MIDI is an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface (protocol).

A MIDI keyboard is a piano-style digital keyboard that is most commonly plugged directly into your computer or laptop, but it can be used for sending MIDI signals or commands to all types of electronic devices connected to the same interface as the keyboard.

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 “voices”) that resemble traditional analog musical instruments.

MIDI values are then mapped to specific instrument samples using an encoding scheme, which also includes parameters such as note volume and attack.

MIDI keyboards are a standard feature for any recording studio, either professional or a home studio, as they can be plugged into almost any type of laptop or computer. Some key functions to look for when buying a MIDI keyboard are

- transpose functionality
- ability to set octaves
- pitch bend wheels
- modulation wheels
- assignable rotary knobs
- ability to send custom MIDI messages to synthesizers, samplers, or DAW software
- foot switch input
- foot expression controller
- full weighted keys vs. semi weighted keys
- aftertouch capabilities
- USB output
- key length