Any hardware or software that creates and sends Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data to MIDI-enabled devices, often to trigger sounds and control parameters of an electronic music performance, is referred to as a MIDI controller. They typically provide data about the pitch of notes to play using a musical keyboard, however a MIDI controller may activate lights and other effects. A sensor in a wind controller translates breath pressure to volume information and lip pressure to pitch control. There are percussion and stringed instrument controllers, as well as specialised and experimental devices. Some MIDI controllers are linked to specific digital audio workstation software. The original MIDI specification was expanded to incorporate more control functions.
A keyboard controller is a device containing piano or synth-style keys, as well as a variety of knobs, buttons, and sliders. All of these are capable of sending MIDI data to external sound modules (synthesisers), computer software synthesisers, or a hardware or software sequencer. Although most keyboard controllers lack integrated sound generation, practically every keyboard synthesizer/workstation can control the sounds and parameters of other devices.
Types of Keyboard Actions:-
The keyboard action – how the key responds to playing – is an important feature of any keyboard controller. You, the player, must be at ease with the controller, whether on stage or in your composing or recording studio. Don’t underestimate the effect of a subpar keyboard on your creativity and productivity! The sort of action you choose is typically decided by what you are used to, as well as the genre of music you play, which may need one form of motion over another. You have several options.
There are three fundamental keyboard action types:
Hammer Action with Weights
Many controllers include 88-note keyboards that mimic the mechanical movement of a standard piano keyboard. This is tough to accomplish since a controller lacks strings and hammers. Manufacturers employ several techniques of placing weights and springs to simulate the motion of a piano. Others include a hammer action to more precisely approximate the “feel” of a real piano. If you play the piano as your primary instrument or produce a lot of piano music, the realism of a weighted hammer-action keyboard may be great for you.
Action is semi-weighted.
Semi-weighted actions are popular among many players since they are similar to weighted actions but have less key resistance and a somewhat springier release. Try a semi-weighted keyboard if you don’t require true piano responsiveness but don’t like spring-loaded synth actions (see below).
Synthetic Action
A synth-action keyboard, on the other hand, has the appearance of an electronic organ. The spring-loaded keys are lightweight and may be moved swiftly. They also have a considerably faster return to their resting position. This may be a significant benefit when playing quick parts like lead lines or fast arpeggios. Synth-action keys are ideal for artists who are not natural pianists, such as guitarists who wish to add MIDI capabilities to their setup. Several manufacturers provide controllers with synth-action small keys if you require an ultra-compact controller that fits inside a backpack.
What are the best production keyboard controllers available in the United States?
1. MPK Mini Mk3 Akai
SPECIFICATIONS:-
- Mac/PC/iOS compatibility
- Number of keys: 25
- Miniature key size
- The key type is velocity-sensitive.
- Controls include eight assignable encoders, eight MPC pads, complete transport controls, and a four-way joystick.
- USB connectivity
- Bus power is used.
- MPC Beats, Bassline, Tubesynth, Electric, Hybrid 3, Mini Grand, Velvet Software
- 32 x 18 x 4 cm in size.
2. Nektar SE25 MIDI keyboard Professional, portable, and affordable playability
SPECIFICATIONS:-
- PC and Mac compatibility
- Number of keys: 25
- Miniature key size
- Velocity-sensitive key type
- 6 function keys; assignable PB1 and PB2 buttons for pitch bend, transpose, volume, pan, and track; assignable ‘Part Two’ button for octave, MIDI channel, transpose, layer, and latch; S button for sustain and modulation.
- Connectivity includes a micro USB connector and a sustain pedal input.
- USB power
- Bitwig 8-Track software
- 335 x 100 x 21 mm Dimensions.
3. MIDI keyboard Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3
SPECIFICATIONS:-
- PC, Mac, and iOS compatibility
- Number of keys: 25
- Miniature key size
- The key type is velocity-sensitive.
- Controls include Octave shift, Transpose, Pitch, and Modulation strips, as well as 16 velocity-sensitive illuminated RGB launch pads, 8 rotary encoders, and ten function buttons.
- Connectivity includes a USB B connector, 3.5mm TRS Type A MIDI out, and a Sustain Pedal input.
- USB power
- Ableton Live Lite, Splice Sounds for two months, AAS Session Bundle, Softube Time & Tone, Spitfire Audio LABS Expressive Strings, Klevgrand DAW Cassette and R0Verb, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, Novation Sound Collective membership
- (mm) Dimensions: 330 x 172 x 40.