Midi Guitar Gear – Various ways in which you can connect your guitar to a computer and start recording. Most recordings happens on computers nowadays; the setup is flexible and inexpensive as well. While you can always record the guitar using a mic, here we will look at options to record midi, so that you can work with various software / sequencers.
Connect Your Guitar to Computer with Ease
Here we will talk about how a guitar can send MIDI messages that can be then used to drive other sounds, and also work with software on a computer. Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) is used a lot with keyboards, synths, sound modules and other digital instruments, but now it is also becoming popular with guitars, with several new bands experimenting with newer sounds.
How Does This Help a Guitarist?
With a properly outfitted guitar, the guitarist can now access several effects and sounds that is available in the midi equipment or the computer.
It means you can now work with some of the best recording software, and use hot synthesizer sounds in your recordings.
Making the Guitar to Computer Connection
So how does the connection between the guitar and the computer/iPad work?
You will need a cable/audio/guitar interface — a small box that sits between your guitar jack and computer/iPad. Its also referred to as pickup / converter, it connects your guitar to a MIDI sound generator (some software on your computer, app, sound module).
Some MIDI Converters need a special pickup mounted on your guitar, while some can be connected to your guitar like any other effects pedal. Some MIDI guitar units (the cheaper ones) record single note at a time, while some MIDI guitar pickups are installed under the strings and can track multiple notes at once.
This is how most midi systems work, though some of them may vary a little.
Once the setup is done, the audio signal from the guitar will be send as MIDI messages to the sound module / effects processor / computer.
The interface takes the sound from the guitar into the computer, and from there to the speakers/headphones. Its best to get one with an input level control knob.
Best MIDI Gear / Cables / Pickups / Converters
Every guitar student after playing the guitar for some time feels the itch to create their own music. And what is better than doing it on a computer.
Here are some more midi gear that will help you get your guitar sounds on a computer, especially in midi format.
MIDI Guitar Modules / Synthesizer
These are synth modules (pedals) for your guitar or bass which you can operate with your feet. Has MIDI output. Found in most studio setups and used even while performing on stage. Read more…
Guitar to MIDI Converter / USB Guitar Cable
This converter easily connects to your guitar like any pedal or tuner and allows you to use your guitar as a solo MIDI guitar. Read more…
MIDI Guitar Pickups
These easily attach to any steel-stringed electric and delivers performance data to guitar synthesizers which then outputs the midi data. Read more…
MIDI Electric Guitars
Electric / Digital guitar that provides MIDI output
Midi Guitar (Jam Origin)
MIDI GUITAR 2 by Jam Origin is a low-latency polyphonic guitar pitch to MIDi converter (guitar FX processor) that turns your guitar into a polyphonic MIDI controller. It listens to you and recognizes your playing.
Here’s the demo video
MIDI Guitar is a software that you need to download and setup. Just make the guitar to computer connection as mentioned above, and install the software. Once installed, you can access a wide range of sounds/presets and effects.
To Conclude
Sooner or later, you will reach a stage where you would want to experiment with more / better sounds, and do a lot more with your music, than just playing the guitar. This is where guitar synths and the other midi modules will come in handy, to help you emulate various sounds and to interface with your computer for digital recording. With Midi guitar gear, things indeed start getting exciting.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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