For music producers the MIDI keyboard has become the tool of the moment. If you’ve landed on this article you’re probably considering whether to add a MIDI keyboard to your setup, or wondering how to get the most out of your current MIDI. You’re in the right place, we’ve got you covered.
At its core, a MIDI keyboard is a musical input device that communicates with your computer or other MIDI-compatible equipment using the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) protocol. Unlike a traditional acoustic piano or keyboard, a MIDI keyboard doesn't generate sound on its own. Instead, it acts as a conduit, transmitting your performance data to a virtual instrument, sound module or digital audio workstation (DAW) for sound generation and processing.
MIDI keyboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from compact, portable models to full-sized, weighted-key instruments. The primary function of a MIDI keyboard is to capture your musical input, such as notes, velocity, and expression, and translate it into digital signals that can be understood by your computer or other MIDI-enabled devices.
It really depends on your music creation needs. For anyone looking to make music in a DAW then a MIDI keyboard/controller is usually high up on the list of instruments/hardware as part of a home studio setup.
If you’re interested in beatmaking, playing synths/piano chords & melodies, finger drumming, sampling & adding filters to the sounds you're working with, then a MIDI keyboard is going to make life much easier for you. It provides full control in one device and allows you to edit the MIDI information after performing, making it a more flexible option over acoustic instruments for music production.
While it’s possible to do all of this without a MIDI keyboard, most producers would attest that using a controller or a keyboard is a much more enjoyable, productive and enlightening experience than adding these parts via a mouse and a computer keyboard.
Brands, models, sizes, features. There are so many options to consider when choosing your MIDI keyboard. For beginners it can be a challenge to decipher which device is right for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right MIDI keyboard.
MIDI keyboards are available in a range of key counts. You can find keyboards with 25, 49, 61 and 88 keys.
The number of keys you choose will depend on your playing style, the type of music you create, price, and the available space in your studio. Larger keyboards offer a more piano-like experience, ideal for players who want to play across more octaves at the same time. While smaller models are lighter, more portable and suitable for on-the-go music production.
MIDI keyboards can feature either weighted or unweighted keys. Weighted keys mimic the feel of a traditional acoustic piano, providing a more authentic playing experience. Unweighted keys, on the other hand, are typically lighter and more responsive, making them a popular choice for electronic music production and casual playing. Devices with weighted keys normally cost more than unweighted, so consider this if you’re working to a budget with your setup.
Many MIDI keyboards come equipped with additional controls, such as knobs, sliders, and drum pads. These features allow you to manipulate parameters within your DAW or virtual instruments, enabling hands-on control and a more immersive music production experience.
When selecting a MIDI keyboard, it's essential to consider your specific needs, playing style, and the type of music you create. Spend time researching and testing different models to find the one that best suits your workflow and creative aspirations.
MIDI keyboards come equipped with a variety of controls and features that allow you to interact with your music production software in a more intuitive and expressive way. Let's explore some of the key functions and controls you'll find on a typical MIDI keyboard:
Obviously, the keys are the central feature of a MIDI keyboard and are responsible for capturing your musical input, translating it into MIDI data that can be understood by your computer or other MIDI-compatible devices. But the keys are not the only critical feature of the MIDI…
The pitch bend wheel is a common feature on MIDI keyboards, allowing you to smoothly adjust the pitch of the notes you play. Instead of jumping from one pitch to another, the pitch bend creates a continuous glide between notes, making it particularly useful for emulating the expressive vibrato of certain instruments or creating unique sound effects.
The modulation wheel, often located next to the pitch bend wheel, is used to control various parameters within your virtual instruments or DAW. This can include things like vibrato depth, filter cutoff, or even the intensity of certain effects.
Many MIDI keyboards come equipped with assignable knobs and sliders that can be mapped to different parameters within your music production software. These controls allow you to make real-time adjustments to things like volume, panning, filter settings, and more, enhancing your creative workflow. If you’re a beginner that will be playing the instrument in a home studio for the most part, then you shouldn’t need to worry about having extensive knobs and sliders on your MIDI.
Some MIDI keyboards feature built-in drum pads, which can be used to trigger percussion samples or program rhythmic patterns. These pads are often velocity-sensitive, allowing you to control the dynamics of your drum hits and create more expressive performances.
If you're interested in finger drumming, and don’t have a pad controller then a MIDI that features drum pads can be a great introduction to this amazing art-form.
To fully harness the power of your MIDI keyboard, you’ll want to integrate it with a digital audio workstation (DAW). DAWs are the backbone of modern music production, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for recording, editing, and mixing your musical creations.
Some of the most popular and widely-used DAWs include:
Each of these DAWs offers its own unique features and workflow, so it's important to research and experiment to find the one that best suits your creative process and production needs.
When considering which MIDI keyboard to purchase, it’s worth checking the support documentation for your chosen DAW to see which devices they support or if there are any common issues with certain models.
When integrating your MIDI keyboard with your chosen DAW, you'll need to ensure that the MIDI input is properly configured. This typically involves navigating to the MIDI settings within your DAW and selecting the appropriate MIDI input device.
MIDI keyboards can also serve as versatile controllers for sound modules that lack an attached keyboard or have limited keys that need extending. By using a 5-pin MIDI cable, you can connect your MIDI keyboard to the master instrument or module, allowing you to play and control the sounds it generates. This setup is particularly useful for expanding the capabilities of your existing equipment, giving you greater flexibility and range in your musical performances and productions.
One of the key advantages of using a MIDI keyboard is the ability to customize and map its controls to specific functions within your digital audio workstation (DAW) or virtual instruments. This process, known as MIDI mapping, allows you to tailor your MIDI keyboard to your unique workflow and creative needs.
MIDI mapping is the process of assigning MIDI keyboard controls, such as keys, knobs, sliders, and pads, to specific parameters or functions within your music production software. This enables you to intuitively control and manipulate various aspects of your music, from adjusting instrument parameters to triggering specific actions within your DAW.
The specific steps for mapping MIDI controls will vary depending on the DAW you're using, but the general process is as follows:
Once you've mapped your MIDI keyboard controls, you can further customize your workflow by adjusting the mapping to suit your preferences. This may involve reassigning controls, tweaking the response curves, or creating custom MIDI templates for different production tasks.
By taking the time to explore and master MIDI mapping, you'll be able to create a seamless, intuitive, and highly personalized music production experience that aligns with your creative vision.
Hopefully now you should have a clearer understanding of whether adding a MIDI keyboard to your setup is going to boost your creativity, productivity and enjoyment. At Melodics we’re BIG fans of the MIDI keyboards. Not only is it a critical part of a professional setup, it’s a fantastic instrument for beginners to develop their understanding of how beats are made, production techniques, chords & melodies, and songwriting.
Melodics is your go-to app for mastering music theory, instrument skills, and finger drumming. Designed specifically for music producers, Melodics offers interactive lessons that adapt to your skill level, helping you progress quickly and efficiently.
Whether you're honing your keyboard chops, improving your drumming technique, or deepening your understanding of theory, Melodics provides the tools and guidance you need to elevate your music production game.
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