Midi Keyboards for VR

Midi-Keyboards (Controllers) for ‘playing with VR09/VR730’ (in a live situation)

Midi keyboards/controllers can be used e.g. as ‘VR lower organ manual’, ‘piano sub-manual’ etc. Which kind of controller you need depends on how deep you would like to ‘change VR parameters’ (e.g. with the contoller faders or pots):

The most simple case: you only want to ‘play lower manual notes’:
– connect any controller to VR with a midi cable
– go into VR menu ‘MIDI’, search for ‘Midi Mode’, set to KEYBOARD
– on VR, set a ‘split’ (to ‘activate’ lower manual)
any midi signal from the controller is now routed to VR lower manual – you don’t have to care about channel settings etc
The most complex case: you want to use the controllers pots/faders e.g. as ‘VR lower manual drawbars’
You’re at the doorstep to ‘ugly SysEx world’ …
Most VR parameters like ‘VR drawbars’ can only be changed by SysEx. so the controller must be capable to send ‘Roland SysEx midi’ – and you have to dive into sysex world (by studying the ‘VR09/730 midi implementation manual’ provided on Roland website
‘SysEx’ controllers are listed in chapter (A)
You want to use the controllers pots/faders to ‘change things’ but without SysEx
Controllers without sysex are still very usable: VR accepts a lot of ‘standard Control Changes’, e.g. envelope, filter, vibrato, portamento, etc etc. You can also use the controller to play ‘VR GM2 engine sounds’ (with more than 2000 sounds)
You find the complete list of Control Changes in List of ‘classic midi signals’ of the VR
You can even use controllers with ‘mini-keys’ : suitable mini-keys (with ‘real midi-out’) are listed in chapter (C).

Chapter overview:
(A) Controllers with standard key-size and ‘Roland SysEx’
(B) Controllers with standard key-size but without ‘Roland SysEx’
(C) Controllers with ‘mini-keys’

(A) Controllers with standard key-size and ‘Roland SysEx’

Only very very few controllers can do SysEx : some ‘old’ Roland/Edirol and Novation controllers – there are no new devices available (you still might find a ‘old stock’ Roland A-Pro abandoned in 2023 though)

Notes:
All controllers in the list are usb-midi class compilant (no need for proprietary drivers on newer OSX/Windows). On Edriols, Roland driver support must must be disabled (“Advanced Driver Switch”, see manuals/Roland support sites)
Roland A-Pro and Edriol are better suited as VR ‘organ lower manual’ (’rounded keys’ for organ playing techniques, 9 faders for drawbars), Novations are better suited as piano/EP ‘sub-manual’ because of their semiweighted Fatar action
Editors for Novation SLs: some are available from Novation, some only from webarchives: a complete remote editors collection

Roland A-Pro A300/A500/A800: keys (2nd hand)

Roland successor or the Edirol Series. The action is identical to VR, but ‘deeper’ parameter editing requires the editor

versions: 32/49/61 keys. Light synth action with Aftertouch like VR09 (same keys form, a little bit different touch)
9 faders (drawbars!), 9 pots, 8 pads
Aftertouch
programming: basic settings can be set on the device, deeper parameters only by editor (PC, Mac)

Roland-Edirol PCR 300/500/800 (2007) (2nd hand)

This is the most recent and best of Roland/Edirol Series. More ‘pianesque’ action than A-Pro series.

versions: 32/49/61 keys. Light synth action with Aftertouch.
9 faders (drawbars!), 9 pots, 16 pads
Aftertouch
programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR done by editor (PC, Mac)

Roland-Edirol PCR M30/M50/M80 (2005) and PCR 30/50/80 (2002) (2nd hand)

Older Roland/Edirol Series. Not recommended because of keybed wear and failure

versions: 32/49/61 keys. Light synth action with Aftertouch. Action is reputaded for wear
9 faders (drawbars!), 9 pots (no pads)
programming: ALL settings must be set on the device (no editor available)

Novation Remote SL Mk2 25/49/61 (2009) (2nd hand)

Mark-2 with illuminated ‘endless encoders’ (note that newer SL Mk3 and higher DO NOT HANDLE SYSEX)!

versions: 25/49/61 keys, semiweighted action Fatar TP/9 (with Aftertouch), excellent for piano
8 faders, 8 (endless) pots, 8 pads
programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR done by Novation editor (PC, Mac) or 3rd party editor ‘EdiSyn’ (see collection of Editors)

Novation Remote SL (Mk1) 25/37/61 (2007) (2nd hand)

