Midi Keyboards: Why? How?… & 5 of the Best!

The Edirol PCR-M1, the world slimmest MIDI Keyboard…view more

A MIDI keyboard is a piano-style digital keyboard device used for sending MIDI signals or commands to other devices connected to the same interface as the keyboard.

MIDI is an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface (protocol). The basic MIDI keyboard does not produce sound. Instead, MIDI information is sent to an electronic module capable of reproducing an array of digital sounds or samples that resemble traditional analog musical instruments. These samples are also referred to as voices.

An encoding scheme is used to map a MIDI value to a specific instrument sample. Also, other sound parameters such as note volume and attack are included in the MIDI scheme. The keyboard merely acts as a MIDI controller of sound modules and other MIDI devices, including DAW software.

MIDI keyboards are a very common feature of a recording studio, and any DAW setup. Most include a transpose function and the ability to set different octaves. Many MIDI keyboards have pitch bend and modulation wheels. Some also have extra sets of assignable rotary knobs and/or buttons for sending custom MIDI messages to the synthesiser, sampler or DAW software.

Other features that some MIDI keyboards might include are:

• Input for foot switch (usually used as a sustain pedal)
• Input for a foot expression controller
• Semi-weighted or fully weighted keys
• Capability of sending aftertouch
• Direct USB connection for use with computers

In other words if your serious about making music on a computer a MIDI device will make your work better faster!

How do I connect a MIDI keyboard to my computer?

The first thing to do is to make sure that your MIDI keyboard has MIDI ports on the back. It is very rare to find a modern midi keyboard without MIDI ports.

Here are your options:

1. USB to USB
2. MIDI to MIDI
3. MIDI to USB port
4. MIDI to soundcard gameport

USB to USB

Every modern MIDI controller keyboard we sell excluding those by Fatar now come with a USB connection for easy use with computers. Some keyboard are even ‘class complient’ which means you don’t even need to install any software. The cable you need for a USB to USB connection is just a standard USB cable which should be included with your keyboard. For USB Cables in stock at Dolphin, CLICK HERE

MIDI to MIDI

Some of the audio interfaces we sell such as the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 or the Tascam US-122 combine Audio & MIDI I/O enabling your to connect your keyboard directly to your sound card. For MIDI Cables in stock at Dolphin, CLICK HERE.

MIDI to USB port

If your sound card doesn’t have MIDI connections and your keyboard doesn’t have USB then the next best option is a USB to MIDI interface such as the M-Audio Uno or the Edirol UM 1X.

These devices come equipped with a USB connection for your computer, and a 1 In/ 1 Out 16 channel MIDI connection to your MIDI keyboard. However if you had more than one MIDI device to connect such as a second keyboard or a sound module then mutli port options are avalible such as the M-Audio Midisport 2×2.

MIDI to soundcard gameport

If you are using a standard computer sound card rather than a music sound card, then it may have a joystick port.

If you have a joystick port then all you need is a cable that has a 15 pin ‘D’ connector at one end and MIDI connectors on the other.

If you need any further help, please call us on 0844 815 0888 and speak to one of our experts. We’ll be glad to help and direct you to the best gear for your needs.

More about MIDI…

MIDI data is not the same as sound data. What is transmitted over the wire is information on how to play a song, not the physical sound data itself. MIDI can be thought of better as a player-piano roll than a compact disk: just as the piano-roll instructs the player-piano to create the sounds, MIDI data tells a MIDI device which notes to play, patches (instruments) to use, and other information to help the instrument recreate the song. When you listen to a MIDI file, you’re hearing an actual ‘performance’ by the instrument, not a ‘recording’ of a past performance.

MIDI was not designed to be used with personal computers, but since it is a digital interface, they actually work very well together. Combining at least one MIDI instrument with a personal computer and a MIDI interface (a device that allows the computer to “speak” MIDI) allows for many interesting applications.

