Can you play piano with a MIDI?

What is MIDI?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a technical standard protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other equipment to communicate and synchronize with each other. MIDI does not actually transmit audio signal or audio waveforms. Instead, MIDI transmits digital signals that communicate information such as the pitch and intensity of musical notes to play, control signals for technical parameters, and rhythmic and timing data to synchronize tempo between electronic devices.

MIDI and pianos

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a digital communication protocol used to connect electronic musical instruments and devices and transmit audio data, like pitch and volume changes, between them. This allows musicians to control multiple devices like synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, etc from a central controller.

Digital pianos and MIDI keyboards typically have built-in MIDI implementation. This means they have MIDI ports (data transmitters/receivers) which enable them to connect to other MIDI devices like computers, sound modules, etc via a MIDI cable. Once connected, MIDI data like which keys are pressed and how hard they are pressed can be sent from the piano or keyboard to the other MIDI device.

Connecting a MIDI keyboard or digital piano to a computer via a MIDI interface allows musicians to use piano sounds and virtual instruments from the computer’s sound library/software. For example, MIDI keyboards like the Yamaha PSR EW310 have no built-in speakers but when connected to a computer, their key presses trigger piano and other sounds on the computer software, essentially turning them into an electronic keyboard. This gives musicians a ton of creative flexibility and functionality at an affordable cost.

How MIDI works with piano

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) messages tell an instrument like a piano which notes to play, how long to play them, how loud they should be, and other performance details. These MIDI messages are sent from a MIDI controller device like a keyboard to a piano’s sound module, which contains the actual sounds that you hear.

According to Portlandpianolab, MIDI keyboards and digital pianos do not generate sounds themselves. They simply send MIDI messages to a sound module via a USB cable or other MIDI cable connection that contains the synthesized samples of an instrument like a piano. The sound module then converts those messages into actual piano sounds that are output through speakers or headphones.

So in summary, the MIDI keyboard or digital piano sends instructions in the form of MIDI messages via MIDI cables to a piano module, which then generates the actual sounds. The keyboard and piano communicate with the module about what notes to play, how long to sustain them, what effects or embellishments to add, and all other piano articulations.

Benefits of MIDI Piano

Using a MIDI keyboard provides several key benefits compared to an acoustic piano when it comes to playing and recording music. One of the biggest benefits is access to a much wider variety of realistic piano sounds and effects.

MIDI keyboards connect to computer software and can use any virtual piano instrument or sound you have installed. This means you can choose between countless options for grand pianos, upright pianos, electric pianos or even other keyboard instruments like organs or synths (Source). You have full control over details like mechanical noise, sustain resonance and other sound characteristics.

Many MIDI keyboards and software also include effects like reverb, compression and EQ that can further shape the piano tone. This level of flexibility is impossible to achieve with a single acoustic piano.

Another major advantage of MIDI is the ability to easily record performances and then edit the MIDI information. Unlike recording audio, manipulating MIDI allows changing details like notes, velocities or timings without degrading quality (Source). This makes fixing mistakes very simple or even editing performances to try new musical ideas.

Limitations of MIDI piano

One of the main drawbacks of using a MIDI keyboard or digital piano to play piano is that they lack the subtle sound nuances of a real acoustic piano. An acoustic piano has a vast dynamic range, rich harmonics, and each note decays differently depending on the other notes being played. MIDI instruments rely on digital samples and pre-recorded sounds which can sound more artificial.

There can also be latency issues which negatively impact playability. Latency refers to the slight delay between pressing a key on the MIDI controller and hearing the sound. This is due to the electronic routing of the MIDI data and audio processing. While modern devices have largely minimized latency, it can still be an issue during fast passages or for highly skilled players (source).

However, there are techniques to mitigate these limitations. Using higher quality piano sample libraries and instruments can greatly improve realism. Latency can be adjusted in device settings. Overall, MIDI offers convenience and flexibility despite some acoustic tradeoffs.

Using MIDI with piano software

The most popular type of MIDI piano software is Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) which offer built-in MIDI editors and piano roll features. The Producer Hive article mentions Ableton and GarageBand as examples of DAWs that have robust MIDI keyboard and piano roll functionality for playing virtual instruments.

GarageBand for Mac and iOS has a simple piano roll editor that lets users input and manipulate MIDI notes on a grid. More advanced software like Ableton Live offers comprehensive MIDI editing and sequencing options in a editable piano roll with a grid where notes can be drawn in, edited, and manipulated. This gives producers a visual way to play and change MIDI piano performances and compositions.

Popular Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins like Native Instruments Kontakt also work with MIDI keyboards and offer extremely realistic piano sounds and dynamics for performance and recording. The piano libraries have multi-sampled acoustic pianos with models of things like resonance, mechanical noises, and pedal noises to give an extremely realistic piano playing experience through MIDI.

