The Best Musical Instruments 2024

1. Novation - Launchpad Pro [MK3] MIDI Controller - Black

Launchpad Pro is made to produce. As Novation’s most powerful grid controller for making music in Ableton Live and with hardware, it gives you everything you need to create and perform your tracks. Launchpad Pro has Novation’s deepest Ableton Live integration yet. Launch clips and scenes, access mixer, device and transport controls, and quantise, duplicate and double, all without touching your mouse. One-click access to Ableton Live's Capture MIDI function makes sure you never miss an idea. Keep your tracks evolving with the four-track, eight-note polyphonic, 32-step standalone sequencer. Sequence virtual instruments and instantly print patterns to Clips in Ableton Live. Or hook up your favourite hardware to play patterns via MIDI — Launchpad Pro integrates seamlessly. Micro Steps take grooves off-grid. Probability, Mutate, Sync Rate and Play Order let you transform your patterns on the fly. Patterns can be chained together and assigned to Scenes to build complete songs. Launchpad Pro is the most playable Launchpad yet. Its velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads are bigger and more responsive than ever — perfect for playing grooves and launching clips. Scale mode locks pads to a musical key so you never hit a wrong note. Chord mode is an inspirational tool for building harmonies. Custom Modes transform Launchpad Pro into a hands-on control surface for any MIDI-compatible software or hardware, so you can design the perfect controller for your live setup, and perform with all your gear, however you want. Simply drag and drop widgets in Novation Components to configure the layout, then store configurations as one of eight Custom Modes. Disconnect the computer (if you want to), then switch between Modes for expressive and creative control of anything MIDI. Launchpad Pro is your music-making creativity hub, with or without a computer. Hook Launchpad Pro into an all-hardware rig using MIDI In, Out and Out 2/Thru ports on 3.5mm connectors. By no means least is the Easy Start Tool, which tailors the configuration process to your setup so you can start producing music as quickly as possible Launchpad Pro [MK3] & Live Loops in Logic Pro The Logical Choice Launchpad Pro is the most integrated grid controller for Logic Pro, with unique access to Logic’s Live Loops. Trigger cells from the grid, navigate projects easily, and get hands-on with producing and performing. Create quickly with Note and Chord modes and record directly to cells, then mute, solo, record arm and stop tracks. Dedicated controls let you clear and duplicate cells, and quantise the notes recorded into a cell — all with a few buttons pushes and without ever touching a mouse.

Launchpad Pro is made to produce. As Novation’s most powerful grid controller for making music in Ableton Live and with hardware, it gives you everything you need to create and perform your tracks. Launchpad Pro has Novation’s deepest Ableton Live integration yet. Launch clips and scenes, access mixer, device and transport controls, and quantize, duplicate and double, all without touching your mouse. One-click access to Ableton Live's Capture MIDI function makes sure you never miss an idea. Keep your tracks evolving with the four-track, eight-note polyphonic, 32-step standalone sequencer. Sequence virtual instruments and instantly print patterns to Clips in Ableton Live. Or hook up your favorite hardware to play patterns via MIDI — Launchpad Pro integrates seamlessly. Micro Steps take grooves off-grid. Probability, Mutate, Sync Rate and Play Order let you transform your patterns on the fly. Patterns can be chained together and assigned to Scenes to build complete songs. Launchpad Pro is the most playable Launchpad yet. Its velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads are bigger and more responsive than ever — perfect for playing grooves and launching clips. Scale mode locks pads to a musical key so you never hit a wrong note. Chord mode is an inspirational tool for building harmonies. Custom Modes transform Launchpad Pro into a hands-on control surface for any MIDI-compatible software or hardware, so you can design the perfect controller for your live setup, and perform with all your gear, however you want. Simply drag and drop widgets in Novation Components to configure the layout, then store configurations as one of eight Custom Modes. Disconnect the computer (if you want to), then switch between Modes for expressive and creative control of anything MIDI. Launchpad Pro is your music-making creativity hub, with or without a computer. Hook Launchpad Pro into an all-hardware rig using MIDI In, Out and Out 2/Thru ports on 3.5mm connectors. By no means least is the Easy Start Tool, which tailors the configuration process to your setup so you can start producing music as quickly as possible. Launchpad Pro [MK3] & Live Loops in Logic Pro - The Logical Choice - Launchpad Pro is the most integrated grid controller for Logic Pro, with unique access to Logic’s Live Loops. Trigger cells from the grid, navigate projects easily, and get hands-on with producing and performing. Create quickly with Note and Chord modes and record directly to cells, then mute, solo, record arm and stop tracks. Dedicated controls let you clear and duplicate cells, and quantize the notes recorded into a cell — all with a few buttons pushes and without ever touching a mouse.

