Whether you’re a modular synth nerd or the bassist of a troglodyte doom metal band, the chances that you’ve encountered a device that utilizes MIDI are nearly 100 percent at this point. The communication protocol is more than 40 years old, yet it’s hardly changed since head honchos from Roland, Oberheim, and Sequential Circuits collaborated on a universal language that musical instruments can use to talk to one another. Its low-tech nature is its greatest strength, making it a quick and reliable way to control a synth or a rack of guitar pedals with hardly any digital bandwidth at all. MIDI is great because it’s barely evolved at all.
What has evolved is the cottage industry of musical accessories that utilize MIDI to do wild and wonderful things beyond just being interchangeable digital keyboards. Are you keen on adjusting filters and delay times with the swipe of your hand like a deranged conductor? There’s a MIDI gadget for that. Do you idolize U2’s The Edge and his ability to change his guitar tone drastically with just one foot press? There’s a MIDI pedal for that. Would you rather not schlep around a fortress of synths like Keith Emerson just so you can access an organ and an electric keyboard for that wedding gig on the horizon? There’s a MIDI controller for that.
MIDI devices come in all shapes and sizes, and I’ve tested dozens in my decade-long pursuit for a setup that’s intuitive, robust, and easy on my aching back. I dabble in both guitar effects and amateur synth shenanigans, so a heavy preference is given to items that can double-dip in both worlds for a spartan setup. Some are inspiring and bizarre, while others are unsexy and utilitarian, yet wholly essential for ever-growing rigs with complicated routings and connections. My outlook for this entire setup may require reappraisal once the upcoming MIDI 2.0 protocol gets off the ground, but until then here’s a list of my most beloved MIDI gear that I work with on a daily basis.
Into making and listening to audio? Be sure to check out our lists of the Best DAWs, Best USB Microphones, Best Headphones, and Best Bookshelf Speakers.
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