The  the easiest way to get this up and running is to us a USB to MIDI keyboard. This will take care of any MIDI channel assignments and route it effectively in your DAW with ease.The USB device drivers are also native with Windows and Mac, which it will just WORK

——————–

MIDI Keyboards: 5 of the Best

M-Audio Oxygen 8 v2 25-Key USB MIDI Controller

The Oxygen 8 v2 is an updated version of the mobile MIDI controller that started the mobile studio revolution. You get a fully functional MIDI keyboard with great action, plus eight MIDI-assignable knobs to control any MIDI parameters you desire in your hardware or software. It’s perfect for composing on the go or performing live bass lines and pads, firing samples, or triggering audio and/or visual effects. New features include full MIDI message support, plus 6 transport controls that can be reassigned to any MIDI parameter. The Oxygen 8 v2 also offers 10 non-volatile memory locations and is compatible with our free Enigma software for computer-based storage, retrieval and management of an unlimited number of patches.

——————–

E-MU Xboard 61 Pro USB/MIDI Controller Keyboard

The new E-MU Xboard™ 61 USB/MIDI Controller features 61 premium full-size keys with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time control knobs, 16 new patch select/program change buttons, Xboard Control editing software, and a full version of E-MU’s Proteus X Version 1.5 Desktop Sound Module with over 3GB of sounds, including a new custom bank of E-MU’s finest performance keyboard sounds. The Xboard Control (Windows/Macintosh) software provides an intuitive desktop interface that lets you effortlessly create custom templates for all of your favorite hardware and software instruments. The Xboard 61 also gives you four Zones per patch (each with its own key and velocity ranges), allows you to set discrete MIDI channels for each knob and offers unrivalled real-time control and performance features, including Snap Shot that lets you send multiple program changes and controller values by pressing a single button, and Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers – perfect for drum loops. The Xboard 61 is perfect for studio and stage and can run on USB, battery, or AC power.

——————–

M-Audio Keystation 61es 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller

The Keystation 61e is a 61-note USB keyboard with velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys that is designed to easily integrate in any computer music environment.

Class compliancy with Mac OS X and Windows XP delivers true plug-and-play setup. The Keystation 61e is also compatible with many music education and music creation software titles, making it ideal for classrooms and studios alike.

More advanced users can control software synths, external sound devices, and more with the assignable slider, and pitch and mod wheels. This sleek, compact keyboard is USB bus-powered and requires no external power supply.

——————–

M-Audio Axiom 25 Advanced 25-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller

Don’t let the compact size of the Axiom 25 fool you. This advanced 25-key USB mobile MIDI controller features both semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch, plus eight rubberized trigger pads that put drum programming and performance at your fingertips.

Eight endless rotary encoder knobs let you get your hands on synth parameters, virtual mixer controls and more.

Six transport controls can also assign to control other MIDI parameters. Virtually everything is freely MIDI-assignable—and the backlit LCD screen makes programming easy and intutive.

You get 20 memory locations for on-board storage, plus free Enigma editor/librarian software to manage an unlimited number of setups via computer.

——————–

Korg Kontrol 49 USB Studio Controller

The new KONTROL49 combines intuitive design, great feel, familiar hardware and detailed displays into the most comprehensive controller for all your MIDI needs. Equipped with 40 assignable control elements – including the new Vector Joystick – the KONTROL49 provide new musical dexterity when working with soft-synths, MIDI modules, or any digital audio workstation.

Few controller keyboards can boast the high level of hardware integrity found in the KONTROL49. The 49 keys are not only full-sized; they feature the same great touch and feel proven in Korg’s professional workstation instruments. Eight velocity curves let you tailor the response to your own playing, or to a specific application. Octave shift buttons provide full access to the entire 128 note range.

Maschine: What is it? An in depth look

Finally merging a fast and intuitive groove-box workflow with the power and versatility of software, MASCHINE enables an inspiring and spontaneous creative approach for today’s computer-based music production setups.

MASCHINE is built on an intelligent combination of timeless groove box and drum machine workflows, systematically refined and expanded to take advantage of the best aspects of computer technology. It brings together flexible step sequencing and real-time polyphonic recording in a forward-thinking pattern-based arrangement concept that makes it easy to jam out ideas, and turn them into full-blown songs in a way that is efficient, effortless and fun. MASCHINE was designed to accommodate and facilitate inspiration at any point in the creative process, from spontaneous beat creation to sophisticated multi-timbral arranging.

The advanced MASCHINE controller was designed as a natural extension of the software, and makes the system feel and respond as a true instrument. The 16 pressure-sensitive drum pads have been carefully engineered for the best possible response and durability, and they illuminate to visualize sequence patterns and other crucial information.

