Which MIDI controller to choose for the modern musician?

You can create digital music, using only mouse and keyboard. However, any, who spent some time on this topic, He knows, that this solution is more likely for …lovers. MIDI controllers definitely speed up the process and make your music experience more enjoyable.! Deciding to buy, it's hard not to get lost in the maze of sentences. many people ask, how to choose a MIDI controller. so, we have prepared an article, in which we will tell you in detail, What to Look For.

Types of MIDI controllers

At the very beginning, you should think, are you looking for a general-purpose or dedicated controller. Universal controllers can work with any DAW software or, eg, with hardware synthesizers. Dedicated controllers are designed to run one specific software. Thanks to this they have much greater functionality, but not universal. There are definitely more versatile controllers on the market. We will give them the most attention here., and special ones are discussed at the end of the article.

Universal MIDI controllers

The versatility of universal MIDI controllers is extremely varied. Choosing a device for yourself, first of all you should think about, what will you use it for. Universal MIDI controllers consist of various modules:

• musical keyboard,
• peds,
• knobs and sliders,
• function buttons.

The music keyboard comes in handy for typical loading of melodies and chords. Pads will become classics for drum dgobi. On the other hand, knobs and sliders help you to comprehensively control the parameters of virtual instruments, effects and mixers. The function buttons allow, eg, start recording or stop audio.

Many controllers combine these modules into one device. We will devote the following paragraphs to discussing their properties.. With such a dose of knowledge, you can easily determine, what controller configuration should you choose.

Musical keyboard

Musical keyboard – essential MIDI controller module. One of the key stages of creating a work – improvisation, that is, coming up with parts in real time. A physical musical keyboard is a must here. MIDI keyboards differ in the number of octaves, additional functions and design of the keyboard itself. Keys are always force sensitive (speed), and sometimes to the compression force (aftertouch). When choosing, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Number of keys
   • Very popular arrangement – 25 keys, or about two octaves. Keyboards with 49, 61 and 88 keys. Even small keyboards allow you to control very low or high sounds – The corresponding buttons are used to switch the current monitored range.
2. Design key
   • Most models have a keyboard, called "synthesizer". Button action (impression when pressed) simple – the spring is responsible for the button rebound to its original position. The most expensive models have a so-called weighted keyboard. Its operation is similar to that of a real piano.. This design significantly increases the weight and price of the controller..
3. additional Features
   • There is a narrow group of keyboards, supporting the MPE standard – Midi Polyphonic Expression . These are additional “measurements” of finger movement across the key surface, affecting the timbre of sound. Roli and Haken Audio specialize in them..

You can learn more about MIDI keyboard here.

Pedi

Pedi – it is a separate type of controller, designed primarily for loading large amounts of percussion using finger drumming. The pads are also suitable for sample-based party recording and short sound samples.

Pads are usually sensitive to impact force (speed), so the stronger the pressure, the louder the sample. Individual pad models vary, mainly, from the point of view of subjective comfort during the game. This is affected by the size of the pads, their number, type of rubber or sensor sensitivity.

Knobs and sliders

Sliders allow you to create a control system tailored to your needs. A peculiar problem is the synchronization of position between the physical element (with a pen, fader) and controlled parameter in the program. You can handle this, by selecting a controller with the appropriate module options.

Digital pens (encoders ), show your position using LEDs. Choosing such a controller, you gain access to synchronization between the position of the physical regulator and its digital counterpart. For sliders these are so-called motorized faders. They have small built-in motors, which allow you to change the position of the physical slider when changing the value of the controlled parameter in the program.

Function buttons

The function buttons of a universal MIDI controller typically allow you to play audio, suspend it, start recording, etc.. d. Some controllers of this type also have additional unique features built in.and (eg, arpeggiator or sequencer ), which are also controlled by the corresponding buttons.

connection

The vast majority of modern MIDI controllers connect to a computer via USB.. It is worth paying attention to its type – Type B connector is the most durable (square). Mini ones are very popular- and micro connectors, but they tend to break down quickly.

Some controllers have an additional built-in output to a DIN-5 socket (round, 5 contacts). This is the standard, which allows you to connect a controller, eg, to an external synthesizer without a computer. Some modern controllers also have CV outputs – Control Voltage . They are used to link the controller to analog synthesizers and effects., standardized for Eurorack format.

Dedicated controllers

Dedicated controllers are designed to work with a specific DAW program. Built-in modules, buttons and functions are integrated with the operating style of a particular software. Akai APC is popular , Novation Launchpad и Ableton Push.

The most advanced controller in this group – Ableton Push . It was created, to give full control over the program, without looking at the computer screen. In practice, some actions are still easier to perform with the mouse, which doesn't change the fact, the capabilities of this controller are impressive. It is most effective as a controller for virtual instruments. Despite, that the instrument is equipped with pads, it allows you to play melodies and even chords. A description of all its functions is far beyond the scope of this article.. Although the price of Push in the updated second version is about 600 dollars, the instrument brings a lot of pleasure and inspiration.

How to choose a MIDI controller?

The choice of keyboard should depend on individual needs. Consequently:

1. First of all, ask yourself, what do you want to use your controller for .
2. Go to the store website, which has a large selection of MIDI controllers.
3. Use the search engine features, to narrow the product display to those, which have the desired features.
4. Find some offers, that fit your criteria and your budget
5. Read reviews.

Tips

Each controller has a different set of functions, which he offers. One is more suitable for a professional keyboard player, other – for drummer, and the third – for man, creating live tunes with club music. Do not be afraid to experiment – if you choose a less than ideal controller the first time, you can always sell it, and the experience gained will pay off.

Remember, that you don't have to limit yourself to one controller. Very popular kit – dedicated + universal controller. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and together they form the true control center of your DAW.

If you frequently travel with equipment or work on the road, it is worth considering the mobility of the controller. Usually a small portable copy is enough to create electronic music. The keys of this device are slightly smaller, than on a live piano keyboard, and their number is about 25 (two octaves). Everything, you need to do, this is to connect the controller to the laptop using a USB cable. No additional power required, making it the perfect kit for on-the-go work. Together with a laptop, it fits into any backpack.