{"id":4653,"date":"2022-11-10T10:59:57","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T15:59:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=4653"},"modified":"2023-06-08T10:59:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T14:59:00","slug":"can-you-use-a-synthesizer-as-a-midi-controller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/instruments-and-equipment\/can-you-use-a-synthesizer-as-a-midi-controller\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use a Synthesizer as a MIDI Controller? (Answered)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you love making music, you probably have a synth at home. Synths are incredibly versatile instruments that offer a wide range of sounds and capabilities. But have you ever wondered if you could use your synthesizer as a MIDI controller?<\/strong> Let’s explore the world of synthesizers, what they are, what they can and cannot do, and whether you can use them as a MIDI controller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can synths be used as MIDI controllers? <\/strong>Yes. Any synthesizer with a MIDI out port, whether a USB port or a more traditional 5-pin MIDI out wire, may be used as a MIDI controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a synthesizer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals and transforms them into sound. They are typically self-contained, able to operate, and produce a wide range of tones and timbres without the need for additional programs or plugins<\/a>. Like MIDI keyboards, they may range in size from a laptop to a grand piano. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s a MIDI keyboard? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A MIDI keyboard<\/a>, or MIDI controller, is a device that sends MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data to other devices capable of receiving it. This can be a software instrument in a digital audio workstation (like GarageBand, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or Pro Tools<\/a>), a hardware synthesizer, or any other device that can interpret MIDI data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They don’t make any actual noise but instead, create and send MIDI data that may be used to control other instruments like synthesizers and software synthesizers. In addition, they produce various MIDI information, such as pitch, length, velocity, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for a top-quality MIDI keyboard, check out this highly-rated MIDI keyboard from AKAI. It’s one of the best in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n[azonpress template=”box” asin=”B07HDB12FM”]\n\n\n\n

What’s the difference between a synthesizer and a MIDI keyboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between a MIDI keyboard and a synthesizer is that a MIDI keyboard is typically a full-length keyboard<\/a>, usually with 81 keys, that can produce its sound with an onboard speaker. In essence, a MIDI keyboard is a tool for inputting musical information into a system, whereas a synthesizer is a tool for generating sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, synthesizers also have a keyboard built-in, and they may also be capable of receiving MIDI data…<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Often, synthesizers also have a keyboard built-in<\/a>, and they may also be capable of receiving MIDI data, so the line between these devices can sometimes seem blurred. In a typical music production setup, you might use a MIDI keyboard to play a software synthesizer hosted in a DAW or to control a hardware synthesizer module that doesn’t have its own keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you use a synthesizer as a MIDI controller?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is yes. A MIDI controller could be any device that is capable of transmitting MIDI signals. So if your synthesizer has either a MIDI output or a USB port that lets you connect it to your computer<\/a>, you can use it as a MIDI controller.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For synths that don’t have a USB port but instead have the more commonplace 5-pin MIDI output, you can still hook it up to your computer. But you’re gonna need an audio interface or a MIDI to USB converter to make that happen. Now, here’s the deal with converters. Sometimes, there might be a bit of a lag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine you’re laying down a sick beat, but every time you hit a key, there’s a delay before your PC catches on. Because of this, I wouldn’t suggest using one. Instead, I recommend getting an audio interface that has MIDI inputs. It’s like having a dedicated translator for your synth and PC to have a smooth conversation, reducing those annoying lags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it better to have a dedicated MIDI controller?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Using a synthesizer as a MIDI controller is not always bad. But if you’re trying to reduce clutter and increase efficiency, a dedicated MIDI controller might be the way to go<\/strong> if you have the room and budget for it. You might want a bigger keyboard layout if you use your controller to make a piano-like sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number of keys on many MIDI keyboard controllers is limited to only 25, especially on the cheaper current models. The keys may differ from the standard size if you’re using a device like a microKorg, which has tiny controls. It may be too little for the job if you plan to use the synth to create piano sounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if you want to use a vintage analog synthesizer as a MIDI controller, you should know that there will probably not be any “aftertouch” from it. This advanced capability is often only seen on more expensive controllers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a midi controller with red vinyl beside it. Source: yaw afari, pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to get better drum sounds, then a synthesizer’s keyboard, which isn’t made to make the sound of a bass drum, is probably not the best choice. Instead, a MIDI drum machine or MIDI controller with pads instead of keys might be a better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of their dedicated design, MIDI controllers often outperform their generic counterparts. Some MIDI controllers, such as The AKAI APC40 and other similar controllers, are designed to be used in tandem with digital audio workstations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “S<\/em>ynthesizer vs. MIDI Controller“<\/em> from the JAde Wii YouTube channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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