d. MIDI Controller
MIDI Controllers, as the name implies, are controllers which manipulate MIDI messages. There are several different kinds of MIDI controllers from keyboards, to drum pads, to knobs or sliders, or even a combination of all three. When used with a sequencer, you can control things such as volume, panning, filters, recording notes, or controlling VSTs. You may soon find that controlling everything with just a mouse can be quite a tedious process so a controller may simplify things. For example, knobs or sliders are much better for leveling or panning audio than clicking a virtual on-screen knob and adjusting it accordingly. Likewise, you may prefer to give your drums a more lively swing by tapping them out with drum pads rather than dotting them into FL Studio’s step sequencer. You may also prefer auditioning melodies and bass lines with some keys before recording. As you can see, there are several advantages to owning a controller for precision and a natural, human feel. Having one also seems to make you feel more involved in the creative process. After all, making beats should not feel like programming! MIDI controllers vary as much in price as they do in style. You may prefer having just some keys, or one with a combination of keys, sliders, and knobs. Many keyboards also vary in size from just 25 keys to 88 so if portability is an issue, it’s definitely something to be mindful of. Also, keep in mind that the more features a controller has, the more likely it’ll cost more. I would recommend getting a controller that can connect via USB port, as USB can usually power the controllers which can be very helpful for a traveling musician. Sometimes controllers have extra features that can only be unlocked when using the USB port, such as a key mapper for drum pads. Once you’ve got your MIDI controller(s), the next thing you might want to consider are stereo monitors.