So what exactly is a MIDI Controller and what can it do?

Well, a MIDI controller lets you control any hardware device or software that understands MIDI… meaning that virtual instruments and MIDI-addressable effects processors like a delay or reverb and audio recording and editing software can be controlled with a MIDI controller.

 

It can take some people a while to get their heads around MIDI and how to use it ( it did me) but once you get it going it's very convenient because any sound or effect you lay down can be totally changed without doing it over again, you simply change the sound or tone and the notes are still exactly the same for the MIDI to be read.

 

You can be missing out a lot if you aren't taking advantage of the virtual instrument plug-ins.

 

For years I recorded only real instruments but as more and more virtual instruments started being included in software programs like Pro Tools and Logic I started to use them and WOW… there's just so many more options now for sounds. MIDI really does open up a whole new world of possibilities in the studio.

 

There's basically 2 types of MIDI controllers, the keyboard ones and the drum pad ones. I prefer the keyboard type and most of the better ones have pads on them as well.

 

The main players putting these out are M-Audio, Korg, Alesis, Novation, Akai, Behringer. Have a look at Keyboard MIDI Controller page.

 

M-Audio makes a few really good keyboard controllers… my most recent purchase was the Axiom Pro. There's the regular Axiom line and the M-Audio Keystation line. Have a look at our M-Audio Axiom Controllers page here.

 

If you're not much of a keyboard player like me, you might not want the full 88 key model controller. But if that's what you're interested in check out some nice 88 key MIDI controllers here.