This is the most recent and best of Roland/Edirol Series. which is said to be the best of the Edirol PCR series

versions: 25/37/61 keys, semiweighted action Fatar TP/9 (with Aftertouch), excellent for piano
8 faders, 8 (endless) pots, 8 pads
programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR done by Novation editor (PC, Mac) or 3rd party editor ‘EdiSyn’ (see collection of Editors)

Novation Remote SL COMPACT 25/49 (2007) (2nd hand)

Compact is the ‘reduced’ version of Mk2: no faders, no xy-trackpad, pitch/mod wheel instead of joystick.

versions: 25/49 keys, semiweighted action Fatar TP/9 (with Aftertouch), excellent for piano
8 (endless) pots, 8 pads
programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR done by Novation editor (PC, Mac) or 3rd party editor ‘EdiSyn’ (see collection of Editors)

(B) Controllers with standard key-size but without ‘Roland SysEx’

There’s an infite number of available controllers, new ones, old ones … so we don’t list them here.
The only ‘technical requirement’ on the devices is ‘real’ midi-sockets (5-pin). Modern (DAW-)controllers with only ‘usb-midi’ cannot directly be attached to VR midi-in (VR won’t recognise it)

(C) Mini-Key Controllers

We start with a ‘warning’: most ‘mini-key’-controllers have only a ‘usb-midi’ socket, no ‘real midi-outs’.
Mini-controllers are designed for handling virtual instruments and DAWs on computers/tablets. You cannot directly attach ‘usb-midi’ from a controller to VR (VR won’t recognise it). You can run usb-midi into VR only via an intermediate computer/tablet (acting as ‘usb-host’ between the two clients controller and VR).
Luckily a handfull of mini-keys have additional ‘real-Midi’ sockets which allow direct connection to VR midi-in. These midi-sockets are either classic ‘5-pin’ or ‘3.5mm TRS’ jacks. In case of ‘TRS’ you need an adapter-cable to 5-pin midi. Unfortunately there are type-A and type-B (and even type-C) adapters, but in the list of boards the type is indicated.

Overview (prices in Europe):

Arturia Minilab-3 (95 €) : well suited for live usage, easy handling, good controllers
M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini (110 €): well suited for live usage, good controllers
M-Vave SMK mini/Swissonic p25 (50 €): minmalistic, simplistic and cheap key for ‘just playing notes’
Miditech i2-mini 32 plus(55 €): simplistic and cheap key for ‘just playing notes’
MidiPlus X2/X3/X4/X6 mini (90-130 €): simplistic and durable key for ‘just playing notes’
Behringer Swing / Arturia Keystep (65/140 €): no controllers but sequencer
Donner MP 25 Pro (110 €): ultra-flat, ok for live usage, good controllers
WORLDE Panda Mini 2 / Miditech Garagekey Groove-2/PAD (70 €): ok for live usage, good controllers
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3/Mk4 (100 – 160 €): focused on Ableton which reduces versatility
IK Multimedia IRig Keys 2 mini (100 €): small and simple – but fragile for live usage
AKAI Professional MPK mini Plus (170 €): has functions like sequencer but limitations on midi and channel settings

Recommendations:

Test your personal requirements: e.g. many user-presets (to match VR registrations), many controllers (pots, faders, pads) to change sounds on VR, ease of use (parameter programming vs. ), or even a ‘recordable’ sequencer.
If you want to use the controller on VR GM engine it should (‘must’) be able to send ‘bank select + program change’ (msb-lsb-prg values) to load GM2 sounds into VR: only Arturia MiniLab and M-Audio Mini Pro can send combined ‘bank-program’ (e.g. from a ‘pad’)

keys	keybed quality	build quality	ease of use	presets	bank program	controllers	arpeggiator	sequencer	‘bargain’	model
32	+	+	o	++	++	++	+			M-Audio Oxygen Mini Pro
25	+	+	+	+	++	++	+			Arturia Keystep-3
32	o	o	++			o	+		+	Miditech i2 32 mini plus
25	o	o	+	+	o	++	+		+	Miditech Garagekey/ Worlde
25	++	++	++			o				MidiPlus mini
32	+	+	++			?	+	+	++	Behringer Swing

(++: very good +: good o: mediocre, ‘blank’: not available)

M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini (ca. 110 € + TRS-midi adapter)

The Oxygen is a solid design – and 32 keys make a difference to 25. User interface is a little bit ‘confusing’, but the board offers more options than any other (e.g. playing a chord on one GM-channel while running the Arpeggiator into another GM-channel). It’s the most versatile mini-controller for VR

