Seeing that people are spending a lot more time at home these days on account of the ongoing pandemic, everyone seems to be on the lookout for a new hobby. Whether it’s learning a new language, knitting, or picking up an instrument, there are different ways to get your creative juices flowing during these difficult times.
One of the most popular instruments more people have been picking up lately is the keyboard. For everyone who has ever wanted to learn the piano, but couldn’t afford piano lessons or didn’t have the space to put one in their homes, a keyboard is a great option. The mini keyboard is especially good for those who are just starting out and want to learn a new and fun instrument. If you’re excited about picking up this skill but are not sure which model would work for you, then read on for more information.
The Size of the Keys
Mini keyboards in general will have smaller keys, although there are certain variations amongst different models. This does not mean that any functionality will be lost, but mini keys are generally viewed as excellent space savers. However, smaller keys don’t work for everyone since they are a bit cumbersome for beginners, or intimidating. At the same time, if you want to play music on the go, and already feel comfortable maneuvering the keys then investing in a mini keyboard would be a good step to take. Besides the size of the keys, you also want to consider the size of the keyboard itself, and comparison shop the weight and dimensions. You want to make sure that the keyboard will fit in whichever space you’ve assigned to it in the home,
Output and Adaptability
Most mini keyboards these days come with a USB cable, which is fairly convenient. This is helpful for any instance in which you would want to hook them up to your computer to control software. However, as the professionals at https://www.apassant.net/best-fully-weighted-midi-keyboards/ mention, if you would like to use the keyboard as a controller for other hardware synths – perhaps you’ve reached a level of expertise that allows you to experiment with electronic music at home – you will need to get a MIDI out port in order to help make the connection. A good thing about mini keyboards is that they have been designed to work really well with tablets, and even with Macbooks or desktop computers. They are fairly adaptable, and you can work around any purchase you’ve made on your PC or iPad for example to help you with your music, then you can use it on your keyboard as well without any trouble. This is another point in the favor of mini keyboards since it makes learning and playing music fun and approachable regardless of where you are in the process.
Consider the Software
Any mini keyboard will come with its own software, and that’s something you should take into consideration. Some models come with software worth at least fifty dollars if you were to purchase it on its own, so it’s worth evaluating before purchasing. Also, if you’re a guitarist, then you can get software that will rig your keyboard according to the kind of music you’d like to play. There are also keyboards that come with a full home studio purchase and software bundle that could help you experiment in new ways and make music on your computer. So, depending on your needs, you should take a look at the kind of software available for the models you have your eye on. It could end up being incredibly valuable while also expanding your creative process in new and exciting ways.
Lack of Pedal Inputs
One thing intermediate or advanced keyboard players should take into account is that most mini keyboards don’t come with pedal support. Standardized keyboards, by and large, have a sustain port so that you can use a pedal. If this functionality is important to you, then make sure to look into your mini keyboard and see if it comes with this before purchasing. As a stopgap measure, some may have sustain buttons in place of the pedal for those who want to use that effect. While most mini keyboards don’t come with this, it is possible to include it as an add on, depending on the model.
Whether you want to pick up a new skill during the quarantine or make a full-fledged record in the comfort of your home, a mini keyboard is a fun and affordable option. You will need to do some research first to choose the model that works best for you and determine the kind of software you need. Once you zero in on the right one, it’s bound to be the perfect investment for you.
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