{"id":4812,"date":"2022-11-15T06:09:29","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T11:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=4812"},"modified":"2023-05-31T19:03:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T23:03:09","slug":"can-you-use-a-midi-controller-as-a-keyboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/instruments-and-equipment\/can-you-use-a-midi-controller-as-a-keyboard\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use a Midi Controller as A Keyboard? (From Beats to Keys)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Being new to music production can be daunting, especially if you don&#8217;t have any experience or the right gear. One such piece of gear that many producers use is a keyboard. But what if you don&#8217;t have the cash to buy a keyboard? <strong>Can you use a MIDI controller as a keyboard?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, I&#8217;ll talk about MIDI controllers and keyboards and whether a MIDI controller can replace a traditional keyboard. So whether you are new to mixing and recording or a seasoned pro, this post is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"quick-answer\"><strong>Can I use a MIDI controller as a keyboard?<\/strong> Yes, so long as you have an external audio output device. A MIDI controller can&#8217;t be used without one. A keyboard is a standalone piece of equipment that can be used without another device because it has internal speakers. You might also want a MIDI with enough keys to play comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a keyboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A keyboard is a group of keys or levers on a musical instrument that can be pressed together to make music. Most keyboards have a mix of larger, longer keys and smaller, shorter keys that repeat each octave. This makes it possible to play all twelve notes of the Western musical scale. The phrase &#8220;<strong>normal keyboard<\/strong>&#8221; encompasses various devices, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Workstations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synthesizers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital pianos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stage pianos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, audio output from the keyboard is optional. As far as we&#8217;re concerned, a keyboard is a keyboard as long as it makes sounds without the aid of another device (with the exertion of its built-in speaker). Many professional and semi-professional keyboards (including certain grand pianos and huge synthesizers) do not have built-in speakers and rely on external devices to output sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a midi controller keyboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/instruments-and-equipment\/how-many-keys-should-a-midi-keyboard-controller-have\/\"> MIDI controller keyboard <\/a>is not a musical instrument that can be used independently. Thus, A MIDI keyboard or controller makes no audible noise. It only transmits MIDI data to an external device that can generate audible output. You need a <strong>MIDI cable to connect your MIDI keyboard<\/strong> to the performance device you want to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>MIDI keyboard or controller makes no audible noise<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) standard is a set of rules for how electronic musical instruments can talk to each other about musical information like note names, lengths, volumes, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use a midi controller as a keyboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a separate audio output device, then yes. However, you can&#8217;t play a MIDI controller unless you have an external audio output device. Conversely, a<strong> keyboard is an independent piece of hardware<\/strong> that doesn&#8217;t require any other gadget to function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages and disadvantages of using MIDI controller keyboards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MIDI controllers offer several advantages when used as keyboards in music production. Here are some of the benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Flexibility:<\/strong> MIDI controllers provide a high degree of flexibility, allowing users to control various virtual instruments and software synthesizers from a single device. They can emulate different types of keyboards, such as pianos, organs, and synthesizers, giving musicians a wide range of expressive possibilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tactile Response:<\/strong> MIDI controllers typically feature keys with a realistic feel, offering a tactile response similar to traditional keyboards. This allows musicians to perform with greater expression and nuance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Affordability:<\/strong> MIDI controllers are generally more affordable compared to dedicated hardware keyboards, making them accessible to a wide range of musicians and producers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Portability:<\/strong> MIDI controllers are often compact and lightweight, making them convenient for musicians who frequently perform on the move or need to set up a portable studio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Versatility: <\/strong>MIDI controllers can be used with a variety of software applications and digital audio workstations (DAWs), providing musicians with a versatile tool that can integrate seamlessly into their production workflow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lack of Standalone Functionality:<\/strong> MIDI controllers rely on being connected to a computer or another MIDI-capable device to produce sound. They do not have built-in sound engines, so they cannot be used as standalone instruments without external hardware or software.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learning Curve:<\/strong> While MIDI controllers offer extensive capabilities, utilizing them effectively may require some learning and familiarity with MIDI protocols and software configurations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dependence on External Devices:<\/strong> MIDI controllers need to be connected to external devices, such as computers or sound modules, to generate sound. This dependency on additional equipment can introduce complexity to the setup process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-of-someones-hand-fixing-the-midi-controller-source-gustavo-fring-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Image of someone s hand fixing the midi controller. Source: Gustavo Fring\" class=\"wp-image-4815\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image of someone&#8217;s hand fixing the midi controller. Source: gustavo fring<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which of them is ideal for music production?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider your current level of expertise and your goals. A MIDI interface will do if all you want to do in a digital audio workstation is write music. However, if you are interested in music and want to learn to play an instrument, the keyboard is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should also know that not all MIDIs and keyboards are created equal, and each has unique features. Your budget and the features you think you&#8217;ll need from the device are also things to consider. But a <strong>MIDI controller is the best choice if you only want to use the device as an input method when making music<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called<em> &#8220;<\/em><em>Use Your Digital Piano\/Electronic Keyboard As A MIDI Controller | Audio Mentor&#8221;<\/em> from the Reuben Chng YouTube channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Use Your Digital Piano\/Electronic Keyboard As A MIDI Controller | Audio Mentor\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pYhhZYnJ4O0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A video called<em> &#8220;Use Your Digital Piano\/Electronic Keyboard As A MIDI Controller | Audio Mentor&#8221;<\/em> from the Reuben Chng YouTube channel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about whether a MIDI controller is used as a MIDI keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1668509038325\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can a MIDI produce its own sound?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Since a MIDI controller is just a keyboard that sends and receives MIDI data, you will need to get sounds from somewhere else. If you connect to a computer, you can use software to modify the sounds you&#8217;ve made.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1668509051018\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can a MIDI controller be used as a piano?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, it&#8217;s not a standalone unit that can produce piano-like sounds on its own; rather, it works in tandem with other tools, such as a virtual instrument or digital audio workstation (DAW).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1668509077327\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can you use a MIDI controller without a computer?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, you don&#8217;t need a computer to use a MIDI keyboard. However, MIDI keyboards don&#8217;t produce any sound on their own; rather, it generates MIDI signals and sends them to a linked device that processes and produces audio, so you will need to link it to some speakers or a computer with speakers.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You should get both if you can, since each has pros and cons and is best for different kinds of musical expression. If you can&#8217;t buy a keyboard for some reason and need to use a MIDI controller as your main instrument, don&#8217;t worry. You can still make amazing music with this affordable yet powerful tool. Follow the tips we discussed above and prepare to unleash your creative side!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article covered what a regular keyboard is, what a midi keyboard is, and whether midi controllers can be used as keyboards. Here are some key takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A keyboard is a keyboard as long as it makes sounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keyboard used just as a MIDI controller is referred to as a &#8220;MIDI keyboard&#8221; here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The keyboard is an independent piece of hardware that doesn&#8217;t require any other gadget to function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So, do you prefer to use a MIDI controller as a keyboard? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (<strong>I read and reply to every comment<\/strong>). 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helpful resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/makethatbeat.com\/controller-or-keyboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Should I Buy A MIDI Controller Or A Keyboard? \u2013 Useful Tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/reasons-use-keyboard-midi-controller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">5 Reasons Why You Should Use Your Keyboard as a MIDI Controller<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/producersociety.com\/whats-the-difference-between-a-keyboard-midi-keyboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">What\u2019s the Difference Between A Keyboard &amp; MIDI Keyboard? \u2013 Producer Society<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I often get asked if a MIDI controller can be used as a keyboard. In this post, I will answer this question and provide some additional info about MIDIs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[713],"tags":[685],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4812"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4812"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4812\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}