the functions of midi keyboards booklet

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BY: KATIE MORGAN. The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet: A MIDI Keyboard is known as a piano-style user interface keyboard device with a wide variety of electronic musical instruments and many more. Furthermore it sends MIDI signals and commands over to a MIDI cable or a USB. Plus it is also sends these signals and commands to other devices that are operating or connected on the same MIDI digital and protocol interface. It sends messages for the following: velocity, pitch and notation. This controls the signals for all of the parameters. The parameters are: vibrato, volume, cues, clock signals and audio panning. This is set so all is synchronised to the tempo between the different multiple devices. Plus these messages can be used by a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), for example, Logic Pro X because they are designed to work MIDI as a component that is basic. Also the MIDI’s piano roll has been expanded in the DAWs. This is so the recored MIDI messages can be greatly redesigned. Also when you are composing on a MIDI Keyboard the unique HRS (known as High Rate Scan) will scan the keyboard over 10,000 times per second to capture every single detail of your performance. Page of 1 7 Here is a few things that a DAW can do: Copy (cmd + c) and paste (cmd + v) - items, tracks, notes or plugins/ eects.

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This booklet is about the functions of MIDI Keyboards.

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Page 1: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN. The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet:

A MIDI Keyboard is known as a piano-style user interface keyboard device with a wide variety of electronic musical instruments and many more. Furthermore it sends MIDI signals and commands over to a MIDI cable or a USB. Plus it is also sends these signals and commands to other devices that are operating or connected on the same MIDI digital and protocol interface. It sends messages for the following: velocity, pitch and notation. This controls the signals for all of the parameters. The parameters are: vibrato, volume, cues, clock signals and audio panning. This is set so all is synchronised to the tempo between the different multiple devices.

Plus these messages can be used by a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), for example, Logic Pro X because they are designed to work MIDI as a component that is basic. Also the MIDI’s piano roll has been expanded in the DAWs. This is so the recored MIDI messages can be greatly redesigned.

Also when you are composing on a MIDI Keyboard the unique HRS (known as High Rate Scan) will scan the keyboard over 10,000 times per second to capture every single detail of your performance. Page � of �1 7

Here is a few things that a DAW can do:

Copy (cmd + c) and paste (cmd + v) - items, tracks, notes or plugins/effects.

Page 2: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN. To produce better music you can sculpt and mix your sound by using the wide range of smooth-action knobs, low-profile 45mm faders, a custom LCD screen and loads of different buttons. All of the controls work seamlessly with the major music software. Plus it can also be mapped to any parameter.

In addition on the MIDI Keyboard there are drum pads and these drum pads are in real time and are pressure-sensitive. They are used for designing arpeggios, looping drum samples and rolling beats. Plus these pads also function as multicoloured clip launchers, for example, in Ableton Live you can tell whether a clip is recording, playing or loaded. You know this because there are three different colours and they are: red for recording, green for playing and yellow for loaded.

The MIDI Keyboard can also connect to many things, such as, Windows or Mac. You don’t even need a power supply. Plus there are five pin MIDI outputs that entitles you to connect your favourite modules or synths. This is because it is USB bus-powered and is also class-compliant.

Furthermore these tools also allows composers to distinguish and modify their work quickly, but simply. This is easier then the old ways, such as, multi-tracking recording.

Moreover a MIDI Keyboard is a very useful piece equipment in music because it has a wide range of different specifications and features. Furthermore different MIDI Keyboards have different controls and elements. Despite there being so many different MIDI Keyboards they are similar and easy to use. Plus if you can play a MIDI Keyboard then you can play other instruments. This is because in Logic Pro X and other music making softwares you can pick an instrument and transfer it over to the MIDI Keyboard. The MIDI Keyboard records in the instrument that you have chosen. So by knowing about the MIDI Keyboard and can have a wide knowledge about other instruments that you don’t even play. This can make your music experience even better then before. So let’s get started with why using a MIDI Keyboard is important in music. Then secondly what the specifications and features of a MIDI Keyboard are. It’s simple!

