MIDI keyboard - scope and main features

MIDI keyboard is a device used by amateurs and professional musicians to create and record a variety of electronic music. The device can be connected to a computer and used as a synthesizer, where each key will be responsible for playing a specific note or simulating an instrument.

Classification of devices depending on the type of key mechanics

According to the type of key mechanics, the MIDI keyboard can be of three types: weighted, semi-weighted and unweighted. These types differ in the presence of an additional weighting key, which makes it possible to simulate the sound of a real piano. This affects the cost of this device - the more realistic it sounds, the higher its price.

For professionals, a weighted MIDI keyboard is more suitable. With their hands, virtuosos can create melodies, the sound of which will not differ from those reproduced on real high-quality musical instruments. In addition, expensive models of this device are also equipped with a function such as aftertouch. Due to this, the key mechanism in them works on the same principle as that of a real piano.

There are also more budgetary options that have half-developed mechanics. This method is perfect for beginners or just amateurs.

Differences depending on the number of octaves and the size of the keys

The optimal option for a professional performer will be equipment with 4-5 octaves and the presence of 49 or 61 keys. The music played on such a device will be almost identical to that played on real instruments, although it is virtual. A MIDI keyboard with fewer octaves will be a good option for fans, or for those who are going to use this unit only for a set of notes or arrangements.

An important point is also the type of connection of the device to the computer. Here, different options are possible - via USB, a special cable, etc.

Connecting additional devices

To create an authentic sound, additional pedals can also be connected to the device. The cheaper options are equipped with devices that can be reprogrammed depending on the situation. A high-end MIDI keyboard has several connectors, which allows you to simultaneously connect several pedals at the same time, each of which will be assigned a certain function. This can be loudness, modulation, etc. This is especially important for professional musicians, in particular for those who use this device as a substitute for pianoforte.

It is also important to determine immediately the number of configurable controllers of the device. This, in particular, is important for those who work with a variety of musical directions, as it allows in real time to adjust additional effects and virtual tools analogues.

Differences between synthesizer and MIDI keyboard

Despite the external similarity, these devices differ in their functionality. The synthesizer, for example, is used to create music directly within the equipment itself, while the MIDI version uses a ready-made audio library.

As for the technical side of the question, the synthesizer here is weaker. The MIDI keyboard has the best key mechanics and is simply indispensable for high-quality professional music recording. The synthesizer, however, will be an excellent option for beginners and amateurs, since it already has a ready-made set of additional sounds and accompaniments.

Which model to choose?

The choice of MIDI keyboard depends primarily on the purpose of its use. If a person professionally engaged in the reproduction or recording of music, then the choice to do better in the direction of a more expensive model. If there is a desire to just have fun and sometimes play something, then a simpler version will do. Many of the additional functions that a professional MIDI keyboard have, in this case will be simply incomprehensible and unnecessary.

The level of the keyboard instrument is also important . If a person is a pianist, then he can not play on a simple model with a bad key mechanics. The minimum is 7 octaves, weighted and full-sized keyboard and maximum similarity to the pianoforte.

For a person who, in general, knows how to play, but does not require a virtuoso performance, the device is suitable from 3 to 5 octaves without additional controllers and pedals. It will not be able to use the various possibilities of a professional device to the fullest.

MIDI keyboard is a device that allows you to play and record music on a high-quality professional level. The types of this unit differ in terms of scope, number of octaves, key mechanics and the possibility of connecting additional equipment. Thanks to a wide choice of models, each musician, regardless of whether he is a professional or an amateur, will be able to choose a device based on personal preferences and financial possibilities.