A midi keyboard is also referred to as a controller keyboard. The midi keyboard is a piano style electronic musical keyboard. A midi keyboard is used for sending midi command over a USB cable down to other musical devices.
The distinctiveness between a Midi Keyboard and a Keyboard is that the midi keyboard is just a keyboard that sends and receives midi information. There are no sounds that are constructed into the midi keyboard. If the midi keyboard is connected to a computer for editing, then the software can be used to edit the sounds that are being made.
There are various categories of the keyboard that can be given to handle different instruments in a midi keyboard controller. The midi keyboard can be used to alter the tone of the keyboard, modulate the pitch and also program the drum beats.
One of the benefits of having a midi keyboard is that it plays bass lines as well as melodies. It also gives one the insight of playing the piano instrument. A simple definition of a midi keyboard is that it is a device that has the ability to transmit commands to a midi-endowed device.
Content Navigation
What Is A Midi Keyboard
Advanced input devices are required when piloting your music software. In addition, another type of software is needed in order to support its work. The full meaning of MIDI is Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is an industry advanced protocol that has been in existence for over 25 years.
With the advancement of technology, you do not need to purchase any special hardware to connect to a MIDI device.
Purchasing A Keyboard First
Playing the keyboard is similar to playing the piano, but the piano is an advancement level of the keyboard. You need to learn how to play the midi controller keyboard before playing the piano. The reason for this is because the computer set up immediately becomes multiple times more easier.
When making use of a MIDI keyboard, two notes bass line tends to sound more better when they are being played the way and manner it should be played. Majority of the MIDI keyboard are very much sensitive. The keyboards can also be used to play the drumbeats.
The MIDI Keyboard possesses different characteristics and they also come in different sizes. The major models of keyboard have keys while the others add knobs as well as sliders that are being used to tweak the sensitive controls that are shown on the software.
Music can be made in the absence of the midi controller but it is also important you make use of MIDI controller as your software.
Keyboard Models
There are various models of keyboard that are being recommended for use. They include;
- Novation Nocturn
This type of keyboard is designed for individuals that prefers to work on hands-on controls for virtual instruments. The keyboard has the ability to automatically set itself up. It is important you purchase this type or any other recommended type of keyboard when going in purchase of any keyboard.
- Fatar Studio Logic Numa
This type of keyboard is an 88 notes keyboard that gives one the feeling and excitement of playing a piano. It does not come with a lot of additional control features, but it is a real instrument that worth all of its features.
- M-Audio Axiom.
This type of keyboard is a well designed and constructed keyboard. It comes with numerous features. The three models gives drum pads as well as controller knobs. The larger type of the M-Audio Axiom keyboard gives comes with extra bank of sliders. Consider this type of keyboard to give very outstanding and unique features.
- Akai MPD32.
This model of keyboard is most suitable for individuals that wants to form beats and also want to handle their software just the way they like it. This model of keyboard can be used during orchestration as well as musical concerts.
Best MIDI Keyboard
The devices can be plugged directly to your personal computer with the use of the USB. It can even be linked wirelessly via Bluetooth so as to permit you to record and play with the use of the software instrument that is being installed.
Few of these devices also gives control over hardware instruments, allowing them to be a major and central performance for your studio.
There are lots of alternatives to select from, they can be determined by what you need. Majority of the alternatives that will be listed below features additional characteristics like the pads and faders to gear up craftiness and provide additional control over the software.
It is possible for you to purchase a good enough MIDI Keyboard at a very low price, but if you are in search of a high quality model, you will acquire a very good MIDI Keyboard with maximum specifications as well as additional features. Majority of the best MIDI Keyboard features mapping templates that enables it to produce music more than it ought to.
Below are the best MIDI keyboards that are majorly used for beginners. They include;
- Novation LaunchKey Mini MK3 Midi Keyboard.
This type of keyboard has 25 keys and is a velocity-sensitive type of key. It can be connected via a USB B port. One of the reasons why people purchase this type of keyboard is as a result of the fact that it has a long lasting pedal input.
One of the downsides of this type of keyboard is that it does not come with a MIDI adapter. This type of keyboard is designed and structured mainly for newly advanced users. Some of its features include a chord memory, modulation touchstrips and pitch bend.
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32.
This type of keyboard is regarded as the best MIDI keyboard that can be purchased for the creation of compact music. It comes with 32 keys and is also a velocity sensitive type of key. It can be connected via a USB cord. The controls of the native instruments komplete kontrol keyboard includes four directional push encoder, eight touch-sensitive control knobs and two touch strips.
The advantages of this type of keyboard is that it has additional keys than the average mini MIDI Keyboard and it is also handy. It can be carried from one place to another without any stress. One of the downsides of this type of keyboard is that it has mini keys.
A pair of short touchstrips is being used instead of the mod and pitch wheels. It also comes with an informative OLED display from the A-Series. If you are able to deal with the downside of this type of keyboard, it is the best pocket friendly MIDI Keyboard that you can purchase.
- Novation LaunchKey 37 MK3
This type of keyboard is made up of 37 keys. It is a velocity-sensitive type of key. The controls of this type of keyboard includes 16RGB velocity sensitive pads, modulation and pitch wheels. One of the advantages of this type of keyboard is that it has custom modes as well as MIDI output that allows for use with external hardware.
One of the downsides of this type of keyboard is that the pitch and the mod above the keyboard might not be likeable. It comes with an activation button for LIVE’S capture MIDI tool that makes use of eight rotaries. Apart from the other features, it also comes with velocity sensitive pads and 16 backlit. The keyboards and the pads have been advanced.
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
This type of keyboard is a semi-weighed keyboard. Its controls include 4 directional push encoder, modulation and pitch wheels and transport buttons.
One of the advantages of this type of keyboard is that it is a tip quality build ranking quality and key bed. It is excellently playable. They give up the Komplete Kontrol experience at a price that cannot be ignored.
- Nectar Impact LX88 +MIDI Keyboard.
This type of keyboard is a piano- sized controller that can be purchased at an affordable price. It is a semi-weighed and velocity sensitive key type. Its controls includes 6 transport buttons, 9 assignable buttons and 8 potentiometers. Its connectivity includes MIDI Out port and USB.
One of the advantage of this type of keyboard it is strong but handy. It also has great value for money. One of the downsides of this type of keyboard is that the keys are not hammer action. Notwithstanding the number of features that this type of keyboard has, it is light enough to be handy.
- Arturia Keystep Pro.
This type of keyboard has an after touch and velocity sensitive key type. Its control is a four-track controller as well as drum sequencing modes. Its connectivity is a line and speaker output. The advantages of this type of keyboard is that it has numerous crafty sequencing equipment. It also has drum modes that are very much exciting.
The downsides of this type of keyboard is that its pitch and modes touch-strips are not big enough. Its mini keys do not really sound genuine to players. It features four sequencing channels. To get an harmonious sequencing duties along side easily amended hardware control, this type of keyboard is one of the best all sufficient controllers.
- Novation 49 SL MKIII
This type of keyboard is regarded as one of the best MIDI keyboard for a linked hardware/software control. Its key types includes velocity sensitive, synch-style and semi weighed. It comprises of 49 keys.
The controls of this type of keyboard includes 6 transport controls, 8 continuous rotary knobs, page and scene launch buttons and track buttons. Its connectivity includes Sustain and Expression Pedal and USB.
One of the advantages of this type of keyboard is that it has an easily amended range of analogue and digital control. It also has an easy to use sequencer.
One of the downsides of this type of keyboard is that it has no per channel swing. The ability to control the analogue hardware is very much outstanding.