Midi Piano Keyboard For Computer – A unique controller that not only provides Swiss Army-like adaptability to the production task at hand, but also manages to inspire creativity.
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Midi Piano Keyboard For Computer
Thanks to affordable computers and MIDI keyboards, making music has never been easier (or cheaper!). Until recently, even the most basic home studio required an advanced degree in electronics to understand how to wire everything—not to mention the cost. Today, you have access to very powerful and highly intuitive music creation software and hardware. And in between it all has to be one of the best MIDI keyboards around.
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Paired with a decent computer, an audio interface, and perhaps a mixed set of studio monitors or headphones, a MIDI keyboard can mean you’re in business (gig?). Lets insert chords that will set the world on fire. However, don’t start unpacking, because you still have to choose which type of MIDI keyboard is best for you. It’s a lot more complicated than getting an old thing with piano keys and hooking it up to your computer. The world of MIDI controller keyboards is vast, with more variables than a high school science fair project. How many keys do you need? What type of communication is best for you? How much money should you spend? You’ll need to consider all of these (and more) before you can start collecting royalty checks from all your future hits. Don’t worry, though, we’ve broken it all down for you. Here are our picks for the best MIDI keyboards.
There are a surprising number of MIDI keyboards on the market, with key number, size and weight options that offer more esoteric additions, such as CV/Gate connectivity for interfacing with modular synthesizers. Some are for general use while others are designed to work best with specific digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music production software. All they offer, however, is compatibility with MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface – an industry standard connection/communication protocol that allows interaction with keyboards, compatible computers, musical instruments, and other outboards. Converts to instructions for processor/sound modules.
We looked at all of these options when compiling our list of the best MIDI keyboards. To narrow down our top controllers for each category, we drew on our experience as experts in the field—specifically, my three decades as a professional musician and writer of music technology. Have spent for top publications, incl
, IGN.com, and others. In addition, we pay attention to the opinions of our peers and take into account critical consensus, user feedback and use cases of well-known music producers and composers.
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Since the MIDI keyboard itself is silent, you might be tempted to cut corners and use the money for something else in the studio (perhaps you’re looking at a new monitor to make your sessions just as sweet). are more than they sound). But when you consider that your MIDI keyboard will likely become the centerpiece of your studio or live rig, that you’ll be using it more than any of your other equipment, you start to see Gives why the investment is worth it. So, since price often determines not only quality but also number of choices, it can be helpful to start with a budget and then work from there, matching additional requirements such as knobs and sliders. However, whatever your budget, you can be sure that all the keyboards on this list are worth your hard-earned money.
Why it works: Full keyboard plus intelligent DAW and computer integration means you’ll finally be able to take your eyes off your computer and focus on the music.
Modern music production is all about DAWs, or digital audio workstations. Because of this, we keep our eyes fixed on the computer monitor, for better or worse. German company Native Instruments believes it’s getting worse and has designed a series of MIDI keyboards that encourage you to look away from your computer and interact more with the keyboard itself. Called Full Control, they range from small to large, making the S88, the top-of-the-line for our best MIDI keyboard overall.
As its name suggests, the S88 has 88 keys, with Fatar keys fully weighted with hammer action—a compliment to some pianists looking for the level of feel and control of an acoustic piano. Sure to do. It also has two control paddle inputs to ensure your playing is as realistic as it should be. Its bed incorporates a clever array of eight rotary encoders and a four-way push encoder to navigate two high-resolution color displays. The final feature is how NI moves you away from the monitor. With deep DAW integration, this full-size MIDI keyboard can mirror parts of your DAW to the twin screens, allowing you to perform tasks like mixing from within the keyboard. It also integrates with software via the included Komplete Control application, which can run standalone or as a DAW plugin. It maps original instruments and participating third-party software directly to the knobs, saving you the trouble of creating MIDI maps to control things like filter cropping.
Midi Keyboard In A Computer Music Studio. Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 17937630
The S88’s complete control doesn’t come cheap, but as a full-featured MIDI controller with a piano-like keyboard, it’s just begging to be the centerpiece of your home studio. For the musician who likes functionality but doesn’t need all the buttons, check out the Komplete Control S49 or Control S61 for the same additions without the extra octave.
Why it works: This controller combines good looks and quality with a creatively inspired approach to MIDI control.
Modern musical creation goes beyond playing notes on a keyboard—drums, effects, and unique narratives are all part of the experience. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be nice to have a controller that you can adapt to the situation? Joué Play, a MIDI keyboard controller from French boutique company Joué Music Instruments, fits that bill perfectly.
Joué Play is modular, with rubber control mats that can be changed depending on the task at hand. The four-module version we reviewed (there’s also one with two) has your standard piano-style key controller with a drum pad, another with a guitar fretboard, and another keyboard but with black keys. Without, perfect for those who like. For experimenting with scales.. Additional controls vary by module but transport and octave buttons are common to all of them. The mat sits well on the metal and wood base—an RFID chip tells the control system which module to recognize—and the whole set feels solid and satisfying. It’s also fun to look at, with two different color sets to choose from, bright fire (shown above) and more subdued water.
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The end result is a unique controller that not only provides Swiss Army-like adaptability to the production task at hand, but also manages to inspire creativity with unique control surfaces like XY pads and a raised bubble dome that Encourages experimentation. Joué Play works with any software tool, but has deep integration with bundled applications. While the app looks great, some may find its editing capabilities lacking. In cases like these, you’ll want to shell out the extra $50 for the Pro firmware upgrade that unlocks more customizable controls and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression).
Why it works: Locks, pads, knobs, and even a free bundled DAW – what more could a newbie want?
Want to make beats but don’t know where to start? As long as you have a computer, the MPK mini mk3 Akai Pro can provide a solid and affordable entry point into the world of music production.
For those who don’t know, Akai Pro is the company behind MPC’s line of hardware samples, which compile blueprints for hip-hop and other genres of music. What does this have to do with MIDI keyboards? The MPK mini mk3 (the world’s best-selling MIDI keyboard, according to Akai Pro) takes some of the magic of MPC hardware and combines it with MPC Beats, the DAW version of the machine’s built-in music-making operating system. . For around $100, you make music with the best of them.
Computer Music, Home Studio Equipment. Midi Keyboard, Laptop Computer, Headphone And Loudspeaker Monitor Stock Image
Think of the MPK mini mk3 as an all-in-one MIDI controller. It features 25 mini keys, eight drum pads, with channels pulled straight from the MPC and polyphonic aftertouch for full timbre control (unheard of at this price), eight for controlling software instrument parameters. Endless encoders, a mappable X-Y joystick, an arpeggiator, and even an OLED display for visual feedback. Light enough to travel with and sturdy enough not to slide around your studio while you play drum beats.
While the process is ongoing.
