25 and 49 keys. They are the best options for garageband. Many people decide to choose the 25 key controllers because of their reasonable price as well as their compact size. That's why they are perfect for small working environments.

You may like: Best Midi Keyboard Under 200

The 49 key controllers are also chosen because they are the most popular size used for bedroom studios. Also, you can play a range of octaves thanks to them.

What Are Midi Keyboard Compatible with Garageband?

Now, there is a wide range of options available on the market when it comes to the Digital Audio Workstations. They are ideal for those who prefer to try out some new software for editing your electronic music.

All of the midi keyboard listed in this post can be used with all the main DAW's. Some units may be shipped with the version of Ableton Live Lite. That's why you can test their functions.

Extra Features to Help You Make Better Music

We are going to review a list of USB midi controllers for garageband. All of them are designed with more than a row or midi keyboard keys. All pokemon in pc. So, why?

The fact is that you will want to have more creative with interactivity. Also, you are going for more creative workflow. These points are necessary when using a controller. All products we will mention in our list today are equipped with a few of the important features so you can get more creative sounds and software through the functions of controllers.

Top Ten Best Midi Keyboard for Garageband

If you're looking for the best midi keyboard controllers for garageband, then check out the top 10 garageband midi controllers bellow.

Arturia MicroLab Compact 25-Key USB-MIDI Controller

This one from the brand Arturia Microlab can be considered as one of the smallest as well as portable MIDI keyboards available in the market. Although remember that this doesn't have several features that you can work with. One of the best ones though is the in-built USB cable that can retract. It offers ease of usage in case you had been searching for something that you can just put in your backpack while you travel.

The MicroLab Compact 25-Key also doesn't require any additional cable that you need to take with you. When we talk about the features, there are stripped down controller that has been made for producers that are constantly moving or for beginners.

• It has a retractable USB cable.
• The weight is just around 2 pounds.
• You also get bundled software.
• It is a very affordable product.
• It works amazingly with Garageband.
• Offers ease of usage.

• Features are pretty limited.
• There are no pads.
• The keys are small.

Nektar Midi Controller (IMPACT LX25+)

Nektar Midi Controller is one of the most famous models from Nektar. The LX25+ provides full-sized keys that are 25 in number. Then there are you get backlit pads that are 8 in number. Apart from this, there are also rotator knobs and faders. Again, it is light in weight and one of the most affordable options that you get in the market. The DAW software is included and this will be perfect if you are just starting.

One of the best parts about the software is that it has been developed in a manner so that's easy or beginners. It is one of the models with a lot of positive reviews from verified buyers and the simplicity provided by full-sized keys is a vital feature.

• You get 25 full-sized keys with it.
• The DAW (Bitwig) software is included
• There are 8 pads and 4 Transpose and Octave buttons.
• Light in weight therefore travels friendly.

• The key-bed cannot be regarded as of the best quality.

Arturia KeyStep Pro 37-key Controller & Sequencer

The Arturia KeyStep Pro 37-key is one of the latest models from Arturia and can be called a bit expensive when we compare it with other models from the ones we mentioned on the list. That been said, this has all of the advanced controls that you can get in the market today. For years now, Arturia's original Keystep had been one of the biggest secrets that a lot of producers didn't even know about till now.

With the KeyStep Pro, the secret has come into open and is recommended by musicians and producers all over the world. This has been equipped with 4 track polyphonic sequencers and also has 16 tracks dedicated sequencer. The controls work immensely well with all of the major DAW's that include Garageband. Keep in mind that it cannot be called as specifically made for Garageband, nor does it have specific unique functions for it, but works well.

• It has 4 track sequencer.
• Comes with 16 tracks dedicated sequencer.
• It has an Aftertouch.
• It is light in weight.
• It is velocity-sensitive.

Music Software For Midi Keyboard

• The price is on the steep side.

Alesis V25 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

This Alesis MIDI keyboard as the name suggests has 25 keys and is undoubtedly among the most trending models that you can find. The build quality is very durable and you get it at a low price. It is one of those purchases where you can get the best deal without any compromise with the quality. Secondly, the keys that you get with it is full size. The issue that one usually faces with small controllers is that they usually have mini-sized keys. Therefore Alesis V25 aces in this aspect. You also get Ableton Live Lite with it and it is a fantastic DAW.

Another good thing about it is that the software also allows you plug-and-play right when you take it out from the box. It has been powered with a USB cable as well. So you can connect it with your laptop or PC. You get four different pattern buttons and 8 pads. One can make use of the buttons just like keyboard octave buttons. Therefore you are allowed with mainly 32 varied notes that can be assigned the pads for instead of 8.

