If you plan on using any virtual instruments, which are covered in Chapter 13, you will want some kind of a MIDI instrument controller. The most common kind of MIDI instrument controller is a keyboard controller. A MIDI keyboard controller (shown in Figure 4-5) allows you to play virtual instruments on your computer. That's not all, though; many MIDI keyboard controllers offer other features that can help you in other areas of recording!

You can also use any MIDI keyboard as a MIDI keyboard controller. All you need is a simple USB to MIDI interface. Connect the MIDI OUT on your keyboard to the MIDI IN on the USB MIDI interface, and you're ready to rock!

MIDI keyboard controllers can be found with as few as 25 keys and as many as 88. There are three different kinds of keys: synthesizer keys, semi-weighted keys, and piano-weighted keys. Synthesizer keys are very light and easy to play. Semi-weighted keys play a little more like piano keys but are still very light. Piano-weighted keys play very much like a piano with a heavier action. Many piano-weighted keys even use hammers to simulate the feel of a piano. Today it's easier than ever to find a MIDI keyboard controller that is a size you want with the kind of keys you like. You can find keyboard controllers with as many as 76 synthesizer keys or as few as 49 piano-weighted keys.

Figure 4-5: A MIDI keyboard controller Courtesy of Avid Technology, Inc.

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