MIDI keyboard or MIDI controller?
Due to the enhanced functionality within the home recording studio, midi keyboards have become widely used by electronic musicians, live artists, songwriting producers, and hobbyists of all levels. Keyboards provide hands-on control over virtual instruments and synthesizers. Keyboards can serve a number of modern recording or performance purposes. They can be used to program sounds, trigger notes, transmit musical data, or create a custom arrangement of samples on assigned keys for playback.
In this article you will learn:
- The difference between a MIDI keyboard and a MIDI keyboard controller
- What to look for in a MIDI controller
- How to choose one that is right for you
- What is a midi keyboard workstation
- Connection options with a computer-based DAW
Midi keyboards and midi keyboard controllers
Midi keyboard controllers communicate with DAW/music software applications via MIDI. (Midi is a standard computer language used to store performance data in memory to trigger playback of synthesizers and digital audio. See our Audio and Midi section for more information.)
Midi controllers can only transmit midi data.
Midi keyboards send MIDI notes and/or information to a digital recorder, monitors, speakers, or other compatible device. Musical information is stored in memory and directs the way a synthesizer or sampler will play musical notes. Midi keyboards output sounds from a synthesizer or patch bank, from a sound generator module within the keyboard. Midi keyboards can transmit midi data and sounds simultaneously.
The Midi Keyboard Controller is the most affordable route into a computer based recording environment. (Given you have a PC or laptop) A keyboard controller does not contain sounds. A controller can have up to 88 hardware keys (and can have buttons and faders) that are used to play virtual instruments. The controller tells the music software which notes to play, when and how to play them, and the velocity of each note you play.
With a library of compatible sounds, samples, and virtual instruments, any instrument you want to play will be triggered from the keyboard controller. Composition and arrangement options are limited only by neglecting to explore these possibilities. Now you have a virtual symphony, jazz ensemble, rock band, and more at your fingertips. You can play/record tracks using all instruments and very easily correct timing errors, alter pitch, switch instruments and more.
Just as the keys on your keyboard controller send informational data, the rotary knobs, faders, jog wheels, and other extras you find on your keyboard are capable of doing the same sorts of things. These can be programmed to control track volume, panning, automation and other parts of your DAW/music recording software using the midi protocol. This is an inexpensive option that gives you convenient access to different parameters that would otherwise require control of a computer mouse.
How about making sure you have a midi keyboard before selling it with those shiny extras?
- Polyphony: Allows you to play more than one note at a time.
- Velocity: Allows you to play softer or harder keys for more expression.
- After-touch: You can slowly hold and release a note, mimicking the realism of a live instrument.
Decide which action keys are more important, weighted or synth?
Weighted keys feel more like playing an acoustic piano.
The synth action keys let you play the keys faster on repeat, which is useful for drum programming and the like, but you feel like playing plastic keys. There is also semi-weighted, which is a compromise for both.
Keyboards come in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, 25,
Note: if you go weighted I would recommend at least 61 keys.
keyboard workstation
Keyboard Workstation is a midi keyboard that includes its own sequencer, arpeggiators, sound module, and patches. This allows you to play, record, edit, and mix down a stereo master recording of your song or album from the keyboard. It’s more expensive than a simple midi keyboard controller, but offers many more options for doing it all on the board or using it creatively within your digital audio workstation. Keyboard workstation typically involves an all-inclusive package for digital music recording and post-production.
Connecting your keyboard to your computer-based DAW
Basically there are 4 ways to connect a midi keyboard to your computer.
USB: Midi controllers can be connected directly to your PC via USB.
MIDI interface: A MIDI interface uses MIDI cables and allows for as many ports as you want to buy. This will give you the desired number of channels to record.
firewire: You can also connect to your digital audio workstation via Fire-Wire. Given the fire-wire connection ports to your computer and interface, you can connect with the appropriate fire-wire cable.
Audio output: Use an audio output from your midi keyboard (which has a sound module) and send that signal to your DAW.
There are many features that manufacturers use to promote their product in this competitive industry; and they can be great deals. With a blinding series of flashing lights and product promotion strategies, don’t overlook its most essential function… How it feels and how it works.
