MIDI Keyboard
About MIDI
MIDI is the abbreviation for Musical Instrumental Digital Interface. It’s a standard protocol of information interchange between electronic instruments and computers. MIDI isn’t a sound. MIDI works by sending its data through signals. Signals are also called events. When you press a key on your keyboard, the information is sent from the keyboard through MIDI cables to a computer. Once the information is recorded it can be edited as many times as desired. What’s really nice is that MIDI files take up little space on your computer.
MIDI Keyboard
In a standard MIDI system there are three available ports. The MIDI IN port which is used to receive, the MIDI OUT port which is used to send, and the MIDI THRU port which is used to pass on information in a chain of devices.
A MIDI keyboard is a musical instrument like a piano keyboard. The keyboard has a built in protocol that allows the MIDI information to be communicated to another computer or other MIDI equipped devices. The basic MIDI keyboard doesn’t produce sound, the MIDI information is sent to an electronic module capable of recreating digital sounds or samples that give the same impression as a traditional musical instrument. Samples can also be called voices.
Most keyboards include a transpose function and the ability to set different octaves, pitch blend, and modulation wheels. They also have extra sets of assignable rotary knots or buttons for sending information to the synthesizer. Some keyboards also have features such as the capability of sending after tones directly to the usb for computer use.
Price
The price for a MIDI keyboard ranges from a $100 keyboard to a $30,000 grand piano with a built in MIDI keyboard controller. Every type can connect to any instrument that supports a MIDI interface. The more expensive keyboard will sound better than the cheaper one, but both have the ability to be controlled by the computer in the same way. Some brands that sell digital keyboards with MIDI are M-audio, Yamaha, Casio, Nord, Korg, Roland, eMedia, Edirol, Kurzweil, Suzuki, Emu, Akai, Behringer, Odyssy, and Cakewalk.
Buying Tips
There are many things to consider for buying a MIDI keyboard and which one you should buy. First of all, if you’re buying a used keyboard make sure you test it and make sure all the keys work evenly. One thing to consider is your budget, and how much you’re willing to spend. If you don’t have a budget, then go all out and buy the best. Another thing to consider is the level of comfort. Get a keyboard that has the best feeling to you.
Don’t rush into buying a keyboard. Make sure that you’re happy with your decision. For those that are on a budget, a keyboard with 61 keys is a good fit, it’s cheaper than others and you have enough keys to play some good music. Synth action keyboards come from 88 to 25 keys. Classical composers, hardcore players, and most professionals tend to use the keyboards with 88 keys.
Recommended Products:
- M-Audio E-Keys MIDI Keyboard
M-Audio Evolution eKeys USB keyboard, a user’s manual, an eKeys installer CD-ROM, and warranty information. - M-Audio AXIOM MIDI Controller
Enigma includes a huge library of files for your favorite VST plug-ins, instruments and host apps. Programming is as simple as dragging the software parameter you want to control onto the graphic representation of the controller on your screen. - Korg nanoKEY USB Controller Keyboard
The Korg nanoKey 25 Key Keyboard is a unique, easily transportable MIDI Controller Keyboard that is little in size, but huge with functionality and features! - Behringer Midi Keyboard
The UMA25S MIDI Controller is an extremely flexible master keyboard with a control section for a wide range of applications from on-stage performance to podcasting.
Keyboard MIDI
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| M-Audio E-Keys 37 MIDI Keyboard
$49.42 |
Akai Pro LPK25 Laptop Performance Keyboard
$69.00 |
M-Audio AXIOM 49 Advanced 49-Key Semi-Weigh…
Too low to display |
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| Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard…
Too low to display |
Korg nanoKEY 25 Key USB Controller Keyboard…
$40.96 |
M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Keyboard
Too low to display |
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| E-MU EM7700 Professional USB/Midi Controlle…
$149.99 |
M-Audio AXIOM 61 Advanced 61-Key Semi-Weigh…
Too low to display |
Behringer UMA25S U-Control 25-Key USB Midi …
Too low to display |
Edirol Keyboard MIDI
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