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What is a MIDI Controller?
A MIDI controller is a device that can control musical instruments or music software. MIDI stands for "Musical Instrument Digital Interface" and is a digital protocol that allows for connecting and synchronizing musical instruments, computers, and other electronic devices.
A MIDI controller can come in various forms, such as a keyboard, pads, sliders, or faders. It can be connected to a computer or another MIDI device via a MIDI cable or a USB connection.
MIDI controllers are commonly used by musicians and producers to record, edit, and play music. They are also useful for DJ sets and live performances.
MIDI Controllers for Playing Music
MIDI controllers do not produce their own sound - they are used as input devices for other instruments. Some of the most common types of controllers are piano keyboard controllers. These are used to control synthesizers, sound modules, software instruments, and other MIDI-equipped instruments .
Also popular are pad controllers, like the Akai Professional MPD series, which have a series of buttons instead of piano keys. These are often used to control percussion instruments like drum machines, but can still be used to play synthesizers and other "keyboard-style" instruments.
What types of MIDI controllers are there?
There are many different types of MIDI controllers suitable for various applications and needs. Here are some examples:
Keyboards: MIDI keyboards are probably the most commonly used MIDI controller. They resemble a piano and can be used with music software to play and program sounds and instruments. There are also smaller MIDI keyboards, called "mini keyboards," which have fewer keys.
Pads: MIDI pads are rectangular or square controls often used in electronic musical instruments and DJ controllers. They can be used to trigger, program, or mix sounds and effects.
Knobs and Faders: MIDI knobs and faders are rotary knobs or sliders that can be used to control or automate the volume of instruments or effects. They are often used in mixing consoles and studio controllers.
Touchscreens: Some MIDI controllers use a touchscreen to control music software or program music. They are particularly useful when many different controls are needed and space needs to be saved.
Hybrid Controllers: There are also MIDI controllers that combine multiple controls such as keys, pads, knobs, and faders. These are particularly useful when different controls are needed for different tasks.
Specialized Controllers: There are also MIDI controllers designed for special applications such as DJing, live performance, or special musical instruments like electronic drums. There are even breath controllers available on the market that can also output MIDI notes.
Also for Other Application Areas
Because it's easy to communicate between different devices with MIDI, there's a wide range of MIDI controllers for applications other than music. Some are very simple, such as the Tech 21 MIDI Mouse: it's a small box with three buttons that can be used to switch between presets on a MIDI-equipped effects processor or guitar amplifier.
At the other extreme are multipurpose controllers for various DAWs like the Maschine by Native Instruments. These controllers have many buttons, knobs, and faders and are designed to control many different functions in computer software simultaneously. For example, you can start recording, switch between presets, and play entire passages without having to touch the computer's mouse.