If you’re just starting in music production, you are probably shopping around for a MIDI controller or keyboard. These nifty devices hold the power to unleash your creativity and create music. But how do you actually produce sounds with them? And do you need a computer to use a MIDI keyboard? Let’s explore the world of MIDI keyboards, how they work, and whether you need a trusty computer by your side.
Do you need a computer to use a MIDI keyboard? No, you don’t necessarily need a computer to use a MIDI keyboard. However, MIDI keyboards don’t make a sound on their own, so you will need to link it to some sort of speaker or, alternatively, hook everything up to a sequencer.
What are MIDI keyboards and controllers?
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a universal protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate and exchange musical information. MIDI keyboards and controllers are devices that utilize this protocol to send and receive MIDI messages.
Not all MIDI controllers are keyboards, and not all keyboards are MIDI controllers. A MIDI keyboard can give you a more tactile and hands-on experience and let you be more creative when making musical sequences.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
Do you need a computer to operate a MIDI keyboard?
A computer or laptop isn’t required to utilize a MIDI device, but you will still need a way to hear the music being played. A MIDI keyboard controller itself won’t make any sound. So, what’s the solution? You gotta hook that MIDI keyboard controller up to a noise source – something that can generate sound. That’s where an external sound module, hardware synthesizer, or other MIDI-compatible instruments come to play.
- External Sound Modules: These are dedicated devices that receive MIDI messages from your keyboard controller and produce the corresponding sounds. You can connect your MIDI keyboard controller to an external sound module via MIDI cables, and the module will generate the audio output.
- Hardware Synthesizers: Similar to sound modules, hardware synthesizers receive MIDI messages and generate sounds. These synthesizers often have their own built-in sound engines and controls, allowing you to create a wide range of sounds directly from the synthesizer itself.
- Other MIDI-Compatible Instruments: Your MIDI keyboard controller can also be connected to other MIDI-compatible instruments, such as digital pianos, electronic drum modules, or even software synthesizers running on standalone devices.
Here’s a quick rundown of some basic dos and don’ts when you’re using a MIDI keyboard without a computer.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Do regularly back up your MIDI keyboard settings if available. | Don’t ignore power requirements and voltage compatibility. |
| Do connect your MIDI keyboard to a suitable sound module. | Don’t plug or unplug cables when the devices are powered. |
| Do check the MIDI channel of the sound module matches the keyboard. | Don’t use low-quality or damaged MIDI cables. |
| Do regularly backup your MIDI keyboard settings if available. | Don’t expose your MIDI keyboard to extreme temperatures or humidity. |
| Do ensure your MIDI cables are correctly plugged into the MIDI Out/In ports. | Don’t force connectors into the MIDI ports. |
Can I use a MIDI keyboard with my phone or tablet?
Yes! In this day and age, we can’t leave the house without our mobile phones or tablets. So musicians would seek a way to connect their MIDI keyboards to smartphones and tablets to use them with music creation and practice programs. There are now a lot of MIDI synthesizers and other MIDI instruments that you can download as apps and use on your phone or tablet.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Compatibility: Most modern MIDI keyboards have USB or Bluetooth connectivity options, which can be utilized with compatible mobile devices. Check the specifications of your MIDI keyboard and the compatibility requirements of your phone or tablet to ensure they can work together.
- USB Connection: If your MIDI keyboard has a USB port, you can use a USB OTG (On-The-Go) adapter or a dedicated MIDI-to-USB interface to connect it to your phone or tablet. The USB OTG adapter allows your mobile device to recognize the MIDI keyboard as a peripheral and enables communication between them.
- Bluetooth Connection: Some MIDI keyboards offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair them wirelessly with your phone or tablet. Make sure your mobile device supports Bluetooth MIDI (also known as BLE-MIDI) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pairing the devices.
- MIDI Apps and DAWs: To fully utilize your MIDI keyboard with your phone or tablet, you’ll need MIDI-enabled apps or digital audio workstation (DAW) software. There are various music-making apps available on iOS and Android platforms that support MIDI input. These apps can range from virtual instruments and synthesizers to full-fledged DAWs that allow you to record, sequence, and mix your music.
Should you use a MIDI keyboard without a computer?
So, you’ve seen that it’s possible to use a mobile device with your MIDI keyboard, but the big question remains: is it worth it to set up MIDI with devices other than a computer? Computer software is your best bet if you want to make full-fledged audio products but don’t have the funds for a hardware synthesizer. While good mobile applications can offer on-the-go music-making capabilities, they often can’t match the full versions available on PC.
…if you’re simply looking to dabble in MIDI and need an audio output device, a MIDI sound module or quality software on your smartphone can suffice.
However, if you’re simply looking to dabble in MIDI and need an audio output device, a MIDI sound module or quality software on your smartphone can suffice. These options allow you to enjoy the benefits of MIDI connectivity while keeping things simple and portable. It’s a great choice if you’re just starting out or prefer a more streamlined setup.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to a Computer” from the Creative Sauce YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about whether you need a computer to use the MIDI keyboard.
Do you need a computer for MIDI?
No, you don’t need a computer to use a MIDI keyboard. You could hook everything up to a sequencer and do away with the computer.
What do you need to play a MIDI keyboard?
Depending on the model, you may need to install the controller’s software before you can hook it up to your system. The user manual will have everything you need if you need information on how to plug in the device or where to get the necessary drivers or firmware.
Can I use a MIDI keyboard as a piano?
Is a MIDI keyboard suitable as a piano substitute? A common feature of MIDI keyboards is the lack of built-in speakers. In addition, it’s meant to be something other than a stand-alone device that can make piano-like sounds. Instead, it’s meant to be used with another sound source, like a virtual instrument or digital audio workstation.
Conclusion
So do you need a computer to use MIDI? No, but you do need a sound output. And now that you know this, you can consider buying a MIDI keyboard. One specific type of MIDI keyboard will not be ideal for everyone, along with how it is used. Depending on how you will use your keyboard, it is ultimately up to you whether you use it with a computer or a mobile device.
So, do you connect your MIDI keyboard to a computer with speakers? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on music production. Thanks for reading, and never stop making music.
Key takeaways
This article covered a MIDI keyboard and controller, whether we need a computer to operate a MIDI keyboard, and whether I can use a MIDI keyboard with my phone or tablet. Here are some key takeaways:
- Keyboard controllers are electronic instruments that send MIDI data to other devices.
- A computer or laptop isn’t required to utilize a midi device, but you will need a way to hear the music being played.
- Musicians can connect their MIDI keyboards to smartphones and tablets to use them with music creation and practice programs.
- The USB port is still widely used to connect devices like flash drives, keyboards, and mice.
- Extra tips:
- A sound module is any device that can read midi data and generate audio in response to that data.
- MIDI modules often include USB connectors for easy connection to any computer or mobile device.
- Each MIDI device has an in/out jack where the MIDI wire may be plugged in and out.
- The back of most keyboards will be a port for a cable with five-pin connectors that serve as the instrument’s midi in and midi out connections.
