As the world of popular music changes and advances, finding exciting new sounds to keep up with the times is more important than ever. Electronic-music and hip-hop artists, DJ’s, producers and even music enthusiasts channeling their inner David Guetta from home are always looking for creative ways to pump up the beat. Production and groove keyboards are powerful, intuitive controllers to assist the performer in doing just that.
These types of devices are a far more elaborate and specialized keyboard than has been traditionally used in the past. A fully programmable and multi-functional controller, they have high-tech MIDI features, pitch and modulation controls, preset software controls, synthesizer sounds and software support. These powerful, compact and easily portable machines are a fantastic addition to studio demo recordings, dance clubs and live performances. Many of these keyboards receive feedback from the music software and display on the clip matrix to give you a clear and immediate view - what’s loaded, what’s playing and what’s being recorded. Whatever the digital audio environment or live venue, these keyboards are guaranteed to take your music up a notch.
If you’re in the market for a truly expressive software beat controller for digital music production, Akai has options like the Professional APC40 Ableton Performance Controller. With a large selection of knobs and controllers for nearly unlimited creativity, LED rings for better visuals in dark venues, bi-directional software communication and a user-friendly clip matrix, this keyboard works with most MIDI recording, sequencing and performance software. On the other hand, if your goal is to create tight rhythms and harmonies quickly, Native Instruments Maschine Groove Production Studio Standard may be right up your alley. By providing a pattern-based sequencer, a professional grade sampler, high-res color displays, sampling, slicing, precise editing and an 8GB library, this fully integrated hardware fits in well with any computer-based studio setup, allowing you to focus on making music.
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional production skills or simply looking for a fun way to experiment at home, production and groove keyboards are the way to go. Digital music is the wave of the future and these powerful, multi-use devices are an excellent way to boost your performance, find new inspiration, and take your music in a whole new direction.