How to choose a MIDI controller?

It's been a long time for producers and sound engineers that the 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 care about the quality of their products, the question arises: how to choose a MIDI type controller? This article will describe tips and basic selection criteria.

What is a MIDI controller?

In the far 80s, such a device as a controller was used to enable the musician to control the operation of several synthesizers at once using a single keyboard. This idea was a success, therefore devices of this type were instantly distributed. If then they could not be purchased by everyone, then at the moment the controllers have greatly decreased in price. Musicians, sound engineers, 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. To it are added pens, 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, you need to think about what it's 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 the 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 read below. Acquire the same device, taking into account the fact that you also need handles and sliders. Without them, the program (the MIDI controller works only paired with it) will not perform the desired functions.

In the event that a musician edits tracks in 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 has always been 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 ordinary 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.

No need to ask about which model to choose. 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

The MIDI controller Novation Launchpad is designed specifically to work with Ableton Live. The device is suitable for both activities on the 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 been in demand. What is necessary to implement the idea? Need a scheme, which will be soldering and assembling the device, budget, physicist or electrician, versed in this area.

In addition to knowing the technical side, you also need to ask yourself 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 quite complex, 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 named MPC Touch. Unlike related devices, this one has a 7-inch display. This makes it much easier to work with. Based on the feedback, it must be said that it is the described model that is given as an example when it comes to professional controllers. Looking at it and considering the functional, immediately disappears the question of how to choose a similar device. The software works quickly and efficiently, problems do not arise, and failures are extremely rare.

The only drawback is that the controller can not function without a power source, since it does not have a battery. For a long time Akai brand has been known on the market. The MIDI controller of its production is a powerful and high-end device capable of withstanding heavy loads. Often, some models are used on stage.