5 Best MIDI Devices for Making Music and More

Immerse yourself in a world of musical expression with the finest MIDI devices available. These cutting-edge instruments empower musicians with unparalleled flexibility, allowing them to unlock their creativity like never before. From sleek keyboards to versatile controllers, each device in this collection is meticulously engineered to enhance your playing experience and elevate your performances. Prepare to embark on a journey of sonic exploration and discover the MIDI devices that will ignite your musical potential.

Among the most noteworthy MIDI devices is the awe-inspiring Moog One. This polyphonic analog synthesizer reigns supreme, delivering an unmatched level of sonic richness and versatility. Its vast array of controls provides endless possibilities for shaping and sculpting your sound, while its intuitive interface ensures an effortless workflow. The Moog One is a true masterpiece, designed to inspire and empower musicians of all levels.

Equally impressive is the Ableton Push 2. This Ableton Live controller revolutionizes music production, seamlessly integrating hardware and software in an unparalleled way. With its intuitive layout, expressive pads, and customizable display, the Push 2 empowers you to create, arrange, and perform your music with unprecedented ease and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, the Ableton Push 2 is an indispensable tool that will elevate your workflow.

MIDI Keyboard Features	MIDI Keyboard Controllers
Number of keys	49, 61, 73, 88
Weighted keys	Yes, no
Aftertouch	Yes, no
Modulation wheel	Yes, no
Pitch bend wheel	Yes, no
Assignable knobs and faders	Yes, no

MIDI Keyboard Controllers: Your Gateway to Virtual Instruments

MIDI keyboard controllers are essential tools for musicians who want to use virtual instruments. They allow you to control your virtual instruments with a real keyboard, giving you a more natural and expressive playing experience.
There are many different MIDI keyboard controllers on the market, so it’s important to do your research before you buy one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a MIDI keyboard controller:

Number of keys

The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard controller is important to consider. If you’re just starting out, a 49-key keyboard will probably be sufficient. However, if you’re a more experienced player, you may want a keyboard with 61, 73, or even 88 keys.

Weighted keys

Weighted keys are designed to feel like the keys on a real piano. This can be important for pianists who want a more realistic playing experience. However, weighted keys can be more expensive than unweighted keys.

Aftertouch

Aftertouch is a feature that allows you to control the volume or timbre of a note after you’ve played it. This can be used to create expressive effects, such as swells and vibrato.

Modulation wheel

The modulation wheel is a wheel that you can use to control the modulation of a sound. This can be used to create effects such as vibrato and chorus.

Pitch bend wheel

The pitch bend wheel is a wheel that you can use to bend the pitch of a sound. This can be used to create effects such as portamento and glissando.

Assignable knobs and faders

Assignable knobs and faders allow you to control various parameters of your virtual instruments. This can be used to create custom sounds and effects.

Drum Machines: The Foundation of Rhythmic Creation

Hardware Drum Machines: The Classic Choice

When it comes to hardware drum machines, the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 stand as timeless icons. The TR-808’s deep, booming basslines and crisp snare claps have defined countless genres of electronic music, while the TR-909’s versatile sounds and programmable patterns have made it a beloved choice for producers and musicians. For those seeking a more modern experience, the Elektron Analog Rytm offers a hybrid of analog and digital synthesis, allowing for unparalleled sound customization and rhythmic exploration.

Software Drum Machines: Flexibility and Endless Possibilities

The advent of software drum machines has revolutionized the realm of rhythmic creation. These virtual instruments offer a vast array of acoustic and electronic drum sounds, with highly programmable sequencers and sophisticated sound-shaping tools. Popular options like Ableton Live’s Drum Rack, Logic Pro’s Ultrabeat, and Native Instruments Maschine provide an incredibly flexible and user-friendly experience, allowing producers to create complex and dynamic drum patterns with ease.


Roland TR-808
Elektron Analog Rytm
Ableton Live’s Drum Rack

MIDI Sequencers: Making Your Music Flow

MIDI sequencers are digital tools that allow you to create, record, and edit musical sequences. With a sequencer, you can build complex arrangements, experiment with different musical ideas, and produce high-quality recordings. Here’s a detailed look at the key features and benefits of using MIDI sequencers:

Step Sequencers: Creating Patterns from Scratch

Step sequencers are a simple yet powerful tool for creating rhythmic patterns and melodies. They work by representing each musical note as a step in a grid, allowing you to visually sequence the notes and create complex rhythms and melodies. Step sequencers are commonly used in electronic music production, particularly in genres like techno, house, and drum and bass.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a step sequencer:

Select a drum or instrument sound from your library.
Click on the steps in the grid to input notes.
Adjust the velocity of each note to vary its loudness.
Experiment with different note durations to create varied rhythms.
Use the loop function to create repeating patterns and sections.

