MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which stands for Special Digital Interface. This interface is used as an internationally recognized standard for physical devices and software (software), through which users are able to perform various operations with musical resources. The performance of these operations is ensured by recording special commands (keyboard language), which, in turn, make it possible to play, record and other operations with music files. Thus, in fact, the midi keyboard is a kind of musical instrument. And at the same time - the center of the formation and management of various resources, providing effective accompaniment of musical reproduction. Such resources include light effectors, a variety of music mixers (mixers), lighting, smoke machines and others.
The main resource of MIDI technology are controllers - special devices with which the command control of hardware-software synthesizers is carried out. In this aspect, the MIDI keyboard is one of the varieties of the controller, in which the keyboard system corresponds to the piano. That is why, not being actually a musical instrument, such a keyboard is widely used by music performers in their activities. In addition, the additional controls available in it (buttons, modulators, engines, etc.) can significantly expand the optional keyboard set and its capabilities.
Today, many modifications of midi keyboards have been developed and are on the market. Therefore, you should understand the parameters by which you can select the keyboard correctly. First of all, it must be taken into account that such a keyboard, especially for a professional performer, or in general for a public presentation, serves as a kind of visiting card. Therefore, we must clearly understand for what purpose exactly, you want to use it.
The most important parameters are:
- size of keys. Keyboards with two types of keyboard systems are common - full-sized keys and mini-keyboards;
- the number of octaves, which in modern devices is from two to seven;
- keyboard sensitivity, which reflects the dependence of the control command transmission speed on the strength and speed of pressing a key. In addition, this parameter provides the formation of a variety of sound effects;
- type of mechanics - a factor that most affects the price of a product. Now there are three main types of mechanics: synthesizer, piano and hammer. The type of mechanics reflects the design features of the keyboard;
- the presence and type of online governance bodies available on each particular model. These organs are somewhat comparable with what a keyboard and mouse are like in the usual control of a computer. For the same device as a midi keyboard, engine and wheel controls are characteristic. This design of the regulators provides smooth and easy control in the current time mode, i.e. during the performance of the work. Recently, technology has spread that the midi keyboard is equipped with pedal controls. By their purpose, they almost correspond to the pedals of the piano.
Midi keyboards have a number of additional features. These include:
- the ability to switch the sound bank;
- the ability to shift the keyboard in case of a limited number of octaves by one or several octaves up or down (modulation);
- technology for distributing the keyboard system into zones in order to use several audio channels;
- presence of indication;
- the ability to use a variety of keyboard options.
The most famous manufacturers of MIDI keyboards are Korg , Novation, Studiologic, M-Audio, Numark.