In the modern era this is usually a laptop or computer. With a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device not producing an audio signal, it needs to be plugged into another device which can convert the code into something we can hear. This is different to traditional instruments that produce an audio signal you can hear either straight away for acoustic instruments or through an amplifier for electric ones. This code communicates all manner of things from the note pressed, to how hard it is pressed and when it is released. MIDI is a digital signal, basically a series of 1s and 0s that allows different electronic devices to communicate with one another (I know, it sounds very dystopian!). If you already know how it works feel free to skip this section! If you, like me, came from playing a traditional acoustic instrument such as a piano or guitar, the world of MIDI and digital music production may be a little confusing. This article summarises what I found.įirst things first, I always find it useful to briefly explain how MIDI works. So following that I set out to find the best FREE MIDI keyboard software out there on each of the most common platforms Windows, Mac/ Apple and Android so you can plug in your MIDI keyboard and start playing straight away. But what if you don’t want to purchase any expensive software for writing and producing whole musical tracks? What if you just want some free software for practicing piano or messing around? My previous blog posts on MIDI keyboards had all said something along the lines of “plug in your MIDI device and open up you DAW software to play”.

I received an email from a blog reader who had recently bought a MIDI keyboard so they could start practicing a bit of piano at home. This doesn’t impact the products we mention. Sometimes when Musicians HQ mentions gear, we’ll include our affiliate link & may earn a commission at no cost to you.

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