2. iConnectivity - Cre8audio NiftyBUNDLE Synth Components - White/Light Blue

USB powered; Cakewalk SONAR LE; MIDI output; USB port

Turn your musical dreams into reality with this iConnectivity Cre8audio NiftyBUNDLE. The NiftyCASE provides space and power connections for up to 10 modular units, while the Chipz emulator helps you create retro synthesizer sounds. A Cellz programmable CV touchpad lets you sequence and control the output. This iConnectivity Cre8audio NiftyBUNDLE includes a Box O' Cables with six mono/TS patch cables for connecting modular components.

3. Novation - Launchkey 25 [MK3] MIDI Controller - Black

All-analog audio path with 2 VCOs; 40 onboard controls and LED display; 100 onboard presets; onboard multitouch 27-note chromatic and scale keyboard with 13 scales; USB MIDI and 2.5mm jack MIDI in/out (cables included); battery or USB powered

Take control of any music setup with Launchkey 25, Novation’s inspirational MIDI controller keyboard. Create and play with Ableton Live and connect external MIDI gear. Scale and Chord Modes expand your musical vocabulary, velocity-sensitive pads and keys provide expressive control.

4. Pioneer DJ - DDJ-FLX6: 4-Channel DJ Mixer - Black

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX6-GT is a 4-channel DJ controller that gives you full control over your mixes. With an intuitive layout modeled after Pioneer's flagship CDJ multi-players, the DDJ-FLX6-GT lets you focus on your performance. The large, full-sized jog wheels provide a natural feel for pitch bending and scratching, while the rubberized outer ring offers improved grip. Merge FX for Seamless Genre-Bending Transitions The innovative Merge FX feature makes it easy to transition between completely different genres and styles. With the press of a knob, you can build effects and drop samples to create tension before releasing into your next track. Choose from 8 pattern presets or create your own for over 9,000 customizable options. Jog Cutter Adds Professional Scratch Effects Turn on the Jog Cutter feature and moving the jog wheels applies scratch effects to your playback. Select from 10 different scratch patterns by moving the playhead position shown on the jog wheel display. Scratch freely, then lift your hand as the track continues playing from your last cue point. Customizable Sample Scratch Pad The Sample Scratch pad lets you assign and scratch with your own samples for live remixing and track texturing. If using Serato DJ Pro or Virtual DJ, you can trigger samples directly from the performance pads. Plug-and-Play with Multiple DJ Software Options With a built-in sound card, simply connect the DDJ-FLX6-GT to your laptop via USB to start DJing. It works with rekordbox, Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ and TRAKTOR PRO 3. Map TRAKTOR PRO 3 yourself or use the included mapping file.

Captivate your audience with the DDJ-FLX6. Packing a host of brand-new features, this 4-channel unit makes it easy to hype up the audience, mix tracks from totally different musical genres, and spice up your sets with pro-sounding scratch effects.

5. PreSonus - USB Audio Interface - Black/Blue

Great for recording studios, mobile musicians, guitarists, podcasters, and live streaming, the bus-powered Studio 24c 2-in, 2-out audio interface features two front-panel combo mic/line/instrument inputs with PreSonus XMAX-L solid-state mic preamps, two rear-panel line outputs, MIDI I/O, and onboard direct monitoring control. A complete, all-in-one home recording studio, the Studio 24c comes with PreSonus’ award-winning Studio One Artist music production software for macOS and Windows. Advanced Features The 2-in, 2-out Studio 24c audio interface features USB-C compatible computer connectivity and includes combo mic/instrument/line inputs with +48V phantom power for condenser mics; balanced, 1/4-inch TRS, line-level main outputs; and an output level control. Its built-in MIDI interface enables connection to a keyboard, sound module, or control surface. A Mixer knob blends analog input and computer playback for low-latency monitoring. Superior Sound The Studio 24c operates at up to 192 kHz for ultra-high-definition recording and mixing. High-quality converters on every input and output and PreSonus’ professional-grade XMAX-L mic preamps enable you to capture complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally, with no audible distortion. Rugged Unit Whether you're just getting into recording or are a veteran producer who wants to go mobile, the Studio 24c will give you clear, clean, ultra-high-definition sound in a bus-powered, rugged unit. While it’s a perfect companion for any recording software, the Studio 24c and included Studio One Artist provide you with a complete, affordable, home and mobile recording solution. Studio One Software Included Seamlessly integrated with the included PreSonus Studio One Artist music production software, the Studio 24c interface works with virtually all macOS and Windows recording software. Easy to learn, Studio One enables you to compose, record, and produce without getting distracted by the tools. Need a new loop or sample for your latest production? Studio One lets you shop, audition, and purchase new content right from your production environment. Studio Magic Plug-in Suite This suite of plug-ins adds a wealth of fresh virtual instruments and effects to Studio One. Cherry-picked from the first names in virtual instruments and effects, each plug-in brings a different flavor of practical magic to your songs. These plug-ins aren't gimmicky one-trick ponies — these are real-deal workhorses that you'll rely on for countless mixes.

