MIDI Keyboard Buying Tips

MIDI keyboards were developed way back in the 1980’s to allow the live performers a control over the sounds of multiple synthesizers using a single keyboard. This has become a big success, as its flexibility allows controlling keyboards from live performers to songwriters with laptops, studio musicians to sound designers.

If you are buying a keyboard, here are a few MIDI keyboard buying tips:

• Before buying a keyboard, make sure you test it and ensure that all the keys work evenly. Even if one note is louder or softer than the other, do not buy it.
• A MIDI keyboard comes in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37 or even less keys. Size depends on your requirement. However, 49 keys or larger boards work better, if you want only 1 keyboard. Classical composers will agree on 88 keys, as it allows the maximum number of notes on a channel. 61 keys are good, if money is your issue. With 49 keys, you will run out on notes. But if you are planning for sound development, then 88 keys will be perfect for you.
• Synth action keyboard enable you to play faster and synth action is better. It is like an electronic organ.
• If you want to work only with a keyboard (without a computer), then make sure of having a sequencer.
• Another important thing is velocity. You need it. Even if you are buying a small keyboard, it needs to be velocity sensitive. Velocity is routed to timbre and loudness.
• Aftertouch is a controller, which gets activated when you hold a key pressed. This is also one of the important things in MIDI keyboards.
• Workstation means a keyboard, which does everything. It includes sequencing, effects, sampling and mixing and is called the ability to records tracks. Though this is not a necessity, it sounds wonderful.
• Knobs make the music merrier. They are needed to make electronic music.

In addition to the above, a keyboard should also include knobs, sliders and buttons, which can transmit MIDI data.