Eight rotary encoders, a concise layout of dedicated buttons and dual high-resolution displays give immediate access to all functions of MASCHINE without touching the computer mouse or keyboard. By design, all features are quickly accessible “on the surface” rather than hidden away in hierarchical sub menus. The MASCHINE hardware also doubles as a powerful universal controller for any MIDI compatible music gear, thanks to an included MIDI mapping application and support of the MCU protocol for sophisticated DAW control.

Based on a powerful high-resolution sample engine, MASCHINE is a versatile instrument that renders intricate drum kits and percussion, loops and multi-sampled polyphonic instruments with uncompromising sonic accuracy, assisted by automatic sample mapping, beat slicing, note repeat and more.

The advanced real-time audio recording and resampling features in MASCHINE also allow producers and performers to capture, map, sculpt and transform any external or internal signal immediately, and seamlessly integrate the result into a running track without ever breaking the flow of the music. Multiple performance effects sections on the sample, group and master level provide a versatile arsenal of 20 highquality algorithms ranging from conventional to experimental, all optimized for profound sound shaping and creative real-time control through the MASCHINE hardware.

MASCHINE lets everyone get into making music right away through its massive library of drum and instrument sounds for contemporary urban and electronic music styles, created in collaboration with international cutting-edge producers and sound designers.

Based on several GByte of studio-quality samples, the arsenal of MASCHINE provides hundreds of drum kits, synthesizer sounds and acoustic instruments, with around ten thousand individual sounds overall. All kits, instruments, samples and effects can be efficiently managed and located through a highly convenient browser that uses categories and concise metadata.

With MASCHINE, all crucial functions including parameter automation, sample mapping and sound editing are always immediately accessible through the controller and within the concise single-window user interface of the software. Usable both as a self-contained standalone instrument and within any DAW or music sequencer, MASCHINE utilizes all the benefits of computer integration like total recall, superior processing power, memory and file handling, project transfer and more, while retaining the inspirational handling and tactile appeal of a hardware instrument.

NAMM 2009: Alesis Announce New Releases!

As usual, Alesis marks a strong presence at NAMM with several new announcements. Let’s have a look and see what they have in store for 2009!

MultiMix 4 USB

Sometimes you just don’t need tons of inputs and a whole lot of complicated features. If you just want to mix a few different audio sources including all kinds of mics, line-level and guitar-level instruments, and even a tape deck, and then record it all in stereo, CD-quality resolution, you need to check out the new MultiMix 4 USB. This compact mixer is perfect for using in recording setups, video editing and production studios, and portable podcasting setups. Find out more about the MultiMix 4 USB.

M1Active 520 USB

M1Active 520 USB studio monitors combine high-quality loudspeaker performance with a two-way, USB audio interface. That means you can connect them to your DAW with nothing other than a USB cable to low-latency, low-noise playback and connect a mixer, sampler, or even two mono sources and record into your software! Say goodbye to complicated connections and messy cable tangles.

ProTrack Mobile Recording Kit

It’s a recording studio in the palm of your hand. ProTrack Mobile Recording Kit enables you to record stereo audio directly to your iPod from a wide variety of sources and in a wide variety of environments. It combines a ProTrack handheld recorder for iPod with a stereo pair of AM2 cardioid condenser microphones, a table stand for the ProTrack, and accessories. Go mobile. We’ll show you how.

AM2 Stereo Microphone Set

The AM2 Stereo Set is a matched-stereo, cardioid condenser microphone kit with two AM2 microphones, windscreens, clips, a padded hard case, and an XY-stereo mount. The switchable high-pass filter reduces interferences through subsonic and low frequencies remarkably and compensates for proximity effect. For high-fidelity, high-resolution, high-definition recording, the AM2 Stereo Set tears down the wall separating quality and price.

JamDock

Dock up and rock out. JamDock integrates your iPod into your practice or live-music setup. You can connect and mix in nearly any instrument including electronic drums and send your mix to the stereo outputs and headphone output. JamDock enables you to mix your iPod and your instrument and practice with headphones, amp, or PA system. Check out the details now.