Record ultra-HD sound at home or on the go with this portable PreSonus Studio 24c USB-C audio interface. The user-friendly Studio One music production software enables you to record and produce without distractions. This PreSonus Studio 24c USB-C audio interface features high-quality converters to capture advanced musical harmonics without distortion.

6. Roland - E-X50 Arranger Full-Size Keyboard with 61 Keys - Black

With its stylish design, professional Roland sounds, and integrated speaker system, the E-X50 Arranger Keyboard puts musical inspiration and entertainment at the center of your world. Immerse in reflective moments with rich, responsive acoustic pianos, or liven things up with a full-band sound and automatic accompaniment. There’s also a mic input with effects when you’re ready to sing along, plus onboard Bluetooth audio to play with favorite tunes streamed from your mobile device. Whether you’re a beginning player, rediscovering music again, or want a versatile, all-in-one keyboard for local performing, the E-X50 has everything you need to bring it all together.

7. iConnectivity - mio 1 in 1 out MIDI to USB interface - Black

iConnect MIDI-MIO Mio 1 x 1 Midi Interface for Mac or Pc

Connect this iConnectivity MIDI-Mio cable to MIDI compatible devices and Windows or Mac computers for enhanced musical creativity. It's easy to plug and play, and it supports 16 channels of MIDI I/O without driver downloads. Connect an instrument without hassle by using this 5-feet USB to MIDI DIN iConnectivity MIDI-Mio cable.

8. VocoPro - MP3 Karaoke System - Black

MP3 playback; USB host; echo control; 2 microphone inputs; 2 3.5 mm stereo audio inputs; composite video output

Sing along with your favorite tunes by using this VocoPro digital karaoke player. It supports many media formats and processing effects, letting users perform in a wide variety of musical styles without needing extra equipment. Whether in a bar or at home, this VocoPro digital karaoke player offers endless entertainment.

9. Roland - GO:PIANO88 - Black

RefurbishedAndroid 8.0 Oreo4G LTE speed6" QHD+ touch-screen display12.2MP rear- and 8.0MP front-facing camerasQualcomm Snapdragon 835 MSM8998 2.35GHz octa-core processor

When you're learning to play the piano, having 88 keys makes a big difference. Although smaller 61 or 76-note keyboards are portable and easy to handle for younger players, an 88-note full-size keyboard helps you develop the correct technique and become a more expressive player. Most keyboards make you choose between performance and portability, but Roland's GO:PIANO 88 delivers equally on both fronts. Lightweight and road-ready, with optional battery power and headphones, this mobile instrument has a full-size 88-note keyboard and sounds derived from Roland's best digital pianos, so you can play with the correct technique and expression - vital for classical music or more complex pieces. GO:PIANO88 also features high-quality onboard Bluetooth speakers that hook up to your smartphone to create a simple and compact learning solution. Once connected, you can start exploring free online content that makes learning faster and more fun - including online piano lessons, karaoke and tutorial videos for your favorite songs - or just stream your playlists and jam along. Find a space, grab your smartphone, and start your musical journey with GO:PIANO88.

10. Yamaha - Portable Keyboard with 61 Velocity-Sensitive Keys - Black

EZ-220 is a 61 touch-sensitive keyboard with lighted keys, built-in wireless connectivity to the free Page Turner iPad app and 100 preset songs with digital sco

Learn to play the keys with this Yamaha lighted touch-sensitive keyboard. Connecting to the free Page Turner iPad app helps you learn to play, and 392 varied musical voices let you experiment with sounds. Connect this full-size Yamaha lighted touch-sensitive keyboard to your computer via USB to use other educational and entertaining music programs.