A close up of a MIDI keyboard

An encoding scheme is used to map a MIDI value to a specific instrument sample. Also, other sound parameters such as note volume and attack are included in the MIDI scheme. The keyboard merely acts as a MIDI controller of sound modules and other MIDI devices, including DAW software.

MIDI keyboards are a very common feature of a recording studio, and any DAW setup. Most include a transpose function and the ability to set different octaves. Many MIDI keyboards have pitch bend and modulation wheels. Some also have extra sets of assignable rotary knobs and/or buttons for sending custom MIDI messages to the synthesiser, sampler or DAW software.

Other features that some MIDI keyboards might include are:

• Input for foot switch (usually used as a sustain pedal)
• Input for a foot expression controller
• Semi-weighted or fully weighted keys
• Capability of sending aftertouch
• Direct USB connection for use with computers

MIDI keyboards come in a large range of sizes, from 2-octaves to full 88-key length. MIDI keyboards with less than 61 keys tend not to have weighted keys.

See also

• MIDI controller

External links

• MIDI Keyboard Limits, an interactive animation by Michael Schreiber, The Wolfram Demonstrations Project, 2007.

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