25 Note Keyboard

Archive for June, 2009

The U-CONTROL UMX25 is an ultra-compact master keyboard packed with superlatives: it features 25 full size, velocity-sensitive keys, 10 programmable MIDI controllers plus 8 user-set buttons. But we ll give you even more: 50 virtual instruments that allow you to rock straight out of the box. Hit the keys of a grand piano or take off with breathtaking synths, sound samplers etc. Download more free instruments from the dedicated download area. Plug and play your software instruments (more…)

Almost every electronic piano keyboard functions nowadays come with MIDI controls. They use a type of interface so that they able to send and receive data from the computer.

What exactly is this data sent or received by the controls?

At its most basic form, the data exchanged is the note created every single time a key is pressed on the keyboard. The signals indicate the specific note and the duration that note needs to be played.

The duration is just as important as the tone for the song to come out like it should. The computer reads it exactly as how it is read on the keyboard itself. There shouldn’t be changes made once the music transfer has been completed.

Along with the signal sent and received, there are also other factors that play with it. All these aspects must work well together so that the MIDI control achieves optimal success.

Each key comes with a sensor attached to it. The main function of this touch sensor is to discern the pressure being applied to the key. The depth of the sound produced vary according to the pressure exerted by the player himself. Basically, a deeper sound comes out when more pressure is applied, and in turn, a milder sound is produced when there is less pressure applied.

Years back, only the professional digital keyboards came with the MIDI feature. Today, basically most, if not all, electronic piano keyboards out in the market have it so that sound production is effective and accurate.

Everything is possible with the computer. Gone are the days when we simply relied on this piece of technology to write documents. Now, you can even create music in collaboration with your computer. How? There is this device called a MIDI Controller.

For those who are not familiar with this term, a MIDI controller gives you the power to take command of any type hardware device or software program that understands MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). This means that MIDI-addressable effects processors (such as delays, reverbs, etc.) and audio recording and editing software can be controlled with a single piece of hardware, this so-called MIDI controller.

A MIDI controller comes in handy especially when you have a variety of device spread out all over your studio floor or workstation space. The MIDI controller enables you to send a control message to the device or program you’re using that turns notes on and off, adjusts the volume, or changes any one of many addressable parameters. Simply put, you are able to make music with this wonderful technological breakthrough.

There are lots of brands available out in the market. Companies like Novation, Behringer, and M-Audio boast of their innovative 25-note keyboards. To make things even better for you, the makers have come out with accessories that help you make your job better. All you need to do is log on to the website of these companies to see which one suits you the most. Computers and music, who would have thought these two things actually work very well together?

From the Manufacturer
MobilePre USB is the preamp with a built-in audio interface that’s designed for laptop recording such as field recording and sampling expeditions. In fact, it’s one of the only completely bus-powered preamps available. (Of course, you can use it on the desktop as well). A total of three kinds of audio inputs and outputs provide maximum flexibility for any application, including two on-board microphone/instrument preamps and high-impedance instrument inputs idea (more…)