MIDI keyboard - scope and main features

A MIDI keyboard is a device thatUsed 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 a certain instrument.

Classification of devices depending on the type of key mechanics

According to the type of key mechanics, the MIDI keyboardcan be of three types: weighted, semi-weighted and unweighted. These types differ in the presence of an additional weighting key, which allows you 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 more balancedMIDI keyboard. 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 the real piano.

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

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

The best option for a professionalperformer 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 authentic sound to the deviceYou can also connect additional pedals. 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, 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 ofadjustable instrument controllers. 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 instruments analogues.

Differences between synthesizer and MIDI keyboard

Despite the external similarity, these devicesdiffer in their functionality. The synthesizer, for example, serves 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 issue,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 onpurposes of its use. If a person is professionally engaged in playing or recording music, then the choice to make better in the direction of a more expensive model.

If there is a desire to just have fun and sometimesto play something, then a simpler option will do. Many of the additional features that a professional MIDI keyboard has will be simply incomprehensible and unnecessary.

Keyboard proficiency is also important.tool. If the person is a pianist, then he simply cannot play on a simple model with bad key mechanics. The minimum is 7 octaves, a weighted and full-sized keyboard and maximum similarity with the piano.

For a man who, in general, can play, buthe does not need a virtuoso performance, the device will fit from 3 to 5 octaves without additional controllers and pedals. He still will not be able to fully use the various possibilities of a professional device.

A MIDI keyboard is a device thatallows you to play and record music at a high quality professional level. The types of this device differ with respect to the scope of use, the number of octaves, key mechanics and the possibility of connecting additional equipment. Due to the 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.