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Midi Keyboard

MIDI Controller Keyboard - Apt for Recording using Soft-Synths!

A midi controller keyboard does not have a sound generating module in it and is used only for sending midi messages to external software / hardware.

So how is it useful if it cannot generate sounds on its own? It is useful if you have a predominantly software based recording setup. If you use a software sequencer for sequencing the tracks, and if all your instrument sounds are generated using soft-synths and VSTs, then you only need a controller keyboard. You just have to connect the keyboard controller to a computer or a laptop, which will have all the necessary software programs.

There is no need for you to go in for a full fledged digital keyboard. A midi controller keyboard will be able to send all the performance related messages to the software programs. The controller keyboard will send midi messages to capture all of the performance related parameters. It can send messages which indicate which note is to be played, how hard or soft it is to be played, any effect like pitch bend or modulation was used, etc. Some keyboard models will also have knobs, and sliders in addition to pitch bend and modulation wheels, so that you can easily add effects.

You will find controller keyboards that have less than 61 keys as well. Many users actually record one track at a time, so they really do not need sixty-one keys since they will not use both the hands together. Besides, a smaller controller keyboard will take less space as well. A smaller keyboard will help you easily demonstrate your recording capability to others. Whenever required, just dump your laptop, soundcard and the MIDI controller keyboard in a bag and carry your portable recording studio with you.

MIDI Keyboard Controller Reviews

About the Author

MIDI Keyboard Controller Reviews

For the Propellerhead Reason program, is using a cheap MIDI keyboard just as good as an expensive one?

Is the cheapest possible MIDI keyboard really the same thing as using an expensive one for this program?

Reason does not have musical typing (using a computer keyboard to play notes). You have to have some kind of midi device hooked up to your computer to play the synths.

If you're looking for cheap-but-still-quality go with M-Audio's Oxygen 8 or Behringer U-Control UMX25. You can get them for around 100 bucks (or less if you're keen with ebay). And they're definitely decent (I prefer M-audio to Behringer but the 2 products are pretty much par).

The real differences between MIDI controllers are hardware features such as # of knobs/faders, quality of parts, whether or not it has MIDI ports (as opposed to just USB), weighted keys vs non-weighted, LCD display, automatic mapping, trigger pads, etc.

*note: My boyfriend bought a Novation SL for about $400 and found it to be a) too confusing to bother with b) the knobs felt cheap for the price. He returned it and picked up an Oxygen 8 to use w/ Reason.

Short answer is if you're simply using Reason, just go w/ the inexpensive keyboard. It'll be fine for playing/recording synth lines, etc.

Midi Keyboard
GarageBand How to, How to connect a MIDI Keyboard to your computer using the M-Audio Uno

Usb Midi Keyboard $38.99 EMEDIA EK05097 USB MIDI KEYBOARD INTERFACE KIT

Alesis Q49 MIDI Keyboard - 49 Keys $78.69 ALESIS 49-KEY USB-MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

MAUD AXIOM 49 USB MIDI KEYBOARD 9900-53 $301.99 MAUD AXIOM 49 USB MIDI KEYBOARD 9900-53

MAUD AXIOM 25 USB MIDI KEYBOARD 9900-53 $238.99 MAUD AXIOM 25 USB MIDI KEYBOARD 9900-53

Alesis 49-Key Usb-Midi Keyboard Controller $96.99 ALESIS 49-KEY USB-MIDI KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

Akai LPK25 MIDI keyboard

Utility with versatility, that's what the LPK 25 midi keyboard offers you. An ideal purchase you could use to leisurely work at your music while at home. You might be having a range of musical instruments and applications at your work place as a result of your chosen vocation or just for recording purposes when you are inspired. However, having the Akai offers you the luxury of getting inspired even in the comfort of your own home. The hassle of carting the same piece back and forth from home to studio will not arise.
The midi comes with the warranty and the editing software loaded on a CD. The contents are so tightly packed that they cannot use the normal CD but the mini as the former will not fit the content box. The instructions for editing can be obtained from the website. They are compatible to both Apple and Windows. Since it is available online it does not eat up space on the hard disk.
Though the Akai midi is small and is just over a foot long the keys have been designed with sufficient width to be playable affording the sensitive touch as well. The larger specimens of us might have to get used to avoid pressing more than one key at the beginning. Functions for shifting octaves, arpeggiator, sustaining notes, tapping the tempo and calling programmed functions have been placed at the left using six buttons. With the option to hold down chords available, using the sustain notes or the arpeggiator (ARP). The device is made of plastic but the feel is not cheap.
Akai has put some thinking into the ARP. The ARP for those who might want to know is a mechanism, which allows you to hold a chord down and then play the notes pertaining to the chord repeatedly. The clock can be set to internal and tapping the tempo button sets the tempo. When the ARP is kept on, the hold down button enables you to set the mode, the ARP time division and include the octaves that are needed. These can all be played while the ARP is on hold down mode.
What's most exciting is that the unit is small enough to be fitted across the keyboard of the Mac allowing the logic shortcuts to be used. The rubber fittings at the bottom are placed just right so that the device can be slightly lifted above the keyboard.
The editor software is simple and fast allowing preset ARP settings.
The LPK 25 can be good for home music production and eventually it can be used alive. You just plug it in and it works. At the cost of $ 73 many find this midi highly attractive for purchase.

About the Author

Michael Jones is a writer who is intrested in .You can find more of his work at TechWench.

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Midi Keyboard