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 40-19-6/1.2
32 mini-keys (width: 19.4mm, length 80.4mm): good and sturdy action (‘real spring mechanics’)
TRS-Midi (needs a “Type A” adapter to 5-pin cable) with Midi-Thru option
14 user-presets + 1 “DAW”-preset
2 banks of 4 faders, 4 pots, 4 buttons and 8 pads
individual channel assign to ‘keybed’, pads, faders, pots, buttons, Arpeggiator
faders+pots can send CC ; buttons+pads can send CC, Note, bank/program-change (msb/lsb/pc)
programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR by editor (PC, Mac)
pitch/mod ‘wheels’
Arpeggiator and Chord function
Included software: Ableton Live Lite, Akai MPC Beats, Hybrid-3 virtual synth

Arturia Minilab-3 (Mark 3) (ca. 95 €)

French elegance: several colours options (alpine white, green…) and wood side panels. Pads have Aftertouch. ‘real’ 5pin midi. The ‘user interface’ is more evident compared to M-Audio but the board offers less options.

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 35-22-5/1.5
25 mini-keys (width: 20.6mm, length 88.6mm): a good and sturdy action (‘real spring mechanics’)
5-pin-midi out with Midi-Thru-option
5 user-presets (easy switching with SHIFT + pad-3)
1 bank of 8 pots, 4 faders and 2 banks of 8 pads. Pads have polyphonic Aftertouch (!)
easy changing of (global) channel (press SHIFT + a key with channel number)
individual channel assign to ‘keybed’, pads, faders, pots
faders+pot can send CC, NRPM ; pads can send CC, Note, bank/program change (msb/lsb/pc)
programming: basics can be set on the device, deeper editing with editor (PC, Mac)
pitch/mod ‘touch strips’ Included software: Ableton Live Lite, Arturia “Analog-Lab” (500 samples), UVI-Steinway-D, NI-Upright

M-Vave SMK mini / Swisswonic P25 (ca. 500 €)

Maybe the most simplistic and cheapest solution for ‘just playing notes on VR” – and it’s battery powered – like VR

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 35-11-5/0.6
25 mini-keys
TRS-Midi (double-usage of sustain jack) and Bluetooth-Midi
Inbuld Battery (recharable)
no presets – just the momentary setting
programming: Editor
One (big) encoder
Arpeggiator and Chord function

Miditech i2-mini 32 PLUS (ca. 55 €)

Simplistic and cheap solution for ‘just playing notes on VR” – and it’s battery powered – like VR. Board is larger than other ‘minis’ (50cm)

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 49-13-5/0.7
32 mini-keys (width: 20.0mm length 80mm)
TRS-Midi (adapter included)
Battery (4x AA) and usb-powered
no presets – just the momentary setting
programming: ALL settings must be set on the device (no editor)
pitch/mod touch-wheels
Arpeggiator and Chord function
Included software (with ‘MidiTech’): Miditech Free Software Bundle (VSTs, Samplers, Drum Computer etc)

MidiPlus X2/X3/X4/X6 mini (ca. 90/100/110/130 €)

Maybe the most simplistic and durable solution for ‘just playing notes’ + few Control-Change pots: metal housing, very good keys, easy user interface – available from 25 to 61 keys
(There exist also ‘mini pro’ versions with 49 or 61 keys, more pots, pads etc)

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 41-14-5/1.7 (x2) … 85-14-5/3.2 (x6)
25/37/49/61 mini-keys (width: ?? length ??): one of the best mini key actions
5-pin-Midi
no presets – just the momentary setting
4 pots, 6 buttons (‘transport’ buttons can be used to send Control Changes)
individual channel assign to ‘pots’
pots/buttons can send CC
programming: ALL settings must be set on the device (no editor)
pitch/mod touch-strips
Included software: Ableton Live Lite, Akai MPC Beats, Hybrid-3 virtual synth

Behringer Swing / Arturia Keystep (65/140 €)

The Swing is a ‘clone’ of the Keystep but at half price, so we mention it first. There are no controllers (faders,pots,pads) but Arpeggiator, Sequencer and ‘CV-outs’ for controlling analog synths
‘Keystep 37’ has more keys and 4 pots

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 49-15-4/1.4
32 mini-keys (width: ??, length >??)
5-Pin-midi out and in
no user-presets
programming: settings can be set on the device OR done by editor (PC, Mac), sequences must be edited in editor (in ‘live’ mode)
pitch/mod touch strips
Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator, Chord function
Included software: –

Donner MP 25 Pro ‘midi-out’-version (ca. 110 € + TRS-midi adapter)

‘pure fashion’: outstanding design, 3 colour options, superflat (2.6 cm !). Easy user interface.
Cannot send ‘program change’ (which might not bother if you don’t use VR GM2 sounds)
Attention: exists in 2 versions with the same name: 1. midi-out jack 2. sustain-pedal jack
the ‘midi-version’ has “SUSTAIN” written below the [K/S-BANK] buttons while ‘sustain-pedal-version’ has “LATCH”)

