Ever wondered, “what is a midi keyboard controller?”
Well, Unless you’re a completely new person to the DJ and music-producing world, you’ve probably heard of a musical keyboard in some capacity.
Similarly, if you’ve been involved in DJing for any length of time, you’ve also likely heard of the different MIDI.
One thing you may not have heard of, however, is a MIDI keyboard.
Below, we’ll go over the different ins and outs of a MIDI keyboard and how it operates in real practical scenarios.
We’ll also go over its overall benefits and if it is ultimately worth your time.
Let’s dig in…
What is A MIDI Keyboard Controller? (in short)
A MIDI keyboard functions differently than either a music keyboard or a MIDI sound player. Generally. they are piano-style electronic musical keyboards that come with additional functions, buttons, wheels, and sliders. They are used for sending MIDI signals or commands over a USB or MIDI 5-pin cable to other digital musical devices or computers. It shares much more commonality with a DJ controller, instead of working to put together sounds and music rather than mixing and matching them.
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MIDI Explained
In a nutshell, MIDI is a standardized communication system between musical devices. It allows hardware and software of all types to communicate and sync with each other.
But before going any further I would HIGHLY recommend you click through to this comprehensive MIDI article.
It will give a much fuller understanding of MIDI.
How To Use MIDI in 2022: The Beginners Hack
MIDI Vs. MIDI Keyboard – Are They Different?
So everyone is on the same page, the term “MIDI” is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
It is a software-based technology that has been used by music producers for decades, as early as the beginning of the 80s.
A MIDI keyboard, on the other hand, acts as a physical piece of hardware that is plugged directly into your computer or DAW.
As mentioned before, the MIDI keyboard shares many similarities with the DJ controller and is used to create music and sounds (similar to the MIDI software) entirely through its digital interface.
How Do MIDI Keyboards Work & What Do They Do?
What makes a MIDI keyboard function is that it ties directly to the computer or DAW system, using it to both build up and play your music.
Because they are fed directly into your computer or DAW, as you play your musical notes and effects, the MIDI keyboard will present them visually on-screen.
This allows you a much greater level of musical note refinement, playing them out in real time.
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What is a MIDI Controller?
The short answer is that, while it certainly can be used in that way, a MIDI keyboard is considerably more dynamic and useful than just a way to reproduce keyboard sounds.
In addition to piano sounds, a MIDI keyboard can also include drum pads as well as effect releases.
Depending on the quality of the MIDI keyboard it may also come with a variety of dials and sliders, both of which work to change how the sound ultimately comes out when played.
Why Get a Midi Controller Keyboard?
Whereas originally MIDI Keyboards were primarily used by music producers, today there is an ever-increasing interest by various DJs.
As such, many newer MIDI keyboards all come with the ability to easily record and both set up and trigger sound loops, making them especially big among DJs trying to do this without needing to look around for them, generally while using the standard DAW methods.
Instead, DJs can use MIDI keyboards to launch and play beats with just a tap of a button.
Which MIDI Keyboard Should You Get?
With MIDI keyboards becoming increasingly popular, there has been a large influx of different types coming out, all of which have their shapes and sizes.
As an example, some keyboards are known to host an array of over 88 keys.
On the other hand, other keyboards are considerably smaller, while others move away from the piano aesthetic entirely, instead of using controller pads.
This can understandably be quite intimidating for most starting DJs or initial buyers.
Ultimately, if you’re just starting, you should look into getting a keyboard that is as close to the piano setup as possible.
This will allow you to better understand the MIDI keyboard’s relationship with the DAW setup and how the two systems communicate with one another.
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Is The MIDI Keyboard Worth Getting?
Though not nearly as essential as you may think, MIDI keyboards can be an incredibly useful inclusion to any DJ setup.
Not only does it make music production much simpler and easier, but it also allows you to more quickly and effectively put together and edit music without needing to deal with a mouse and computer keyboard, which can get frustrating after a while.
Ultimately, while I wouldn’t say it’s necessary over many of the other essential pieces of DJ gear on the list, there is very little to argue that is negative about a MIDI keyboard and should be added to your collection as soon as you can.
It’s a great option for putting together an incredible performance, allowing you to preestablish certain triggers while you can work on lining up the different parts of the track, changing and mixing entirely while performing.
What is A MIDI Keyboard Controller? Takeaway
We end with our ‘what is a MIDI keyboard controller’ takeaway.
The MIDI keyboard is an incredibly useful tool with a lot going for it, especially if you are looking to get super creative with your music.
If you’re serious about making your career a professional one and want to seriously put out some unique and original sounds into your performance, a MIDI keyboard is something you should definitely consider.
