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5/23/2014 MIDI Hardware. Interfaces, Keyboards and Controllers. Interfaces, MIDI Keyboards, USB MIDI keyboards, MIDI Controller Boxes http://syntheway.com/midi_hardware.htm 1/5 MIDI HARDWARE Interfaces, Keyboards and Controllers Interfaces Inputs and Outputs MIDI Keyboards USB MIDI keyboards MIDI Controller Boxes Hardware Manufacturers If you want to play software instruments (like Magnus Choir or some other Synth ) on your computer using a keyboard, just like a 'proper instrument', you need either a keyboard with a USB connection or a so-called MIDI interface, which connects any keyboard with a MIDI out. A pure MIDI keyboard does not produce any sound itself but sends information about which keys were struck when and how hard they were pressed. The software then produces the appropriate sound (i.e. USB interfaces: Edirol UM-1S, M-Audio Midisport 2x2 and MOTU FastLane). Interfaces for Mac and PC: MIDI interfaces are available for personal computers in various designs:

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Page 1: Syntheway.com - MIDI Hardware. Interfaces, Keyboards and Controllers. Interfaces, MIDI Keyboards, USB MIDI keyboards, MIDI Controller Boxes

5/23/2014 MIDI Hardware. Interfaces, Keyboards and Controllers. Interfaces, MIDI Keyboards, USB MIDI keyboards, MIDI Controller Boxes

http://syntheway.com/midi_hardware.htm 1/5

MIDI HARDWAREInterfaces, Keyboards and Controllers

InterfacesInputs and OutputsMIDI KeyboardsUSB MIDI keyboardsMIDI Controller BoxesHardware Manufacturers

If you want to play software instruments (like Magnus Choir or some other Synth ) on your computer using a keyboard, just like a 'proper instrument', you need either akeyboard with a USB connection or a so-called MIDI interface, which connects any keyboard with a MIDI out. A pure MIDI keyboard does not produce any sound itself butsends information about which keys were struck when and how hard they were pressed. The software then produces the appropriate sound (i.e. USB interfaces: EdirolUM-1S, M-Audio Midisport 2x2 and MOTU FastLane).

Interfaces for Mac and PC:MIDI interfaces are available for personal computers in various designs:

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As PCI cards (for desktop PCs or Macs), which are simply installed in a free slot and are ready to use once the accompanying software is installed) As external MIDI interfaces that can be connected, depending on the model, via parallel or serial ports (both for PC only) or USB (Mac and PC). External interfaces havethe advantages that the computer must not be opened and that they can also be used with other computers.The manufacturers of MIDI interfaces are Edirol, Emagic, M-Audio, MOTU, and Steinberg.

Inputs and Outputs You should pay attention to the number of in- and outputs. One in and one out should do for simple applications at first. But if you also want to use a MIDI controller box(for example with knobs for controlling assignable software parameters) or many external MIDI devices, you will need several in- and outputs.

MIDI Keyboards:The selection of MIDI keyboards is relatively large. You must decide whether you want a weighted keyboard (produces a piano-like feeling on the keys) or anunweighted. For playing synthesizers (and for non-pianists), the unweighted keys should be fine. The MIDI keyboard, however, should definitely be velocity-sensitive(when the keys are pressed harder the sound is louder).

MIDI keyboards with built-in knobs (MIDI controllers) are also very practical. With these knobs you can operate faders and other parameters in the softwareinstruments without having to use the mouse. Such MIDI controllers are also available separately; see the section below called 'MIDI Controller Boxes'.

USB MIDI keyboards:As an alternative to MIDI keyboards you can also purchase USB keyboards. These are recommended if you own neither a keyboard nor a MIDI interface and have nodesire to use external MIDI devices like hardware synthesizers and samplers. (i.e. Edirol PCR-30 and M-Audio KeyStation (USB and MIDI plus faders and knobs)

MIDI Controller Boxes:These boxes with knobs or faders are most useful in live applications, since they enable 'remote control' of the software instrument's parameters. Please note that thereare 2 different basic types: models which send "absolute values" and ones using "relative/incremental values". (such as the "Doepfer Pocket Dial" or "Novation Remote25" - sending relative values).

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Audio Hardware

AKG Alesis ALLEN & HEATH Behringer

BlueMic Digidesign E-MU Echo

EDIROL Focusrite Fostex Genelec

Hartmann JBL Jomox Korg

KRK Systems M-AUDIO Mackie RME

Roland Samson Sennheiser TASCAM

TC Electronic TerraTec Universal Audio Yamaha

Zoom

Where to find out more...

The following companies offer products and information that will be useful to anyone with an interest in Making Music with MIDI:

Yamaha Corp US | Korg USA | Cakewalk | Edirol | Evolution

BitHeadz | MadWaves | PreSonus | Steinberg | E-Mu Systems

Berklee Media | Keyboard Magazine | Electronic Musician

HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS Links

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Acoustic Sciences Corporation produces acoustic treatment products, soundproofing solutions, and designs for home theater, recording studios and hi-fi rooms.

ADK Microphones - Manufacturer of Class A Condenser Microphones and Pre-Amps.

Amek - professional mixing desks and post production equipment

AMS-Neve - professional audio recording and mixing equipment

Antex Electronics - digital audio and AV cards for PC

Apogee Electronics Corp. - A/D conversion and filtering tools

Bryston Ltd. - amplifier manufacturer

Buchla - the Buchla was one of the first analog synthesizers

Christec Media - independent distributor of recording supplies in Nashville

digidesign - makers of digital audio workstations (DAW) for Mac and PC

Digital Audio Labs - makers of the CardD family of PC recording cards

Digitech - signal processing equipment

Disc Makers - CD manufacturer for the independant music industry

DOD - signal processing equipment

Dolby Laboratories - professional noise reduction and signal processing equipment

E-MU Systems - samplers & keyboards for the music industry professional

Euphonix - professional audio mixing consoles

Fostex - digital multitrack tape machines, etc

Furman Sound - power conditioners, patchbays, and related audio gear

Harrison - professional audio mixing consoles

KABA - tape duplication systems

Kurzweil - sampling synthesizers and workstations

Media Technics - affordable automated CD and DVD duplication systems, ideal for producing smaller quantities of professional looking CDs or DVDs for distribution. Thesystem prints directly onto each disc during the duplication process for a quality store bought look.

MicroSound - digital audio workstation

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Monstercable - high end audio cable

Nady Wireless - high performance, low cost professional wireless microphones

Neumann USA - professional condenser microphones

New Frontier Electronics - manufacturer of Surge-X Series Mode surge protectors, suppressors, power conditioners, precision audio analyzers etc

Peavey Electronics - of interest to performing musicians

Petosa Accordians - are played by professionals the world over. Made in Seattle, WA

Pro Acoustic USA - Producers of the finest ceiling speakers, in wall speakers, outdoor cabinet speakers audio stereo sub woofer speaker systems and sound systemsfor commercial and residential applications.

QSC - power amplifiers, etc

Q-Tuner - Q-tuners are high-tech neodymium powered pickups for guitar and bass. Visitors can download a 96/48 kHz audio wav demo.

Rane Corporation - professional audio equipment manufacturer

Roland USA - music sampling and synthesis equipment

Sabine - signal processors

Sonic Solutions - digital audio workstation

Spectral - digital audio workstations. A Euphonix company

Symbolic Sound - manufactures the KYMA digital audio workstation

Tannoy - speaker manufacturer

t.c. electronic - signal processing tools

Telecopy, Inc. - full service DVD, CD and Video duplication and replication company.

Turtle Beach - consumer and pro-audio sound cards and studio kits

Xbass stereo speakers, tower speakers and subwoofers - Xbass is dedicated to providing a remarkably better sound quality when listening to music, as well as providinghigh-fidelity for the demanding home theatre enthusiasts.

Yamaha - professional and consumer music and audio products

Z-SYS - Z-Systems audio signal processing

Zefiro Acoustics - digital IO cards for the IBM PC