Midi Keyboard Controllers
70Spend enough time with audio production software and midi keyboard controllers will begin to have more appeal. Improvement to workflow will be one of the first noticeable effects. Instead of having to place individual notes on a piano roll and trying to create a melody you will be able to experiment with melodic lines in real time. The benefits of a midi keyboard controller do not stop there either.
Midi keyboards do not make sounds of their own. Instead they hook up to your computer and send signals to a software synth which will then play the desired sound.
Midi keyboard controllers come in a variety of sizes and abilities. Something simple such as the Korg nanoKEY has 25 keys and transport controls.
The transport controls allow you to play, stop, move forward, etc... all from the nanoKEY itself. They take up hardly any space and have a small price to match. A few other Korg mini controllers can be such as the nanoPAD and nanoKONTROL can be added for even more functionality.
Each of these Korg midi controllers are hooked up to your laptop or pc with USB connections. Pretty much you plug them in and get creative.
If space restraints only allow for small devices then 25 and 49 key midi keyboard controllers will fit in nicely.
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Some models such as the M-Audio Oxygen 49 USB Keyboard MIDI Controller have faders, buttons, and knobs for increased control over automation within your audio software program.
The Oxygen also has transport controls and can be programmed with different settings. The keys are velocity sensitive and do not feel flimsy as is the case with some cheaper midi keyboards.
The price is still very affordable and decent for the amount of control provided. There are also 25 and 61 key versions available in the oxygen series.
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Available space and price may be large factors in the selection of a keyboard controller. If neither of these concerns apply then a larger device such as the Akai MPK88 88-Key MIDI Controller Keyboard might be desirable.
Weighted keys, multiple knobs, faders, drumpads, and buttons provide plenty of control over any project. With all of the control features included with the Akai MPK88 the necessity for any other control device might be a non-issue now.
Finding the right midi controller keyboard might take a little time. Shopping around and comparing features and prices will help when it comes to making a final decision. Most midi keyboard controllers are quite affordable and come with plenty of extra parameter controls for use in most audio programs.
Some midi controllers are even fully supported by certain programs right out of the box. Firewire and USB are also options for connecting to a computer or laptop. With so many sizes and control options available, the benefits of most midi keyboard controllers will help increase project efficiency and creativity. Check out a large selection of midi keyboard controllers here.