• This MIDI keyboard is very durable.
• The cost is on the low side.
• You get high-quality keys with it.
• 8 pads are velocity-sensitive.
• The interface is simple.
• This one will work in sync with about any DAW's.
• Light in weight hence travels friendly.

• It doesn't have the newest controllers.
• The pads have been called for double triggering.
• Aftertouch absent.
• There is no LED screen.

Novation Impulse 25 USB Midi Controller Keyboard

Novation Impulse 25 is one of the best choices that you can take a look at If your budget is of under 200 dollars. It also seems to be one of the favorites among the buyers as there are several positive reviews. The product is of high quality and the brand has added natural feel keys that make it more upmarket. You get 25 precision keys and a complete control surface that has been powered by the latest Automap software.

This MIDI keyboard also has 8 drum pads that are back-lit and can roll beats, warp arpeggios and also launch clips with Ableton live. You get instant mapping for the things that need control. It means that you can use faders, buttons, and knobs and have hands-on control via music software Cgi computer programs.

• The build quality of the pads is perfect.
• The keys offer a natural feel and worth a mention.
• The full-size keys make it easy to use for people having larger hands.
• You also get an Arpeggiator that's a rare feature.

• There can be an issue with knobs as they seem a bit lose and make accurate positioning finicky.
• There is a lack of a 'latch' feature that is essential with the Arpeggiator.

Akai Mpk Mini MK2 – Best Akai Midi Keyboard

The Akai Mpk Mini Mk2 is designed with a whole range of useful features. Indeed, it comes with the 8 X touch-sensitive pads for creating a drum pattern with your fingertips. This is a 25 key akai mpk mini garageband controller.

It is equipped with 8 X 360-degree rotary knobs, so it can be able to assign effect as well as manipulate sounds from the keyboard. The traditional mod and pitch wheel are removed and replaced by a 4-way dynamic pitch.

This device is a great investment for your money. It's a portable midi keyboard controller. It's a good option for beginners and advanced users because of so many features. Plus, you will get free synthesizer software.

Arturia Minilab Mk2 25 Slim-Key Controller

The Arturia Minilab Mk2 is designed with 16 heavy-duty, rotary, and thick rubber encoders. In addition to the great build quality design, this device is also on the smaller side of the scale. However, it comes with a punch in terms of features, value for money, or functions.

If you are looking for a good midi keyboard for garageband for those who have a small studio, you shouldn't miss the Arturia Minilab Mk2. Additionally, it comes with touched sensitive slide pads for the mod wheel and pitch bend. Thus, you won't have to worry about damaging your controller when you slide it in your backpack.

Akai Mpk 249 – Top Akai MPK Mini Garageband

The Akai Mpk 249 is a good choice for those who are going for a midi keyboard controller to add to their Garageband home studio. This product includes 49 keys, faders, plus plenty of knobs, and pads as well. So, you can create music on.

This keyboard controller offers you a set of keys as well as a mod and pitch wheel. With this option, it won't be essential to upgrade it for a slightly more advanced controller in the future. You can plug and play it with all major software like Garageband.

However, this option seems to be not a budget controller. Besides, you may also have to take some time to learn the additional midi mapping.

M Audio Keystation 49 II

One of the best midi keyboard for Garageband on a budget is the M Audio Keystation 49 II. This is a great investment before making a big financial commitment. This keyboard controller ensures to offer you all of the standard features you need for not only producing music but also playing your favorite sounds from Garageband.

This device is equipped with a bundle of sounds. That's why it's possible to check out the functions as well as the workflow of the DAW. The thing you need to do is just simply plug and play with the USB mid. It doesn't require drivers.

However, this choice doesn't come with knobs, pads, and faders. Besides, it brings responsiveness if you want to play advanced chords.

Alesis V49 49 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

The last keyboard for Garageband on our list is the Alesis V49. This option is slightly more expensive when compared to the M Audio Keystation 49 II. It is built with features, a good design, and functionality.

It is designed with adjustable sensitivity, 4 rotary knobs, 8 pads, full-size keys, and 4 banks that allow you to access sounds and instruments from your DAW.

This is a great consideration for those who are looking for a midi keyboard at a budget price. With this device, you can plug and play with Garageband. It's not essential to install drivers. Because it comes with rotary knobs, pads, and banks, you can grow into its functions.

Conclusion

Well, we've just discussed some points to keep in mind when shopping for a midi keyboard controller. Then, we introduced you to the top five best midi keyboards for Garageband. Sure, you have had enough info about all the features of each product. Hopefully, our reviews can help you make your decision with ease. Our top choice is the Alesis V49. It comes with plug and plays technology, so you can set up the midi controller without installing drivers and handling tech issues.