For a long time already for producers and sound engineersThe MIDI controller has become an important attribute that helps create great music. Virtual instruments always sound especially, therefore they are an ornament of any melody.
Due to the fact that many musicians take great careabout the quality of products, the question arises: how to choose a controller type MIDI? This article will describe tips and basic selection criteria.
What is a MIDI controller?
In the far 80-ies, such a device ascontroller, was used to enable the musician to control the operation of several synthesizers at once using a single keyboard. This idea was a success, so the instruments of this type were immediately spread. If then they could not be purchased by everyone, then at the moment the controllers have greatly decreased in price. Musicians, sound producers, songwriters, performers, DJs - all use such devices.
What is a MIDI controller?This is a device that has a keyboard. It is similar to the keys of a piano and a synthesizer. Added to it handles, various buttons and sliders. When interacting with them, the melody is transferred to sound modules that have an external type. It's about laptops and other devices. In other words, controllers (most of them) are not able to independently produce sound. They are designed to regulate bits, notes and other parameters reproduced from an external device (sound module).
What advantages does the MIDI controller have?The most obvious: it is universal and portable. Thanks to him, you can apply all virtual effects and manage modern software. It is easy to carry it with the help of, for example, laptop bags.
What to look for when buying?
Before you buy any controller,it is necessary to think about what it is for. It is not superfluous to answer the following questions, they will give an accurate idea of which version of the huge assortment is suitable.
Why will the controller be used?The device, which is intended for performances on stage, must have a material resistant to mechanical influences. Given that most controllers are made of plastic, you need to pay attention to metal options. It is also necessary to determine the type of mechanism and the number of keys. If there are too many of them, then there is the possibility of confusing the appointment of any during a live performance.
The DJ is a small MIDI controller.It's not difficult to make it with your own hands, if a person understands electronics. It is meant that often DJs use self-made instruments. More details about this can be found below. Acquire the same device, taking into account the fact that you also need handles and sliders. Without them, the program (MIDI controller only works in tandem with it) will not perform the desired functions.
В том случае, если музыкант редактирует треки в bed, plane, car or other place, then the main nuance in choosing is portability. Given that the device is powered by power, you need to pay attention to those that can be charged from the USB bus.
MIDI Controllers from Pioneer
The Pioneer MIDI controller is a device that alwayswas in demand. In the market for such equipment, this manufacturer has long been in the top three. What distinguishes the "related" models of the "Pioneer" from each other? Just the presence of additional functions, which on the control panel look like normal mechanical buttons. Any controller of this brand has excellent jogs. The appearance is serious and elegant. The impressive size of the device is compensated by its maximum functionality.
Do not ask about which modelchoose. You should immediately look at the DDJ-T1. The device is advised by many famous DJs. Value for money is quite good. The control panel is convenient, the buttons are pressed without problems, the device is easily transferred.
Novation Launchpad controller
MIDI controller Novation Launchpad developedspecifically for working with Ableton Live. The device is suitable for both activities on stage and in the home studio. It will also be easy to conduct discos with him. The grid of the device consists of 64 buttons. It is equipped with additional effects, as well as functions for working with the software. The device can be connected to the computer via a USB cable. The controller works with both the Windows family and some other operating systems.
MIDI controller with their own hands - a reality or a myth?
Self-made MIDI controllers have long enjoyeddemand. What is necessary to implement the idea? Need a scheme, which will be the soldering and assembly of the device, budget, physicist or electrician, versed in this area.
Помимо знания технической стороны, нужно также ask yourself the question of how much the creator knows about the controllers. For the correct assembly of the device, which will meet all expectations, you need to understand which is better to use the database, for which the model will be assembled, and where it is necessary to install the control panel. The question is rather complicated, but it is quite solvable. To date, there are many ready-made schemes, on which you can assemble a controller. The main thing is confidence in your plans and patience.
Model of the brand Akai
Akai recently released a new controller,which was called MPC Touch. Unlike related devices, this one has a 7-inch display. This greatly facilitates working with it. Based on the feedback, it should be said that it is the described model is given as an example when it comes to professional controllers. Looking at it and looking at the functional, the question of how to choose such a device immediately disappears. The software runs fast enough and efficiently, problems do not arise, and failures are extremely rare.
The only defect is thatthe controller is not able to function without a power supply, since it does not have a battery. The Akai brand has long been known on the market. The MIDI controller of its production is a powerful and high-class device capable of withstanding heavy loads. Often, some models are used on stage.