LineLink

Record your mixer, keyboard, sampler, or drum machine in stereo to your computer. LineLink makes it easy to direct-connect nearly any mixers, keyboard, sampler, sequencer, drum machine, or other stereo, line-level audio source to USB for stereo recording.

TapeLink USB

This dual-cassette deck enables you to store your irreplaceable recordings on hard disk, flash, burn them to CD, or take them with you on your iPod. Clean up your old tape recordings of your band’s rehearsals and performances and listen in your car. Rediscover your demos, jam sessions, and song ideas, and then listen to them anywhere on your iPod! You can get the scoop here.

View Alesis page at Dolphin

Get All The Latest NAMM News! To keep up-to-date with our NAMM news, follow us on Twitter, or vist our NAMM Blog

M-Audio’s Groundbreaking New Torq 1.5 DJ Software

Software upgrade delivers innovative new creative tools and workflow enhancements for digital DJs.

M-Audio is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Torq® 1.5 DJ software for Mac OS X and Windows. Torq 1.5 brings even more creative options to the only digital DJ workstation designed to merge live DJ performance and advanced music production. New features in Torq 1.5 software include Tempo Anchors, Tempo Master, zplane élastique time stretching, send/receive MIDI Clock, a new toolbar and a variety of workflow enhancements.

The full list of New Features in Torq 1.5:

Improved Tempo/Pitch Alteration
Tempo Anchors allow marking tracks with varying tempos—Torq’s effects and samples follow the tempo changes in the song
Tempo Master assigns a playing track to serve as the master tempo source for all tempo-related functions
zPlane Elastique time-stretching/compression technology for sophisticated beat matching and pitch alteration

Advanced MIDI Control
transmit/receive MIDI beat clock for sync with other hardware/software and easy switching between DJs
MIDI soft takeover prevents parameter jumps when using external controllers

New User Interface Features
Hide Mixer option conserves screen space
preview songs in headphones before loading to deck
new databse categories for bit rate, file type, year and label
select multiple files to add to playlists
Musical Style Preferences improve results when analyzing tracks
drag and drop songs into decks while in browser max view
warning message if loading a new song onto a Deck that is playing
warning message when attempting to exit Torq
optimized control locations
intuitive toolbar buttons and MIDI/tempo indicators
Global Tempo metronome can be monitored in headphones
Auto Gain feature matches the gain levels between decks

Enhanced Effects Processing
internal effects can be grouped into effects chains
VST effect tempo synchronizes with tempo of playing deck
effects can be used in a post-fader configuration

Rock-Solid Integration with Traditional DJ Hardware
Skip Protection keeps the music playing even if the Control Vinyl or CD skips
True Key Lock keeps the pitch constant when adjusting external turntable speed

New Looping Functionality
Loop points can be set after a section plays
new QuickLoop option for CDJ-style loop division
Quantize function for start/stop accuracy

Christmas Gift Idea: Headphones 5 of the Best

With Christmas looming and the idea of many new sights and sounds omitting form your house,  please do consider the neigbours in this season of goodwill.

One sure way of keeping all those keyboards, guitar amps and what-nots at a decent volume is to simply plug in a pair of headphones. The quality is generally the same (if not better depending on your headphones) but it is kept ‘personnal’. Ideal for those late night mixing sessions of even jamming along with your practice amp.

Here are five of our best buys this season:

Numark HF125

Clarity & Comfort For The Modern DJ One place a DJ can’t compromise, is in how they hear their mix. The Numark HF-125 headphone set delivers the goods with flexible 7-position independently adjustable dual ear cups, large 40mm Mylar speaker drivers, 6′ tangle-resistant cord with 1/4″ connector, and padded headband and ear cups.

Sennheiser EH 150

Closed, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones. a great introduction to the Sennheiser brand at very good price.

