Many music producers will recommend getting a MIDI keyboard to use with your DAW.
It’s one of the quickest ways to take a song and record it straight into your gear.
But besides recording a melody, what else is a MIDI keyboard good for?
What Exactly Is a MIDI Keyboard?
MIDI stands forMusical Instrument Digital Interface, and it’s a technical language that helps computers understand music input.
Instead, it must be connected to a computer to create any kind of music.
This is one advantage it has over recording with a microphone.
Here’s how you could use your MIDI keyboard.
Classic Piano Sound
The obvious way to use your MIDI keyboard is to simply load up a piano instrument.
you’re free to find great virtual piano instruments in nearly every DAW.
In either case, using your MIDI keyboard to play a virtual piano has lots of benefits.
It’s perfect for sketching a song out or for experimenting with different chord progressions.
Experiment With Digital Synthesizers
One of the most popular uses of a MIDI keyboard is to play digital synthesizers.
It’s how you might create truly weird and wonderful sounds like nothing you’ve heard before.
Hans Zimmer is one famous composer who frequently used synth sounds.
The key to experimenting with digital synthesizers is the MIDI keyboard.
Automate Audio Effects Plugins Without a Hitch
MIDI keyboards with knobs and faders allow you to automate effects plugins.
Making music this way is far more fun and a lot better for producing music that flows.
It also frees up space for you to use the keys to play harmonic material.
Many of thebest MIDI keyboardscome with pads nowadays, making it easier than ever to lay down some beats.
Once you’ve got a hold of playing sound libraries, you could learn how to control effects plugins.
