Midi keyboard: synthesizer differences, how to choose

The cumbersome piano has long been replaced by synthesizers and midi keyboards. If the first has long been sorted out for a long time, then regarding the second, the question still arises, which midi keyboard is the best. Below we will understand what it is, how it differs from the synthesizer, and consider the features of the choice of this tool.

What is a midi keyboard?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is a special international interface with which the user can work with various musical resources. Thus, you can record, play, and other file operations.

The concept of a MIDI keyboard includes many devices, often unlike each other. Among them there are devices with a minimum number of control buttons, which are supplemented, in fact, with keys.

There are also controllers. On them, in addition to the keys, there are many control buttons.

There are still averages between the above devices.

In most cases, a MIDI keyboard requires connecting to a third-party device, since sound can only be played using the latter. Most often, a computer or laptop is used as a third-party device.

In short, the midi keyboard is an electronic piano that generates sound processed and reproduced using a third-party device (PC).

What is the difference between a midi keyboard and a synthesizer?

Outwardly, these tools are quite similar, but in principle, there are significant differences.

1. The synthesizer is a standalone device, and the MIDI keyboard without a PC will not work.
2. Not all synthesizers can be connected to a computer to record or process musical fragments, since the sound from them is not always in digital format.
3. Although the number of simulated sounds in the first and second is similar, the quality is sometimes noticeable differences in quality.

Now we can conclude. If you just need a tool to play music or learn, take a synthesizer.

If you are interested in a digital format melody with the possibility of formatting, pay attention to the midi keyboard.

What should I look for when choosing a midi keyboard?

And yet, how to choose a midi keyboard? Of course, first of all, you need to decide on the purpose of using the device. For home processing you need some parameters, but for performances it’s completely different. Consider the main differences inherent in the models of MIDI keyboards.

1. The size. There are devices with miniature keys, and there are full-sized ones.
2. How many octaves. At the moment, there can be from two to seven on devices.
3. Sensitivity of keys and buttons. The higher it is, the more diverse is the palette of extracted sounds and midtones.
4. Mechanics. It is she who to a greater extent affects the cost of the device. At the moment there are three main types of mechanics: hammer, piano and synthesizer.
5. Online management. The quality of processing and the number of possible actions directly depend on the number and purpose of the controls. In MIDI keyboards, wheel or slide controls are usually installed. They provide smooth and precise adjustment. There are also controls in the form of pedals that are as close as possible to the pedals of the piano.

In addition to the above factors, some models have additional features. You should also know about them, especially if you need a tool for performances. So, some of them:

• switching sound bank;
• modulation - with a small amount of octaves, the ability to “shift” the keyboard an octave down or up;
• division of the keyboard into zones for the possibility of using multiple audio channels;
• indication;
• the ability to replace the keyboard configuration.

Now, relying on this data, it will be much easier for you to choose a tool, regardless of whether you need the simplest or the most advanced.

Controller selection

As mentioned above, the controller is an advanced midi keyboard with a large set of functions. Such a device is more suitable for performances, tours and so on. Compared to simple models for home use, these are much more complicated.

Therefore, in addition to the criteria listed above, it is also worth paying attention to the following:

• the presence of drivers for all modern OS;
• the presence of presets (industrial);
• remembering user presets;
• software;
• the number of different functions and capabilities of the device.

In addition, it is worth paying special attention to the quality of the material and assembly, as well as familiarizing yourself with the working conditions for which the device is designed. This information can be found on the Internet.

You also need to understand that the main thing is not appearance, but software. If the software does not work stably, it is a waste of money. Before buying, be sure to check the compatibility information and device drivers, as well as the manufacturer and service centers.

Among all other models, owners of a large number of control buttons should be preferred.

Pay attention to the octave number of the device. If you only need to write backing tracks, five is enough. Most budget keyboards contain up to four octaves. You can work with them on simple software, with external synthesizers and samplers.

The mechanical component is as important to the professional as the software. The perception of the performer from the game greatly depends on the mechanics. In addition to the distinguishable three types of mechanisms indicated above, there are also differences in the keys. They can be weighted, unweighted or half-weighted. These characteristics indicate how much the keys feel when pressed close to the piano. Accordingly, the best and most expensive option is balanced. There are also models with a combined mechanism.

For pianists, the hammer mechanism will be the best midi keyboard. Full-sized, weighted keys will not differ from the usual classical instrument. But such a model will be quite expensive.

Three pedals are usually provided for connecting pedals. Each of them can be assigned a specific function.

When you have already purchased the selected keyboard, do not forget to buy an adapter for connecting to a sound card (or PC). Only a special MIDI cord is included, and an input for it on compatible devices is not provided.

Best midi keyboards

To make it even easier to choose, we give an example of the best devices in the budget and expensive segment of the market.

The best budget model recognized by IK Multimedia iRig Keys. The cost of the keyboard is an average of 8,000 rubles.

For this money, you get a device that is compatible with any software (white models - all cables in the kit, black - you can buy the missing ones). You can choose between 25 and 37-key options (for each color). The keys are full-sized, the model is portable, lightweight. The pich and mod controls are installed on 37-key devices.

The best among professional at the moment is considered M-Audio CTRL49. The average cost of the device is 29,000 rubles.

The model has currently received the maximum user rating. Great for professional play and performances.

Conclusion

Now you know what to look for when choosing a tool, so you don’t regret about wasted money.

Have a nice shopping and clear sound!