Sennheiser HD 215

Enjoy excellent sound: The HD 215 has both outstanding sound characteristics and excellent attenuation of ambient noise. The rotatable ear cup for one-ear listening and the single-sided coiled cable make them ideal for DJ monitoring. The HD 215 comes with a convenient protective pouch for storage and transportation. Features Excellent stereo sound Spatial sound image …

Shure SCL2 – Clear

An excellent introduction into premium audio via sound isolation, the SCL2 features single dynamic microdrivers for full sonic range and resonant bass. Features Sound Isolating Technology – The Shure E2c’s in ear design, using foam or flex sleeves, naturally blocks background noise. This allows lower listening volumes in loud environments. No batteries or extra equipment are needed for sound…

Sennheiser HD25 mk II

Whether in the studio or in live sound recording: detailed sound reproduction, ease of use and excellent attenuation of ambient noise is what you expect of a pair of monitoring headphones. The HD 25 offers all this – plus an extremely rugged construction with a steel cable for high durability. The closed-back HD 25-1 IIs are purpose-designed, professional monitoring headphones…

TL AUDIO to launch new tubetracker console at AES

This years October AES convention in San Francisco will see TL Audio launching a brand new version of their popular M1 Tube tracker console.

The new M1-F features the same high quality tube preamps and beautifully smooth and musical EQ as the original but has some great additions too, combining the wonders of analogue and digital technology.

The master section has been improved now featuring a mono button for use when mixing and also balanced insert points for mixdown, summing and mastering.

The most exciting new feature of this console though will be its ability to be fitted with TL Audio’s latest, newly designed, digital interface – the DO-F card. The addition of the DO-F card will enable all channel inputs and outputs and main outs to be accessed via a single Firewire cable connected to your computer without the need for an additional interface or soundcard.

The connection works up to 24bit / 96kHz and uses high quality converters to maintain optimum quality sound throughout your recording process.

The M1-F is available in 8 and 12 channel configurations, is modular and is hand built in England.

More info on AES:

http://www.aes.org/

Problem Solved – Thanks To Mackie!

Mackie gear. The solution to all of life’s problems? We’d like to think so. See how the Onyx1640 solved a problem for the guys at MacWorld.com.

Jim Dalrymple works with Macworld.com and has been writing about Macs for more than a decade. However, he is also musician and decided to make an album, posting notes about the entire creative process on Macworld.com.

During this process, he ran into a problem. Not enough preamps for all the mics needed for the recording. Simple enough problem, right? Well, when you pose this question to audio engineers in a public forum, it is bound to get more complicated. Every audio engineer has their opinion, but a large majority of readers suggested Mackie’s Onyx Compact Mixers.

There are a lot of options and Jim took some time to consider, but ultimately decided to use two Onyx 1640 mixers. Here is an excerpt from his story:

“After reading the feedback in the article forums, I noticed quite a few recommendations for the Mackie Onyx 1640 mixer. It has 16 mic preamps and all of the other features you would expect from analog mixer. You can also use two of the channels for a direct guitar input via the Hi-Z input.

“The Hi-Z input is perfect for what I’m looking for because it’s designed specifically for guitars, allowing me to plug directly into the mixer. This means that I no longer have to plug the guitar into a powered box before going to the mixer. When I’m amping the guitar signal in software using Guitar Rig or other similar application, having a direct clean signal is important for the overall tone.

“The mixer also has an internal Talkback function—another handy thing that you don’t necessarily think about until you have a group of people standing around with headphones on recording some music. Using this feature, I can push a button and talk to everyone in the band at once without taking off the headphones, making silly hand gestures or otherwise disrupting the session.

“I got two of the 1640s, giving me a total of 32 inputs. The 1640 also has a FireWire option, so I can daisy chain the two mixers together and then plug into the Mac and use Logic or GarageBand to record all 32 channels. However, I didn’t do that. With all of the mics connected to the mixer, I’m using the recording outs on the 1640 to go into Apogee’s AD-16x using a DB25-to-XLR cable. The AD-16x is connected to the Mac via the PCI Express Apogee Symphony card, which gives me a great digital signal into Logic. To decode the digital output signal to analog, I’m using an optical lightpipe connection from the AD-16 into the Apogee Mini-Dac.”

View more on Mackie Onyx 1640

Mackie Rides The Big Green Bus And Make Some Noise.

12 Students, 12,000 Miles and 1 Waste Veggie Oil Powered Bus on a Mission for a Greener Tomorrow. Of course, having a great message to put across is not enough – you gotta say it loud! Here’s the story of the Green Bus and what they brought along to make themselves heard…

Lofty goal? The 12 Dartmouth students who are living and touring on The Big Green Bus would probably agree. However, the intended message is rather simple—educate Americans about climate change and its relationship to energy issues.

