It’s quite common for novices to think of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) as a kind of keyboard synthesizer, but it’s actually a collection of music-specific communication protocols, standards, and connectors. that facilitate the creation, control and transport of certain types of musical signals. If it sounds important, that’s because it is. If you need MIDI in the first place, this is perhaps the most important part of your home studio.
It is undeniably confusing and we will only talk about it briefly. MIDI isn’t about recording sound per se, according to Indiana University’s Center for Electronic Music and Computer Science. Instead, it captures the characteristics of an action like a typed keyboard key, which can then be transported and manipulated. And, along the way, you can choose to apply real sound to MIDI in the form of samples or virtual instruments (in case you decide to go for oboe ambience instead of synthesizer ambience). 80s).
MIDI is also used as a protocol to control connected devices. For example, your DAW is probably controllable to some extent via MIDI or OSC, a newer and more capable, but less universal standard (via Britelit Immersive). In the home studio, this often looks like a small “control surface” (a box with sliders and knobs). Most DAWs support MIDI and OSC, and some also have proprietary control mechanisms. Reaper also has a customizable browser-based control system that can turn many devices (phones, tablets, other computers) into control surfaces for your DAW (via Home Music Maker).
The style of music you play and your recording preferences will determine your choices in MIDI keyboards and control surfaces, and there’s really no way to generalize briefly about them, but be prepared to reserve some time. space and budget.
