MIDI controller
An input device that sends MIDI data to external sound sources.
A MIDI controller is a type of input device and electronic musical instrument. It works by turning physical actions—like pressing a key or hitting a pad—into Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) data. That data can then be sent to a sound module, synthesizer, or sampler to produce sound, or it can be recorded in a music sequencer or digital audio workstation for playback later. Most MIDI controllers do not have a built-in synthesizer or speaker, so they depend on external gear to turn the MIDI events into an audio signal and then into audible sound.
Many MIDI controllers look like traditional instruments. The most common is the MIDI keyboard, which resembles a piano or other keyboard instrument. But there are also wind controllers that look like wind instruments, guitar-style controllers such as the SynthAxe, and electronic drum kits that mimic acoustic drums. Some controllers have no acoustic equivalent, like MIDI-enabled music sequencers and simple drum pad controllers such as the Roland Octapad, Korg PadKontrol, and Novation Launchpad.
Basic controllers only send data about note pitch and duration, while more advanced ones can send extra parameters like velocity and pitch bend. MIDI controllers are often cheaper, more portable, and more versatile than full hardware synthesizers, though prices vary widely. Sending MIDI commands to a digital sampler usually produces a less authentic sound than a traditional instrument. These controllers are a form of digital music technology and are frequently used by electronic music producers to play software synthesizers or hardware synthesizers that lack their own keyboards.
MIDI was originally designed for musical keyboards, and non-keyboard controllers were once called "alternate" controllers. But the standard has proven flexible, and many devices now generate or respond to MIDI information. There is no strict definition of a MIDI controller: many purpose-built controllers resemble instruments, but hardware synthesizers designed as MIDI controllers, music sequencers, and audio control surfaces can also produce MIDI output. Some devices use MIDI Machine Control (MMC) messages to sync playback, and MIDI Show Control (MSC) commands can coordinate sound, lighting, and pyrotechnics in theater.
- Common key sizes
- 25 to 88 keys
- Most common type
- MIDI keyboard
- Connection types
- MIDI cable or USB
Lore & Background
MIDI was primarily designed with musical keyboards in mind, and controllers that are not keyboards were once referred to as 'alternate' controllers. The standard has proved adaptable, and a wide variety of devices and instruments can generate or respond to MIDI information. There is no clear definition of a MIDI controller: many purpose-built controllers resemble instruments, but many electronic instruments explicitly designed to be MIDI controllers (such as hardware synthesizers) and other tools like music sequencers and audio control surfaces can also produce MIDI output.
Keyboards are by far the most common type of MIDI controller, available in sizes from 25 to 88 keys. When a key is played, the controller sends data describing pitch and duration, and most also send velocity information. Many keyboard controllers offer the ability to split the playing area into zones, each assignable to a different MIDI channel. Drum controllers are the second most common type, and may be built into drum machines, be standalone control surfaces, or emulate acoustic percussion. Wind controllers allow MIDI parts to be played with expression and articulation similar to wind and brass instruments, using breath pressure and pitch glide control. Stringed instrument controllers can be fitted with special pickups that digitize output and assign a separate MIDI channel for each string.
Reader's Guide
MIDI controllers are an example of digital music technology, often used by producers of electronic music to play software synthesizers or hardware synthesizers that lack their own keyboards. They can be cheaper, more portable, and more versatile than full hardware synthesizers, though different types vary greatly in cost. Sending MIDI commands to a digital sampler normally produces a less authentic sound than that of a traditional instrument.
The most basic controllers transmit only data about pitch and duration of notes, while more sophisticated devices send further parameters such as velocity and pitch bend. Purpose-built musical MIDI controllers typically feature a prominent interface that the performer presses, touches, strikes, or blows to send note information, and are often equipped with buttons, wheels, knobs, sliders, pedals, or other sensors for sending control change events. These can control parameters such as velocity and pitch bend within other physical devices or software synthesizers.
MIDI controllers are conventionally connected using a MIDI cable, but an increasing number support USB, which is more versatile and widely used. Software applications recognize such controllers as MIDI devices, and a USB-equipped controller can normally draw all the power it needs via a USB connection, removing the need for an AC adapter.
Did You Know?
- MIDI controllers may or may not have a synthesizer or speaker built in.
- Some MIDI controllers, like the Roland Octapad and Novation Launchpad, have no acoustic parallels.
- MIDI controllers can be connected via MIDI cable or USB, with USB often providing power.
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