This year marks the fourth summer road trip of The Big Green Bus, a green 27’ long 1996 International school bus which has been lovingly converted to run on WVO (waste veggie oil – view diagram). As they traverse the country, the students stop at any place where they can educate people. From festivals and block parties to wind farms and city council meetings, The Big Green Bus is a focal point for promoting high-profile media attention in the communities visited in an effort to spark a national dialogue. So…start talking people!

Mackie believes in the cause and wanted to provide some gear to help spread the message. Two SRM350v2’s and a 1202-VLZ3 enable the students to be heard during presentations and interactions. Bus-rider Trey Roy had the following to say, “We will be heard loud and clear with the two portable Mackie loudspeakers and compact mixer to run our presentations through.”

This setup is really good for those who want a powerful but compact P.A. system. If you’d like more info on this gear visit:

Mackie 1202-VLZ3 page

Mackie SRM350v2 page

a

Visit www.thebiggreenbus.org  to learn more about this inspiring project. You can follow the bus as it travels the country and read the blog, highlighting the progress as the bus rolls on. There’s also some great video content on YouTube. So check it all out and learn what you can do to be a part of the solution.

Hopefully we’ll see more gear manufacturers acting positively to help the planet! Well done, Mackie…

Meet The Mackie Mixbusters – Gear Extreme Performance And Destruction Videos!

It is common knowledge that Mackie products are Built-Like-A-Tank. However, there may be some out there that harbor doubt, so Mackie set out to prove it….

Join product managers, Greg and Woody, as they demonstrate the ridiculously robust nature of Mackie gear. See mixers flung off the roof! See power amps pushed to the edge! See Mackie gear pushed to the very limit of physics!

802-VLZ3 Mixer Destruction

FRS-2800 Extreme Performance

If you think those babies are good enough for you, and you are ready to give them more love than those crazy mixbusters dudes, then go to Dolphin Music as both products are available!

View Mackie FRS-2800 page

View Mackie 802-VLZ3 page

Soundcraft Launches Three New Mixer Ranges with Built-in Lexicon Effects

Soundcraft announces the extension of its versatile Multi-Purpose range with 3 new mixers all featuring no less than 32 legendary Lexicon 24 bit digital effects.

The new Soundcraft effects mixers use the same AudioDNA® processor featured in many of the Digitech® and Lexicon® outboard products including the highly respected Lexicon MX500. With over 35 years experience, the Lexicon name is synonymous with the best reverb and processing in the business, providing the finest quality effects ever found in a console at this price level. The consoles also boast a user settings store function, 3 parameter controls, tap tempo and 32 effects presets.

The first new mixer in the range is the Soundcraft FX16ii. Already established as an immensely popular console, the Spirit FX16 has been offering professional audio solutions to musicians since 1997. Ten years on, Soundcraft has brought the FX16 into line with its professional range using the latest 24-bit digital Lexicon effects processor and a new control surface layout. All the FX consoles are versatile but the FX16ii will be particularly popular with recording musicians thanks to its 26 inputs, 16 direct outputs, 4 stereo returns and rotating connector pod which allows cables to be connected conveniently behind the rack to save space.

Second is the Soundcraft EFX, a Soundcraft EPM mixer with built-in Lexicon effects. Representing the smallest console in the Soundcraft multi-purpose range the EFX offers a professional solution in a smaller frame-size, available in 8 and 12 channel variants. Featuring the highly regarded GB30 mic preamps (designed by Graham Blyth for the popular Soundcraft GB series), one aux send and one FX send on each channel, the EFX is equipped to deliver the famous Soundcraft sound in a multitude of applications.

Lastly the Soundcraft MFX, a Soundcraft MPM with built-in Lexicon effects. The MFX is the most versatile of the Multi-Purpose range with two group busses, two aux sends, one FX send on each channel and two stereo input channels, all offered in 3 frame-sizes – 8, 12 and 20 inputs. The combination of a wide range of features and world leading Lexicon effects makes the Soundcraft MFX the perfect solution for many venues including theatres, small music venues, restaurants and houses of worship.

The Soundcraft FX range use the latest PCB surface mount technology which means that more features can be fitted into a rugged, compact frame. All the consoles can be rack-mounted through optional rack kits.