A MIDI keyboard is a keyboard that doesn’t make any sound. As such, it doesn’t have an output for say, a pair of headphones. MIDI keyboards are only used to control other MIDI devices, including synthesizers, synth modules or a computer with installed audio software (DAW). These days, MIDI keyboards are often referred to as USB/MIDI keyboards because in most cases, the MIDI data is sent to your computer via USB. In the Buyer’s Guide below, you’ll find the answers to the ten most frequently asked questions related to MIDI keyboards. If any of your questions remain unanswered, feel free to contact us!
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1. I’ve got an old ‘90s MIDI synthesizer lying around. Will it do?
That’ll do, just like any other synth or keyboard fitted with MIDI I/O. But to connect it to your computer, you’ll probably need a MIDI interface. Special USB/MIDI keyboards, however, generally feature way more encoders (rotary knobs) and sliders. These offer huge benefits when used in combination with DAW software, and their functionality isn’t necessarily complicated. Say you want to use an organ plug-in. In this case, the sliders of your USB/MIDI keyboard could be used as drawbars, and you won’t even need a separate MIDI interface to send the data to your computer since a simple USB port will do.
Many contemporary musicians produce their tunes ‘in the box’ - meaning they make their music using nothing but a computer. This way, they only need a keyboard to operate software, rather than an actual keyboard or synth loaded with audio samples. Also, MIDI keyboards are often smaller than synths and regular keyboards, which makes them great for mobile use. Even more so because of the fact that many MIDI keyboards are USB-powered and can be plugged into a laptop, allowing you to produce music anywhere.
3. Will a MIDI keyboard be compatible with my DAW software?
Certainly! MIDI has been a popular standard since the 1980s, and every software pack that supports MIDI will work in combination with a MIDI keyboard. If you want to use any of the extra buttons and faders on the keyboard, a few extra steps may be required (see Question 8).
4. Can I control my (old) synth module with a USB/MIDI keyboard?
That depends on the inputs and outputs. Many modern MIDI keyboards only feature a USB connection, while older synthesizers use classic DIN-MIDI connectors. These simply don’t match, and to make it work, you’ll need a USB/MIDI keyboard with both USB and DIN-MIDI connectors. Also, keep in mind that any MIDI keyboard that only offers USB is called a USB/MIDI keyboard, which is not to say these keyboards also always come with DIN-MIDI connectors. When browsing keyboards on our website, you can use the provided search filters to indicate what you need and narrow down the results.
5. Why would I invest in a large 61-note or 88-note MIDI keyboard?
A large keyboard can come in handy when you want to play any instrument with a huge range. In other words, instruments that can go really low and really high, such as pedal harps, church organs or drum kits, or ensembles including choirs and string sections. Of course, there’s also the piano. Using an 88-note keyboard enables you to play real piano parts, especially because larger models often feature weighted keys to offer the feel of genuine piano keys.
Another advantage of a large keyboard is the extra room for ‘key switches’. These are, for example, included in software from Kontakt and Halion, and among other things, let you switch instrument articulations by pressing a key linked to a keyswitch. Here, this makes it easy to switch between plucking and bowing when you’re using string section samples, and explains why having extra keys available for key switches can be really useful. For professional studios, 61/88-note keyboards are actually essential.
6. Why would I buy a small 25-note or 37-note MIDI keyboard?
Some producers like the level of mobility smaller keyboards offer, since a laptop and a small MIDI keyboard loaded into a backpack can be enough to produce music in the park. A hefty 61/88-note model is simply too big to lug around.
Another reason to invest in a smaller keyboard has to do with the key switches from the previous question. Some producers like to place a small keyboard above their ‘regular’ keyboard and set it up to point at the same MIDI channel they’re controlling with the bigger keyboard.
Finally, the price also plays an important role. As such, most MIDI keyboards are available in multiple sizes (eg. 25, 49 and 61-note versions), with the smallest model usually being the cheapest. If you only ever play simple melodies for your productions, a small keyboard is maybe all you’ll need.
MIDI keyboards that support aftertouch respond when pressure is applied to a keyboard after the key has been struck, and while it is being held down or sustained. Using DAW software or another synth, this aftertouch can be coupled with filter, pitch, loudness, vibrato, et cetera. The advantage here is that you won’t have to keep your left hand free to operate a modulation/pitch wheel; you can simply play with two hands and remain able to add a bit of expression as needed. Monophonic aftertouch means any played notes respond in the same way at the same time, even if you’re only using aftertouch on a single key. Polyphonic aftertouch, on the other hand, means that each key has its own aftertouch-controller. Not all DAWs support polyphonic aftertouch, though.
8. What are all the knobs and sliders of a MIDI keyboard for?
Many MIDI keyboards are outfitted with various controls called encoders and sliders. These are used to control filters, volume, envelopes, effect sends and more. If you often use these kinds of functions, pick a keyboard with enough controls. Needless to say, there are also producers out there who require nothing more than a keyboard and a pitch/modulation wheel.
Please note: A MIDI keyboard won’t know what you’ll be using the various encoders and sliders for. In most cases, this must be set up in your audio software first, but some manufacturers offer ready-made ‘mappings’ for different popular DAWs. This way, you won’t have to set up anything and all of the controls are neatly linked to important functions. Changes can always be made in the future, but if you’re in the market for a MIDI keyboard, it’s worth checking if the maker offers any mappings for your DAW beforehand.
No, this differs from model to model since not every producer or musician uses a large keyboard for piano pieces. There are also large keyboards with semi-weighted keys or keyboard-action keys (even lighter), but weighted keys are particularly useful when you want to play piano parts (see Question 5). If you have no prior experience and you’re unsure what you need, try a mate’s keyboard or visit a shop to get a better idea. If you’re an all-rounder with a little more money to spend, you could opt for two keyboards: one equipped with heavy piano-style keys and a second model with lighter, keyboard-style action.
10. What about those models with mini-keys or touch-sensitive pads?
The concept of these keyboards is based on packing as many keys as possible in an extra-compact housing. While ‘normal’ keys naturally feel best, size is actually the most important factor when it comes to on-the-road production. As such, the amount of available space inside your backpack is crucial!
