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Buying MIDI keyboard

MIDI keyboard has become a very important tool in the production of music by modern musicians and producers in connection with the more frequent use of virtual instruments on the stage and in the studio.

What is a MIDI keyboard?

When the MIDI standard was developed in the 1980s, its main purpose was to be able to control several synthesizers using a single keypad. This idea turned out to be a bull's eye. Nowadays, laptop composers, studio musicians, producers and others can benefit from the benefits of keyboards.
Technically speaking, the control keyboard is equipped with a piano or synthesizer key and usually has additional controllers in the form of buttons, sliders, knobs, etc. Each key or control action is transmitted via MIDI to external sound modules ( Synthesizers), virtual (computer) synthesizers, or hardware or software sequencers. Most MIDI keyboards do not have the ability to automatically generate sound (no sound module).
The key benefits of the keypads are versatility and mobility. They provide the ability to control almost any modern device and music software, while some models can fit into a laptop bag.

Sliders, buttons and knobs

Aside from the keyboards in the front panel , we also find additional controllers including sliders, knobs, buttons, and even drum pads. They can greatly enhance the control over the music software or hardware modules we connect to. A good example is when the controller is connected to any DAW on which the VST plug-in with the synthesizer is running. Controllers allow us to change the parameters of the synthesizer in real time. It gives us the feeling that we really use an analog synthesizer. Some keyboards have mapping presets that allow us to take control of our favorite virtual instrument in seconds.


Number of keys
How much space do you have in your studio? Do you play with both hands? Do you want to use the keyboard like a piano? What is the meaning of mobility for us - are we going to go with the keyboard for concerts? The answer to the questions above will determine the number of keys you will need. Keyboards are typically equipped with 25, 49, 61 or 88 keys, and their width ranges from 50 to about 130 centimeters. Sometimes models 32, 37, 73 and 76 keys can also be found.

Keyboard type
The key determinant of the quality of each MIDI keyboard is the action of the keys - the way they react during play. During the game we have to feel comfortable, whether we play a concert or compose in our studio. Do not overlook the impact of good tools on our creativity and productivity. The type of keyboard that we use for the best is usually based on our habits and the style of music we make. We can choose between three basic types of keyboards.

Keyboard weighted, hammered
Many 88-key keyboards feature a mechanical piano keyboard. This is relatively difficult to achieve, because MIDI keyboards do not have strings and hammers. Manufacturers use different methods to achieve this effect. If our main instrument is a piano or we compose a lot of music using a piano, this type of keyboard might be the best choice for us.

Keyboard half-weighted
It is similar to a weighted keyboard, but the keys here are less restaitant . Half-weighed keyboards are very popular among musicians. If we do not need realistic reproduction of the keyboard of the piano, but we do not like the "sterile" synthesizer keys, this type will be suitable for us.

Synthesizer keyboard
This type of keyboard can be compared to electronic organs. The keys are light, fast and usually spring-loaded. They also return faster to their starting position. This may be necessary when playing fast solos or arpeggios. Synthesizer keyboards are designed for musicians who are not pianists, for example, for guitarists who want to control their equipment via MIDI.

Summary
Apart from the above factors influencing the choice of the appropriate MIDI keyboard, we should still pay attention to the types of inputs and outputs. Many models connect to a computer via the USB interface. Another way to connect (if we have the right interface) is a MIDI connector. With MIDI we will also connect with most other music instruments and instruments

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