The computer does not record the sound itself. When you play your recorded sequence, the computer sends MIDI messages back to the synthesizer, which interprets them and creates audio in response. That would not be possible if you were recording the sound that the synthesizer makes.
The concept of channels is central to how most MIDI messages work. A channel is an independent path over which messages travel to their destination. There are 16 channels per MIDI device. A track in your sequencer program plays one instrument over a single channel. The MIDI messages in the track find their way to the instrument over that channel.
MIDI channels are a bit like channels on your TV set: each channel is independent of the others, and, on some models of TV, can even be watched simultaneously in separate boxes that appear on the screen. Just imagine that instead of a TV show, each channel features a single instrumental part — with notes, pitch bend, and other nuances acting independently of the parts on other channels that are playing at the same time. Present day software is capable of performing the sound-making function formerly available only in external hardware-based synthesizers.
Its function is to trigger and control, via MIDI messages, sounds made by the computer. Many synths contain onboard sequencers, and grooveboxes like the Akai MPC are famous for their sequencing capabilities. Sequencers can control external hardware, virtual instruments in your DAW or a combination of the two. MIDI was designed to coordinate musical gestures between many different instruments at the same time—with a single connection. It also means you can chain all your devices together easily with a single cable using your MIDI interface.
Typical input methods available on MIDI controllers are piano keys and pressure sensitive pads, but most include knobs and sliders for controlling other parameters as well. MIDI requires special cables to connect with your digital music gear. You may have seen these funny, circular cables with an odd number of pins before.
In this situation you may have to use special cables or converter boxes to interface with devices using the 5-pin connector. Information flows in one direction per MIDI connection. The correct way to connect them can be a bit confusing depending on the situation. To get it right you have to follow the direction of your signal flow. The output of the device sending MIDI information must always be connected to the input of the device you intend to receive it.
Remember—you can set each device to a different channel and use a single stream of MIDI to control them all. There are as many ways to use MIDI as there are musicians. But there are some typical MIDI workflows that most producers should understand. With the help of VST plugins this setup turns your MIDI controller into whatever you want it to be: Millions of different synths, drum machines, guitars, flutes, horns, or pretty much anything else you can dream up.
This is great for using multiple synthesizers, keyboards or electronic drum kits in a performing or recording setting. A portable MIDI interface might just do the trick, allowing you to get connected with minimal hassle. They essentially work the same as any MIDI interface, but are more compact and lightweight — perfect for slipping into a gig bag, keyboard case or laptop sleeve.
As mentioned earlier, some of the more portable interfaces come with 2. Some of our portable interface selection is also compatible with devices like iPads and smartphones, great for creativity on-the-go. Our choices Steinberg, M-Audio, Presonus offer everything from increased connectivity to better recording latency.
Modern thunderbolt and USB-C connections offer improved latency for seamless tracking and real-time mixing. As mentioned earlier, some of these options double up as audio interfaces, making them ultra-practical for studio use.
These options are similar to the portable ones we mentioned above, but narrowed down specifically for use with iPads and iPhones. This means they have Apple lightning connectivity, and are super compact for portable recording and experimentation. Some of them even have audio capability, including jack inputs and phantom power for microphones.
Connect to Garageband or your music app of choice and get creative - winner! Connectivity is the main consideration here: lightning connections are exclusive to Apple mobile devices, while thunderbolt is more commonly found on Apple computers.
If you'd like to learn more about the gear featured in this article, please don't hesitate to get in touch - we've got a full-time team of friendly, knowledgeable gear nerds who can answer any query you may have! If you only have one keyboard synthesizer, drum machine, or other MIDI controller then there is nothing wrong with going this route.
This would only become a problem as your studio grows on down the road, but only you can judge if this is an issue for you. If you have many devices you'd like to include then maybe the dedicated hardware MIDI interface is for you.
This certainly gives you some more options for expansion later on, but this is also an example of how we can get carried away. This may be a better application for a live situation where several hardware synths are used at once.
Now I could get by without it, but that would mean a lot of cable swapping depending on which MIDI device I was using that day.
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