What is a MIDI keyboard?

MIDI is an abbreviation for the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which stands for a special digital interface. This interface is used as an internationally recognized standard for physical devices and software (software), through which users are able to perform various operations with music resources. These operations are carried out by recording special commands (keyboard language), which, in turn, make it possible to play, record and other operations with music files. Thus, in fact MIDI keyboard is a kind of musical instrument. And at the same time - the center of the formation and management of various resources that provide an effective accompaniment of musical reproduction. These resources include light effectors, a variety of musical mixers (mixers), lighting, smoke machines and others.

The main resource of MIDI technology are controllers - special devices that help to control the hardware and software synthesizers. In this aspect, the midi keyboard is one of the variations of the controller, in which the key system corresponds to the piano. That is why, not being, in fact, a musical instrument, such a keyboard is widely used by music performers in its activities. In addition, the additional controls (buttons, modulators, sliders, etc.) available in it allow to significantly expand the optional set of the keyboard and its capabilities.

Today, many modifications of MIDI keyboards have been developed and are present on the market. Therefore, you need to understand the parameters by which you can choose the right keyboard. First of all, it must be taken into account that such a keyboard, especially for a professional artist, or even a public performance, serves as a kind of visiting card. Therefore, we must clearly understand, for what purpose exactly, you want to use it.

The most important parameters are:

• Size of the keys. Keyboards with two types of key systems are widely used: full-sized keys and mini keys;
• The number of octaves, which in modern devices ranges from two to seven;
• The sensitivity of the keyboard, which reflects the dependence of the transmission rate of the control command on the strength and speed of the keystroke. In addition, this parameter provides the formation of a variety of sound effects;
• Type of mechanics - the factor that most affects the price of the product. Now we distinguish three basic types of mechanics: synthesizer, piano and hammer. The type of mechanics reflects the design features of the keyboard;
• The availability and type of online management authorities available on each particular model. These bodies are somewhat comparable to what a keyboard and mouse are in a computer that is familiar with everything. For the same device as the midi keyboard, engine and wheel regulators are characteristic. This version of the regulators ensures smooth and simple control in the current time mode, i.e. During the performance of the work. Recently, the technology has become widespread, in which the midi keyboard is equipped with pedal regulators. They are almost the same as the piano pedals.

Midi keyboards have a number of additional features. They include:

• The ability to switch bank sounds;
• The ability to shift the keyboard in the case of a limited number of octaves one or more octaves up or down (modulation);
• The technology of distributing the keyboard system to zones in order to use several audio channels;
• Presence of indication;
• The possibility of using a variety of options for complete keyboard.

The most famous manufacturers of midi keyboards are the companies Korg , Novation, Studiologic, M-Audio, Numark.