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MIDI Controllers Explained: Types, Features, and How to Use Them

Maximize Your Software Instruments: Why MIDI Controllers Are Essential for Hands-On Sound Control

If you want to get the most out of your software instruments, then you need to use MIDI controllers. They are an excellent way to control and play your sounds from your computer or other device storing your sounds.

MIDI controller Roland and Arturia together

The first image shows my 49-key Arturia Midi Controller, and it has served me well over the years when connecting to and playing virtual instruments.  My choice has been the Arturia Keylab49 Essential, which is shown above. The list below shows some possible options for MIDI controllers ->
  • Arturia KeyLAB Essential Mk3 USB MIDI Controller 61 Keys Keyboard, White - link to come
  • Arturia Soft Synth/MIDI Controller MiniFreak V + KeyLab Essential 49 BK Bundle Bundle - link to come
  • Arturia 430201 AR-KEYSTEP KeyStep Portable Keyboard Sequencer and Controller - link to come


I accompany the previous Arturia instrument with another MIDI controller which is over 20 years old. It is the Roland EP85 digital piano. I no longer use it’s own onboard sounds but instead I connect via MIDI connections to an audio interface into the computer to access any sound I have stored and want to play. The next image shows the Roland keyboard digital piano sitting beneath the Arturia Keylab49 controller. The combination of the two works well and both provide a different touch and therefore different playing experience of the chosen sound. 

 

What Is a MIDI Controller?

A MIDI controller is a device that sends MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) signals to other hardware or software. It doesn’t produce sound on its own — instead, it controls virtual instruments, DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), or external synths.

Common uses:

  • Playing software instruments (like piano, synths, drums)

  • Controlling DAW parameters (volume, pan, effects)

  • Triggering samples or loops live

  • Automating performance gestures (pitch bends, modulation, filter sweeps)

 

Types of MIDI Controllers

1. Keyboard Controllers

  • Most common type

  • Range from 25 to 88 keys

  • Ideal for piano players and melodic input

  • Often include pitch/mod wheels, pads, knobs, and faders

Popular for: Studio production, composing, live performance

 

2. Pad Controllers

  • Grid-style pads (typically velocity-sensitive)

  • Great for triggering drums, samples, loops

  • Often used in hip-hop, EDM, and finger drumming

Popular models: Akai MPD, Novation Launchpad

 

3. Control Surfaces / DAW Controllers

  • Designed to control the DAW interface

  • Includes faders, transport controls, knobs

  • Often motorized faders (useful for automation)

Best for: Mixing, automation, hands-on DAW control

 

4. Wind / Breath Controllers

  • Designed for wind instrument players

  • Allows expressive control via breath and embouchure

  • Sends MIDI data for dynamics, pitch, modulation

Used in: Film scoring, expressive solo work

 

5. Guitar-Style MIDI Controllers

  • Guitar-like interfaces with MIDI output

  • Detect pitch/fret info and convert to MIDI

  • Some are hybrid electric guitars with MIDI capability

Used by: Guitarists wanting to control synths or notation software

 

Key Features to Look For

  • Key Count and Action: 25, 49, 61, or 88 keys; synth-action vs semi-weighted vs fully weighted

  • Velocity and Aftertouch: Adds expressiveness to playing

  • Assignable Knobs and Faders: Great for controlling synth parameters, volume, effects

  • Drum Pads: Useful for beat-making and live triggering

  • Transport Controls: Play, stop, record buttons to control your DAW

  • MIDI Connectivity: USB-MIDI, 5-pin DIN MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI (for wireless setups)

 

How to Use a MIDI Controller in Your Setup

1. Connect It to Your Computer or DAW

  • Via USB or traditional MIDI cables

  • Ensure your DAW recognizes the controller (most modern DAWs have auto-mapping for common models)

 

2. Load a Virtual Instrument or Plugin

  • For example: Piano VST, synth, drum machine

  • Play the keys or pads to trigger sounds

 

3. Map Controls for Better Workflow

  • Assign knobs and sliders to filter cutoff, reverb levels, track volume, etc.

  • Customize layouts to match your creative flow

 

4. Record and Automate

  • Record MIDI performances in your DAW

  • Edit velocity, timing, and expression after recording

  • Automate parameters using faders/knobs or the automation lane

 

Who Should Use a MIDI Controller?

  • Beginners: Learn piano or experiment with synths

  • Producers: Speed up beat making and sound design

  • Composers: Lay down orchestral sketches or themes quickly

  • Live Performers: Trigger samples or control synths in real time

I plan to talk more about the options available and would love for you to experience more about what is possible using technology with music.

I would love to hear from you and know where you are on your musical journey. I am keen to provide more information about the various options available and the fun experiences you can have when connecting music with computers and using technology in general.

Please send a message or leave a comment below so I can provide some more input into your journey.

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