Midi keyboard or synthesizer?

[Alakazam8]

Dd would like to start writing her own songs/music. She is asking for a synthesizer for Christmas so was all ready to get one but I’ve been told that a midi keyboard would be better. I know so little about them so feel a bit lost. Does anyone on here know anything about them and could advise?

@Lonelycrab I think I’m getting confused by all this now. Dd wants as wide range of sounds as possible and the ability to compose and record her own songs and music. She has additional needs but could manage both a stand alone or an iPad option. Also has a laptop but is a basic one.
it seems the choices are Novation, Native Instruments or the volca. Which one would you get to start her off please?
I am so grateful for your help as it is a rabbit hole!

Just chipping in with NI kit - Komplete Kontrol keyboards are great, work seamlessly with Komplete software the rest of the NI music production ecosystem, as well integrating with DAWs (Logic, Garageband, Ableton etc). I see she has a laptop, do you know the specs are, then we can see if it's able to run software.

If not there are some really good music production type apps on the iPad, but I would say they are more for sketching ideas, then export to a DAW to actually arrange the music.

Apologies if I missed it, but what is the approx. budget?

Here's an example of the NI Komplete Kontrol keyboards

ah it stripped the link. But search for Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol keyboards and you'll find them. The A-Series are more budget friendly but still very capable.

@Alakazam8 Yes, unfortunately it does get a bit confusing as there are several ways to go about it. From what you’re saying, I think the Novation launch key mk3 (as recommended by a pp) will be best for what you want. Here’s a vid of it being used with a cheap iPad app called groovebox.

It’ll work with other apps too, like I said before, GarageBand is powerful and cheap or maybe free, can’t remember now. But whatever it is you’re using (app wise), it’ll take a little time to learn its ways.

You can’t use the Volca in the same way- its a synth but not a song recording device like the iPad setup. So I think the Novation is best in your case.

You’ll need the camera connection kit for iPad to physically plug the two things together, but it’s just a little connector thingy, around a tenner according to google.

@Lonelycrab Thanks so much- that is much clearer. I’d got a bit overwhelmed by it all! Will probably go for that one. Just looked and there are 2 models, the one mentioned by pp or this one which is a bit more but not totally sure what extra it offers! My brain has gone into complete meltdown!!
thanks again

That one looks fine, there are a few models but the main differences will be size of keys- mini will be miniature keys, the more expensive ones will be full size, and maybe have more pads and knobs to twiddle. The bigger keyboard span you choose will increase cost but they’re all doing essentially the same thing.

Another little vid that shows what you can get out of an iPad when connected to a keyboard. He’s using a different keyboard but the principal is the same. Good luck @Alakazam8 and hope your dd has lots of fun.

Thanks again @Lonelycrab so it’s just size of keys!! I thought it did something that the other one couldn’t. Will go for the smaller one then as it is more portable. Will start to explore apps too. Thanks for all the brilliant info!

@Lonelycrab I’ve ordered the camera connection for the mk3. Do I need anything else to be able to get it up and running for her quickly, speakers or any software downloads you would recommend?

You’ll just need a usb cable if you bought the Launchkey, that may well be in the box though. If not they’re only a couple of pounds normally.

Software wise, I’d suggest starting with GarageBand, but there are many others as I said. GarageBand is surprisingly powerful, I’ve got it on my iPhone right now and there’s quite a lot to learn on it.

Here’s another vid showing Launchkey with GarageBand, on iPhone with the camera kit visible top left of screen.

You can use the internal iPad speaker to start. If you want to connect up to speakers or headphones, use the headphone out on iPad. It depends on what you have available. But whatever you connect I really think it has to be by a physical cable, and not over Bluetooth (wireless) for reasons I’ve explained above.

Thanks so much @Lonelycrab they are really helpful videos too

I know our instincts for a gift are to have a surprise element but I wish when mine were younger I had (researched a few affordable options) and then asked them to decide between them when it came to the kind of specialist stuff like this.

In retrospect there would have been less waste and awkwardness about something being sort of right but not the best option for them.

@Lonelycrab im having trouble linking novation to GarageBand. Tried reading guides online but still not managed thus far. Do you/or anyone reading this have a simple beginners guide to starting off…

Have pm’d you