Why use a MIDI Keyboard?

A composer would use MIDI to use the designed digital synthesizers to produce music. Plus MIDI is used different people. This is from solo artists to music producers. This shows us that anyone can use a MIDI Keyboard. It’s just a keyboard with extra settings and controls. These extras are easy to pick up once you know the basics. The music that can created can be of any genre or style.

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The Impulse MIDI Keyboard is an expressive and ultra-

responsive keyboard, which has a lot of assignable

controls on it. It can connect to many different softwares, such

as, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live and many more.

https://uk.novationmusic.com/keys/impulse#

Page 3: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN.

Although using a MIDI Keyboard may seem complicated it really isn’t. This is because it is much easier to compose on a MIDI Keyboard then a computer’s keyboard, for example, in Logic Pro X you can use the ‘musical typing’ tool which is a keyboard on the software. However it is harder to compose music because there is very limited space to make music. This is because there is only 11 white keys

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Here are the specifications This spec is from: https://uk.novationmusic.com/keys/impulse#):Tech SpecProduct Hardware Specifications

▪ 25, 49 or 61 note velocity sensitive piano style keyboard with assignable aftertouch▪ 8 multi-colour large backlit velocity sensitive drum pads▪ 8 endless encoders (infinite rotation)▪ 9 sliders (49 & 61 note) 1 slider (25 note)▪ 6 dedicated transport controls▪ Pitch bend and modulation wheels▪ 2 octave / transpose buttons▪ Custom blue-backlit LCD display▪ 6 function buttons (4 with LED indicators)▪ 4 control switch buttons with LEDs (49 & 61 note) 3 control switch buttons with

LEDs (25 note)▪ 9 mute / solo buttons plus toggle button (49 & 61 note)▪ Arpeggiator with tap tempo and roll▪ USB socket▪ DC power socket▪ Sustain pedal 1/4” jack socket▪ Expression pedal 1/4” jack socket▪ MIDI In and MIDI Out din sockets▪ Kensington security slot

Software Compatibility▪ Ableton Live Lite 9 is included

If you already have Ableton Live it must be version 8 or greater to work with Impulse. We recommend that you update to the latest version as previous versions of Ableton Live do not include the Impulse integration. Impulse will also work as a standard MIDI controller.

▪ Automap DAW and plug-in control software◦ Works with Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton, Cubase, Reason/Record, Sonar and more◦ Includes editable QWERTY support for hardware controls◦ A library of mappings for hundreds of plug-ins is available◦ Automap works with VST and AU plug-ins, as well as RTAS and TDM plug-ins ◦ Automap with Pro-Tools does not include AAX plugin control

Power Requirements▪ Fully USB bus powered ▪ Power supply not included

Product Dimensions▪ Impulse 25: 525mm (20.6”) length x 332mm (13”) depth x 100mm (3.94”) height▪ Impulse 49: 864mm (33.3”) length x 332mm (13”) depth x 100mm (3.94”) height▪ Impulse 61: 1022mm (40.2”) length x 332mm (13”) depth x 100mm (3.94”) height

Page 4: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN.

and 7 black keys. Despite there only being this many keys you still change the pitch, modulation, octave and velocity. This is what it looks like:

However it is difficult to make these changes while playing. It is possible, but it is quicker and more straightforward to compose on a MIDI Keyboard. The ‘musical typing’ tool is mainly for quick melodies and simple editing. So for the MIDI Keyboard is for complex melodies and effects.

Plus there are so many MIDI instruments and Logic Pro X instruments to chose from and they are:

Patches/Software Instrument patches

Vintage Synths

Modern Synths

Vintage Keys

Acoustic Instruments

Cinematic

Electronic and Urban Loops. There are also loops that range from Hip Hop to Blues Garage, Disco Funk, Disco, Indie, Vintage Breaks, Chillwave, Deep House, Tech House, Modern R&B, Dubstep and Electro House.