Playing technique with MIDI

When using a MIDI keyboard to play piano parts, it is important to utilize proper technique to achieve realistic expression. MIDI keyboards with velocity sensitive keys are able to detect dynamics and respond based on how hard or soft you play. Softer, lighter playing will result in quieter tones while harder playing will produce louder tones. This allows you to achieve a dynamic range similar to a real piano (Sound on Sound, 2023).

Another key technique is to use the modulation wheel or pedal on your MIDI keyboard for added expression. The modulation wheel is generally used to add vibrato to sustained notes, allowing you to emulate a singer’s vibrato or the natural sustain resonance of a violin or wind instrument. Using the modulation wheel let’s you add nuance and realism beyond your key pressing dynamics (Burton Acoustix, 2023).

With proper utilization of dynamics control and the modulation wheel, you can achieve impressive realism and expression with a MIDI keyboard. Focus on developing proper finger technique, including incorporating techniques from classical pianists, to better emulate the touch and emotion of a physical piano even when using a MIDI controller.

Buying Advice for MIDI Keyboard

When shopping for a MIDI keyboard, there are a few key factors to consider:

Number of keys: The number of keys on a MIDI keyboard can range from 25 keys to 88 keys, which mimics a full piano keyboard. Larger keyboards allow you to play a wider range of notes, while more compact 25-key models are more portable. 49-key or 61-key keyboards offer a good middle ground.1

Size of keys: Look for full-sized, piano-style keys rather than mini or slim keys, which can feel cramped. Weighted hammer action keys with simulated ivory or ebony finishes will provide the most realistic piano feel.2

Onboard sounds vs. computer integration: MIDI keyboards with built-in sounds, effects, and features allow you to make music without a computer. However, keyboards focused on MIDI transmission and tighter DAW integration offer more flexibility when used with music software.

Other features like touch-sensitive keys, pitch and mod wheels, drum pads, and faders can also factor into choosing the right MIDI keyboard. Test different models in person or read reviews to find the best fit for your budget, space, and music production needs.

Recommended MIDI Keyboards

When shopping for a MIDI keyboard, some of the top brands to look at include:

Yamaha

Yamaha makes high-quality digital pianos and MIDI keyboards for all levels and budgets. Some recommended models include:

Yamaha PSR-EW410 – An excellent portable keyboard under $500 with 76 keys.
Yamaha P125 – A great weighted-key digital piano good for beginners, around $600.
Yamaha MODX8 – A professional-grade synthesizer with 88 weighted keys, around $1,500.

Roland

Known for their excellence in digital piano technology, Roland offers:

Roland GO:KEYS – A ultra-portable 61-key MIDI controller good for travel.
Roland RD-2000 – A high-end 88-key digital piano with authentic weighted action.

Roland A-800 Pro – A MIDI controller with 61 semi-weighted keys and pro features.

Korg

Korg makes everything from entry-level keyboards to sophisticated synths, like:

Korg microKEY Air – A 25-key mini MIDI keyboard that connects wirelessly.

Korg SP-280 – An affordable 88-key weighted digital piano.
Korg Kronos – A flagship workstation keyboard with cutting-edge synth engines.

Arturia

Arturia is known for their analog synth emulations like:

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 – A 49-key MIDI controller with great software.
Arturia MatrixBrute – A high-end analog synth with 49-note keyboard.

Native Instruments

For producers, Native Instruments’ MIDI controllers integrate with their production software:

NI Komplete Kontrol A49 – A 49-key keyboard with tight integration with NI products.
NI Maschine MK3 – A groovebox-style MIDI controller with RGB pads.

The options above provide a range of quality MIDI keyboards at different price points to suit various needs and budgets.

Conclusion

In summary, MIDI allows you to play piano digitally by sending musical performance data to an electronic sound module or computer software. While MIDI piano keyboards don’t sound exactly like an acoustic piano, they provide many benefits like portability, playback features, and connectivity with music software and computers. With practice, MIDI controllers can emulate the piano playing experience well, especially hammer-action keyboards. Overall, MIDI expands the possibilities for piano players and music producers, bringing the piano into the digital world.

MIDI recreates the piano playing experience digitally through use of a MIDI controller keyboard, which sends musical note messages to a sound module or software instrument. This allows you to play piano tones and songs, control parameters like dynamics and articulation, and record performances. Though the sounds and feel differ from an acoustic piano, MIDI provides meaningful piano expression and technique through velocity-sensitive keyboards. With advances in digital piano technology, MIDI delivers an immersive, realistic digital piano experience.