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Master Keyboards

3. Basic Types

Musicians use master keyboards for many different reasons and the market offers a matching number of different models.

If all you’re looking for a is a clean and simple MIDI keyboard to control a soundcard, virtual synthesizing program or sound module, then you probably just need a MIDI keyboard with 49 or 61 keys, available for less than 100 Euro. These models are compact, easy to use and offer only the most vital function, the ability to interface creatively with your computer.

If you’ve already put a couple thousand Euro into your equipment and you’re looking for the perfect MIDI hub then it’s worth it to check out a higher end model with 88 keys and a more piano-like feel. A good master keyboard is something you can use for life and a high-quality one is essential for the development of good playing technique.

If you’ve already started to consider one and you’re stuck between buying a synthesizer or a sound module with a master keyboard then it might help to know that master keyboards with keys similar to a synthesizer are available from about 180 Euro. A sound module is usually comparable to a keyed version costing between 200 and 500 Euro which means you can save a lot of money by going with a combination. Master keyboards with 88 weighted keys (piano keyboards) are available from around 499 Euro so they’re affordable and should be for the foreseeable future.

Some manufacturers offer differnent numbers of keys in the same series - all other features are kept the same.

No matter which master keyboard you choose, switching to a different or higher-quality keyboard is almost always quick and easy. The loss of value on used MIDI keyboards is significantly lower than that on synthesizers and even professional models are affordable for the average mortal.

How do I connect my Master Keyboard to my MIDI equipment?

Normally the MIDI Out of the keyboard is connected directly to the MIDI In on the MIDI interface and the MIDI In connectors of the individual samplers are connected to the MIDI Outs of the interface. In this case the sequencing program takes care of the data transfer to the sampler, with the advantage being that you can set the MIDI channel, octave position and dynamics directly in the program.

I've connected my MIDI Keyboard to the computer but don't hear anything. What am I doing wrong?

First, check if any MIDI data is present at the MIDI In connector of the MIDI interface (most sequencing programs provide a display, if necessary, you can also start recording and check your program's Event Editor for notes being recorded). If this isn't the problem, then check if the MIDI Out connection of the master keyboard is correctly connected to the MIDI In interface and that the MIDI interace is correctly installed.

When data enters the sequencing program it needs the ''MIDI thru function'' in your sequencer to transfer the notes in real time over the MIDI out port to the connected sampler or internally to the sound card. This function has to be on! You can usually set which MIDI channel you want to control by changing the MIDI channel of the currently selected track. Similarly, you can also transpose via the sequencing program or change the touch dynamics.

Why is my master keyboard only working when my computer is turned on and the sequencing program is running?

Since your master keyboard is not connected directly to the sampler(s), only via the MIDI interface, your sequencing program is needed to transfer the played notes to it or the built-in sound card. Many MIDI interfaces offer the option of transferring the MIDI data directly when the computer is off if they don't do it automatically. For others though you will need a MIDI adapter (just connect MIDI In to the interface via the adapter with MIDI Out).

Why do sounds still come from my synthesizer when I use it as a MIDI keyboard?

If you would like to use the built in sounds of your synthesizer or the sounds from another sampling device (sound modules, sound card etc.) in your sequencing program, then you need to set your synthesizer to ''Local: Off'' mode. This function is normally located in the basic settings of your synthesizer (where you can also find the MIDI send channel). In ''Local: Off'' mode, pressing the keys produces no sound but the notes will be transfered like normal over the MIDI Out port to the connected equipment (probably the interface in this case). However, signals at the MIDI input of the synthesizer are played back normally.

If the function ''MIDI Thru'' is active in your sequencing program then the data will be automatically trasnferred to the connected sampler, sound card or to your synthesizer. You can then set the output or the MIDI channel and choose which notes are transferred to your sequencing program, and your synthesizer will only play them once the data is sent back to it.

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