There are so many different devices out there that use MIDI protocol to transmit information that even if I try to list everything I will probably miss a few things – nevertheless, for the purpose of giving some examples: drum machines, synthesizers, sequencers, samplers, hardware/ software effects, trigger pad devices, keyboard controllers, DAW Controllers – and the list could go on. The most common scenario where you will see MIDI in action is a MIDI keyboard controller connected to a Pro Tools system – and this is also the scenario we will look at in this tutorial. MIDI carries information about events and transmits parameters such as pitch, velocity, length and all sorts of control signals such as tremolo, panning, audio volume, etc. The protocol allows for 16 channels of information to be communicated over one connection. One of the basic mistakes people make when they think about MIDI is that they consider it audio – and it is not! MIDI is a digital protocol that enables software, hardware instruments and controllers that use this language to communicate with one another.

The most beautiful part about it is that performances, nuances and notes can be shifted around after the initial recorded performance or can be programmed and never performed which opens up a whole new world for people who are not very savvy at playing a musical instrument. Some producers rely solely on MIDI programming and samples or virtual instruments for their productions. MIDI and virtual instruments were one of the biggest game changers in music production and are the fundamental tools that a lot of producers use.

Pro tools midi controller setup