If you are thinking about DJing and you have started your first step, you also need to learn about MIDI controllers and how to make a good use of it. Things can be pretty complicated and tricky when it comes to DJing mastery – well, at least for most people. But once you get the hang of it and you understand the function and usage of each device, it should be pretty easy and simple.
MIDI: What Is It?
MIDI is short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface which is referring to the standard sets which allow different instruments to communicate between one another through the digital messages. Although the musical instruments are generally coming in the form of keyboards, it is also possible to have other forms. The communication itself can consist of various thing but musical notes are the main communication. It is about which note should be played, how long it should be held, how hard should you hit it, and such thing alike.
The Operation: How MIDI Works
MIDI can record sound but its system is different from the regular tape recorder. Instead of recording the note, it is recording the sequence of actions that you use to create a specific sound. For instance, you play the key ‘C’ for one beat with a rather hard velocity and then you play ‘D’ for 3 beats with a soft velocity. MIDI will record those sequences; not the sound.
The sequencer itself can come in a different form. It is usually a single hardware device that can be connected to the keyboard or it can be a software-based. MIDI data requires a certain input device. That’s why any keyboard (with MIDI capability) should be connected to the special sequencer with the MIDI cables. Having the MIDI setup is pretty handy and useful. You don’t have to worry about making mistakes either. Even if you do make mistakes, you can always ‘repair’ your mistake electronically without replaying the whole part.
Getting Started
If this is your first effort and you want to see how you can understand the principle, you can always go with the simplest and easiest option – you can then escalate from there. For instance, if you choose a sequencer, you can always use the software which is pretty inexpensive. It does have its own limitation but it should be enough to let you practice on your dj equipment for beginners. You should start tweaking the device on your own and gain as much information as possible from different sources so you know your way around.