Whether or not you’re a modular synth nerd or the bassist of a troglodyte doom steel band, the probabilities that you simply’ve encountered a tool that makes use of MIDI are almost one hundred pc at this level. The communication protocol is greater than 40 years outdated, but it’s hardly modified since head honchos from Roland, Oberheim, and Sequential Circuits collaborated on a common language that musical devices can use to speak to at least one one other. Its low-tech nature is its biggest power, making it a fast and dependable technique to management a synth or a rack of guitar pedals with hardly any digital bandwidth in any respect. MIDI is nice as a result of it’s barely advanced in any respect.
What has advanced is the cottage business of musical equipment that make the most of MIDI to do wild and great issues past simply being interchangeable digital keyboards. Are you eager on adjusting filters and delay occasions with the swipe of your hand like a deranged conductor? There’s a MIDI gadget for that. Do you idolize U2’s The Edge and his capability to alter his guitar tone drastically with only one foot press? There’s a MIDI pedal for that. Would you moderately not schlep round a fortress of synths like Keith Emerson simply so you may entry an organ and an electrical keyboard for that marriage ceremony gig on the horizon? There’s a MIDI controller for that.
MIDI units are available in all sizes and shapes, and I’ve examined dozens in my decade-long pursuit for a setup that’s intuitive, strong, and straightforward on my aching again. I dabble in each guitar results and beginner synth shenanigans, so a heavy choice is given to objects that may double-dip in each worlds for a spartan setup. Some are inspiring and weird, whereas others are unsexy and utilitarian, but wholly important for ever-growing rigs with difficult routings and connections. My outlook for this whole setup might require reappraisal as soon as the upcoming MIDI 2.0 protocol will get off the bottom, however till then right here’s an inventory of my most beloved MIDI gear that I work with every day.
Into making and listening to audio? You’ll want to take a look at our lists of the Best DAWs, Best USB Microphones, Best Headphones, and Best Bookshelf Speakers.
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