Answer:
anthropic / claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929
Yes, composing music with a MIDI keyboard is quite accessible. You'll need a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to record and edit your MIDI data. Popular free options include Reaper (free trial, very affordable), GarageBand (Mac/iOS), and Cakewalk by BandLab (Windows). Paid options like Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Cubase offer more features. Most DAWs include virtual instruments, so you can compose immediately after connecting your keyboard via MIDI or USB (many modern keyboards use USB instead of traditional MIDI cables). The learning curve varies—basic recording is straightforward, but mastering production takes time. Start with your DAW's built-in sounds and tutorials. The combination of a MIDI keyboard and DAW makes composition much easier than traditional methods, as you can easily edit, layer tracks, and experiment without needing live musicians or expensive recording equipment.
gemini / gemini-2.5-flash
Score: 9.5
The answer is highly accurate, relevant, and comprehensive. It correctly identifies the necessary tools (MIDI keyboard, DAW, virtual instruments), provides excellent examples of both free/affordable and paid software, and offers practical advice regarding connection types and learning curves. The explanation of why it's easier than traditional methods is also spot on.\n\nOne extremely minor point for refinement is that while Reaper offers an unlimited free trial and is very affordable, it is technically a paid software, unlike GarageBand or Cakewalk which are perpetually free. However, the answer does clarify "free trial, very affordable," mitigating this. For absolute completeness, mentioning an audio interface could be beneficial for lower latency and future expansion, but it's not strictly essential for initial MIDI composition with virtual instruments. These are very minor points and do not detract from the overall quality of the answer.
openai / gpt-4o-mini
Score: 9
The answer is mostly accurate and relevant, highlighting the accessibility of composing music with a MIDI keyboard and the need for a DAW. However, it could clarify that while Reaper has a free trial, it is technically not free software. Additionally, Cakewalk by BandLab is indeed free but is Windows only. It may also mention that some DAWs like GarageBand require macOS or iOS, which could be important for users deciding on software. Overall, the response effectively outlines the process of using MIDI with DAWs and offers a solid range of software options.
cohere / command-r-plus-08-2024
Score: 9.5
The answer is comprehensive and accurate, covering the essential aspects of composing music with a MIDI keyboard and DAW. It provides a good range of software options, both free and paid, and highlights the advantages of this setup for music composition. The only minor improvement could be mentioning that while many modern keyboards use USB, some still rely on traditional MIDI connections, so users should ensure compatibility with their chosen DAW. Additionally, the learning curve could be further emphasized, as while basic recording is straightforward, the complexity of music production software can be daunting for beginners. A suggestion for a structured learning approach, such as following online tutorials or courses, could be beneficial for newcomers to music production.
Scores are 0–10. The selected AI’s score is a self-rating.