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 34-18-2.6/0.7
25 mini-keys (width: ??, length: ??): cheap ‘plastic hinge’ action, keys are prone to break off
Pads have (polyphonic) Aftertouch (!)
TRS-Midi (needs a Type-A adapter to 5-pin cables)
SUPERFLAT (only 2.6cm), no protuding knobs and “pots”
4 user-presets + “RAM”-preset
3 banks for each group: 8 pads, 4 pots, 4 faders
faders/pots can send CC // pads can send Notes
no sending of ‘bank select’ possible
pitch/mod ‘touch strips’
Arpeggiator and Chord function
Programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR done by editor (PC, Mac)
Included software: Cubase LE and more

WORLDE ‘Pandamini-II’ and ‘Orcamini’ (idem: Miditech Garagekey ‘Groove-2’ and ‘PAD’) (ca. 70 €)

These are budget ‘chinese’ keys in 2 versions: Oracamini (Miditech PAD) has no faders but more pads. If you need a ‘midi remote key’ to play VR and use some ‘live envelope and filter controls’ it’s perfect. It’s limited for ‘distributed’ tasks though (e.g. sending pads to ‘VR drum section’). Easy user interface.

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 32-19-5/0.6
25 mini-keys (width: ??, length: ??): cheap ‘plastic hinge’ action, keys are prone to break off
TRS-Midi (adapter to 5-pin cable is included)
3 user-presets
Pandamini (Groove): 8 pads, 4 pots, 4 faders // Orcamini (PAD): 16 pads, 8 pots
faders/pots can send CC // Pads can send Notes
only one ‘global’ channel (no individual channels for encoders)
pitch/mod ‘touch strips’
Arpeggiator and Chord function
Programming: ALL settings are set on the device (no editor aviable)
Included software (with ‘MidiTech’): Miditech Free Software Bundle (VSTs, Samplers, Drum Computer etc)

Novation Launchkey Mini MK3, Mk4, Mk4-37 (100 – 160 €)

The Launchkey series is hard focused to controll Ableton Live. Therefore only one ‘custom preset’ can be defined. Arturia has more flexiblity’

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 33-17-4/0.6 (mk3), 34-18-5/0.8 (mk4) ; 48-18-5/0.9 (mk4-37)
25 or 37 mini-keys (width: ??, length: ??)
TRS-Midi (needs a Type-A adapter to 5-pin cables)
only 1 ‘user-preset’ (‘custom mode’)
16 pads (mk4: with Aftertouch), 8 pots (Mk4: continous pots)
individual channel assign to ‘keybed’, pads, pots
pots can send CC // Pads can send CC, Note, program-change (no bank-msb/lsb !)
programming: pads and pots must be programmed by editor (PC, Mac)
pitch/mod ‘touch strips’
Arpeggiator, Chord function
Included software: Ableton Live Lite, XLN Studio-Grand, EP and String VI

IK Multimedia IRig Keys 2 mini (100 €)

Doubtful for ‘live usage’: it is powered through ‘micro-usb’ socket which is very fragile for stage usage

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 32 x 14 x 5
25 mini-keys (width: ??, length: ??)
TRS-Midi (2.5mm – adapter to 5-pin cables included)
4 user-presets
2 banks with 4 knobs
one single ‘global’ channel
pots can send CC
programming: on device (no editor available)
Included software: SampleTank 4 SE

AKAI Professional MPK mini Plus (170 €)

The Akai has 37 keys and a step-sequencer and ‘CV-out’ (for controlling analog synths) but also severe limitations:
You cannot attach VR and PC/tablet at the same time. Sending ‘bank-select’ (e.g. for loading VR GM2-sounds) requires “wasting” of 2 pads for msb and lsb

Dimensions/Weight (cm/kg): 45-18-5/1.2
37 mini-keys (width: 19.4mm, length 80.4mm): a good and sturdy action (‘spring type’)
5-Pin-midi out and in WARNING: midi-out only works if the board is NOT connected to a tablet/PC !!
8 user-presets
2 banks of 8 pads, 1 bank of 8 pots
individual channel assign for encoders/keys is limited to only 2 ‘global’ channels for keybed+encorders and pads
pots can send CC // Pads can send CC, Note, program-change (no bank-msb/lsb !)
programming: ALL settings can be set on the device OR done by editor (PC, Mac)
pitch/mod ‘wheels’ plus ‘xy’-wobble-stick
Step Sequencer, Arpeggiator, Chord function
Included software: Ableton Live Lite, Akai MPC Beat, Hybrid-3 virtual synth