Drum Kit Designer, for example, Studio Kit, Neo Soul Kit, Brooklyn Kit, Pawnshop Kit and many more.

Keyboard Sounds - Alchemy plus Fantasy, Detroit, Reflections, Skyline, Ascend, Night Drive, Gravity, Momentum, Heist and many more.

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Page 5: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN.

EXS24 Sampler, for example, Classical Guitar

Vintage Keyboards, for example, the hammond B3 organ, the Hohner Clavinet D6 and the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer and Hohner Electric Pianos.

Sculpture - this is a very unique instrument because it can produce tones that no other synthesizer can. Why? Because it re-creates the sounds of vibrating materials, such as, metal, nylon, glass or wood. This is by the the variations of Chimes, Bells, Strings and other instruments. You can also control how the instruments are played, bowed or plucked. The sounds are completely unexpected, for example, the minimal material morph and the buzzy string space are two of these unique instruments.

Retro Synths

ES2 - this synthesizer can create many different sounds. These sound can range from Classic Analog to Modern Digital. Plus it also features extensive modulation options, three analog-modelled and wavetable oscillators, as well a dual multi mode analog resonant filters.

Arpeggiator and MIDI Plug-ins, for example, Alien Language, Beep City, Spacey, Classic Analog and many more.

Guitar Gear - Amp Designers, such as, Vintage British Stack, Stadium Stack, Large Blackface Combo, High Octane Stack, Studio Combo, Pawnshop Combo, British Combo, Large Tweed Combo and many more.

Bass Amp Designers, for example, Classic Amp, Modern Amp, Flip Top Amp and many more.

Pedalboards, for example, The Tie Dye Delay, Tube Burner, Wham, Dr. Octave and many more.

Although there are all of these instruments and plugins, you need to perform warm up techniques before you explore them. This is because if you are going to have a long keyboard session then warming up will make it a better experience. If you don’t then you might strain your hands. This is caused by the repetitive movement and overuse of muscles, tendons and nerves. This is known as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury. Here a warm up technique:

Composing scales (technique from http://www.hanon-online.com/the-virtuoso-pianist/part-i/exercise-n-1/:

Page � of �5 7

Like this one on the next page (do this about 20 times, it actually helps):

Page 6: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN.

I have made some melodies on a MIDI Keyboard to warm up for my two MIDI sessions and here they are:

There are many more different warm up techniques to try. But these ones above are my favourites. These warm ups can be played and recored on a MIDI Keyboard. Plus MIDI is integral to today’s recording industry.

Furthermore it has been 30 years since the expansion of technology that allows drum machines and synthesizers to be connected to laptops and computers. This has made the Musical Instrument Digital Interface transform the world of recording music.

I think that the future of MIDI will be able to connect and route via a smartphone. This is accomplished by a combination. Plus the playback will be clearer and there might even be a software or programme that could start a whole new network for music. This software or programme may allow us to adjust individual timings. This is so that all of the devices that are connected can create perfect synchronized notes or sounds.

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Page 7: The Functions of MIDI Keyboards Booklet

BY: KATIE MORGAN.

On the other hand MIDI is fine the way that it is. But it could maybe speed up a little bit, so it fits in with today’s technology and media.

Have I used MIDI in my work?

Yes, I have. Here are some examples of my work. (These screen shots show what MIDI Keyboard effects I have used in my music):

When I composed these MIDI techniques it made me think about my two MIDI compositions and here they are:

By my composing these melodies and compositions I have reworked on my MIDI Keyboard skills and I am confident on setting up and using a MIDI Keyboard. Plus my knowledge of Logic Pro X has also helped me in this project because MIDI connects to Logic. MIDI is very good in Logic because it works well. I enjoyed this project because I like composing on a MIDI Keyboard and different creating melodies. All of my melodies are different and have different MIDI instruments in them. I did this because I wanted to vary my music styles a little bit. This was very successful because all of my MIDI Keyboard melodies are new and exciting. I hope that you enjoy them!

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Drum Pads and Octave Change:

Modulation:

Pitch Blending: