| A MIDI controller is a device that is able to transmit performance related MIDI events. The most common type of controller is a MIDI device with a keyboard. There are keyboard controllers without sound modules. The instrument produces no sound of it own, rather it generates MIDI events from the keyboard. A keyboard controller usually will have weighted keys that have the "feel" and "response" of a piano. Keyboard controllers usually have 76 or 88 keys. | Listed below is an overview of different MIDI controllers. |
| Using a keyboard is not the only way to control a MIDI device. There are alternate controllers than include drumpads, keyboard mallets, wind controllers, guitar and bass controllers, and MIDI pedals. Experimentation with MIDI controllers has led to the development of muscle controllers that are attached to the body, glass plate harps, violin controllers, and many other imaginative devices. | |
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Many synthesizers include keyboard controllers. Tone Generators are synthesizer modules without the keyboard. |
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pictures from Alesis Studio Electronics and Yamaha Corporation of America
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MIDI Drum-Pad Controllers give the percussionist added flexibility. Each pad may be assigned to a certain drum sound, special effect or other MIDI parameters. | ||
The picture on the right is a MIDI Percussion Controller. It resembles a vibraphone but has the added flexibility of MIDI. |
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A MIDI Guitar Controller may either resemble a guitar in appearance (as in the upper picture) or may be an actual guitar with a special MIDI pickup installed (as in the lower example). |
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Guitar Controllers may be set-up to control a different MIDI device on each string. The ability to combine the guitar's expressiveness with MIDI controls gives the user unlimited potential. | |
pictures from Yamaha Corporation of America and Roland Corporation
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Below is a MIDI footpedal board, which is often used as an auxiliary controller to switch between patches or effects. |
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MIDI Wind Controllers are designed to mimic the expressive articulation of a woodwind or brass instrument. They usually have a very dynamic feel and may have a more humanistic effect on the sounds or samples. | |
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Inside the disklavier are optical sensors and key solenoids for recording and playback. |
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The Yamaha Disklavier is an acoustic piano which also functions as a MIDI controller and player piano. | ||
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It gives the performer the feel and sound of a grand piano with the control of multiple MIDI devices. |
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The following files are QuickTime Movie clips of concert footage that incorporates a Yamaha MIDI Grand Piano in a few compositions. The performances were presented by the faculty and students of the Electronic Music Class at Santa Barbara Community College in Santa Barbara, California.
| Excerpt from: Animus Vivére (Will to Live) by Peter
Raschke Music for Vocal Chant, MIDI Grand Piano, Synthesizer, and Percussion Ensemble. Text is from "The Liturgy of the Hours". Performance from Santa Barbara City College Sonic Sequences Concert, May 26, 1995. @1995 Copyright Protected |
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| Excerpt from: Animus Vivére QTM (6.8MB) |
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Excerpts from: Tone Poem by Peter Raschke [ Spiritual - Mystical - Enchanted - Tempestuous ] Music for MIDI Grand Piano, Synthesizer, Timpani, Wind Chimes, Cymbals, Gong and Tubular Chimes. Performance from Santa Barbara City College Sonic Sequences Concert, December 17, 1993. @1993 Copyright Protected |
| Excerpt from: Tone Poem Mov.I
QTM (9.7MB) Excerpt from: Tone Poem Mov.II QTM (9.2MB) |
| Excerpt from: Building Blocks by Peter Raschke Music for Soprano Saxophone, two Flutes, MIDI Grand Piano, Synthesizer, and Timpani. Performance from Santa Barbara City College Sonic Sequences Concert, May 28, 1993. Performance from Santa Barbara City College Faculty Concert, October 24, 1993. @1993 Copyright Protected |
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| Excerpt from: Building Blocks QTM (11.7MB) |
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