Computer Keyboard As A MIDI Controller

Using Your Computer Keyboard as a MIDI Controller

If you don't have a keyboard or other MIDI controller, you can still use your computer keyboard for the same tasks. Here's how to set it up:

Activating the Computer MIDI Keyboard

• Ensure the keyboard icon is on; this indicates that the computer MIDI keyboard is activated.
• By default, the MIDI keyboard is on.

Playing Notes

• White Keys: Use the center row of letters from A to L to play the white keys on the keyboard. This corresponds to the notes from C3 to D4 by default.

• Black Keys: Use the keys W, E, T, Y, U, and O on an English keyboard for the black keys.

Switching Octaves

• Use the keys Z to lower the octave and X to raise it.
  • For example, when you click Z, the range changes to C2 to D3. When you click X, it can set back to C3 to D4 or go higher.

Adjusting Note Velocity

• The keys C and V adjust the incoming note velocity in intervals of 20.
  • Default is set to 100.
  • Pressing V increases it to 120, while pressing C brings it back to 100.
  • If you go all the way up, it will reach 127, the maximum value.

Key Mapping

• You can also use the keyboard for key mapping rather than MIDI mapping.
• Activate key mapping by:
  • Using the key button to turn it on (everything turns orange that can be mapped).
  • Pressing Command + K on Mac or Control + K on Windows to toggle it on and off.

Mapping Example

• For example, choose a clip, and you may see:
  • Key one corresponds to track seven, slot number three.
• You can map continuous parameters as well. For instance, mapping the volume to 2 allows for adjustments.

Note on Playing and Mapping

• When the keys A to L (or the upper row) are mapped, they cannot be used for playing sounds unless the computer MIDI keyboard is turned off.
• If you turn that off and map, say A, you can still play sounds.

Conclusion

• Numbers work well for mapping, and in the next video, we will finally record some MIDI. See you then!