Key Features of Step Sequencers:

Feature	Description
Grid Editing	Visually input notes and create patterns in a grid.
Note Velocity	Control the dynamics of each note by adjusting its velocity.
Note Length	Set the duration of each note, creating varied rhythms.
Looping	Create repeating patterns and sections for building complex arrangements.

MIDI Controllers: Beyond Keyboards and Drums

Wind Controllers

Wind controllers, such as the Akai EWI and the Yamaha WX series, allow musicians to control MIDI data through the use of breath and fingering. They provide a unique and expressive playing experience, making them ideal for emulating woodwind and brass instruments.

Guitar Controllers

Guitar controllers, like the Roland GKC and Fishman TriplePlay, convert guitar signals into MIDI data. This enables guitarists to trigger virtual instruments, record MIDI notes, and even control guitar effects. They offer a versatile way to expand the capabilities of a traditional guitar.

Pedalboards

MIDI pedalboards, such as the Line 6 Helix and the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx, combine traditional guitar pedals with advanced MIDI functionality. They allow musicians to create and control complex effects chains, including effects, amps, and cabinets. This provides guitarists with a powerful and flexible tool for shaping their sound.

Brass Controllers

Brass controllers, such as the Warburton Brass Bugle and the Yamaha TB308, are designed for brass players. They enable musicians to play virtual brass instruments with the familiar techniques and fingering of a brass instrument. They offer a realistic playing experience and can be used for both performance and composition.

Other Innovative Controllers

In addition to the aforementioned categories, numerous other innovative MIDI controllers exist. These include:

Type

Examples

Motion Sensors

Leap Motion, Google Tango

Wearable Devices

Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch

Haptic Feedback Controllers

Artiphon Orba, Subpac S2

MIDI Arpeggiators: Creating Rhythmic Patterns with Ease

MIDI arpeggiators can add rhythmic complexity and motion to your musical creations. They automate the process of playing individual notes in a sequence, allowing you to create intricate patterns effortlessly.

Note Order:

MIDI arpeggiators can play notes in various orders, such as ascending order, descending order, or random order. This flexibility allows you to create unique patterns that fit different genres and styles.

Gate Time:

Gate time determines the duration of each note in the arpeggio. By adjusting the gate time, you can control the tightness of the pattern and create a wide range of effects, from subtle repetitions to fast-paced sequences.

Swing and Groove:

MIDI arpeggiators can incorporate swing and groove into their patterns. Swing adds a subtle unevenness to the timing, creating a more relaxed and human-like feel. Groove adds variation to the pattern by automating slight changes in note length or timing.

Chord Input:

Some MIDI arpeggiators allow you to play chords as input. This allows you to create arpeggios based on chord progressions, adding harmonic depth to your patterns.

Pattern Length:

The pattern length determines the number of notes played in each arpeggio. MIDI arpeggiators can create patterns of varying lengths, allowing you to match the tempo and feel of your song.

Effects:

MIDI arpeggiators can incorporate various effects, such as transposition, inversion, and octave shifting. These effects add further customization options, enabling you to create unique and dynamic patterns.

Clock Input:

MIDI arpeggiators can be synchronized to an external clock signal. This ensures that the patterns remain in time with other musical elements, resulting in a cohesive and professional sound.

Polyphony:

Polyphony refers to the number of notes an arpeggiator can play simultaneously. Some MIDI arpeggiators offer polyphony, allowing you to create arpeggios with more complex chords and harmonies.

MIDI Arpeggiator Features
Note Order
Gate Time
Swing and Groove
Chord Input
Pattern Length
Effects
Clock Input
Polyphony

Best MIDI Devices for Music Creation

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other. It’s an essential tool for music creation, allowing musicians to control multiple devices from a single source and create complex arrangements.

There are a wide variety of MIDI devices available on the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some of the best MIDI devices for music creation include:

MIDI keyboards: MIDI keyboards are the most common type of MIDI device. They allow musicians to play MIDI notes and control other devices using a traditional keyboard interface.
MIDI controllers: MIDI controllers are designed to provide musicians with a wider range of control options than MIDI keyboards. They typically feature sliders, knobs, and buttons that can be used to control various aspects of a MIDI setup.
MIDI interfaces: MIDI interfaces allow computers to communicate with MIDI devices. They convert MIDI data into a format that can be understood by the computer and vice versa.
MIDI sequencers: MIDI sequencers allow musicians to record and edit MIDI data. They can be used to create complex musical arrangements and control multiple devices simultaneously.