Aftertouch
The presence of the aftertouch function in the keyboard (aftertouch). The essence of this function is to track the pressure force on the key after it is pressed. In fact, this means that in models with aftertouch, you can control the sound not only due to the force and speed of pressing the key, but also due to the change in pressure on it after pressing; this gives additional features and allows you to use various specific tricks of the game. The specific ways of changing the sound “tied” to aftertouch can be different, depending on the synthesis settings set: for example, when recording a guitar part, you can tie a small change in tone to this function and imitate string bending, when recording a saxophone, change the volume of notes, and etc.
Relatively inexpensive models use a common sensor to monitor aftertouch, which monitors the average force of pressure on all keys pressed; in more advanced ones, separate sensors are installed for each key.
Pitch controller
The presence of a
pitch controller in the keyboard (Pitch Bend).
This controller is usually in the form of a small wheel or lever that slightly changes the pitch of the sounding note. This allows you to use some specific playing techniques — for example, to imitate string tightening on a guitar.
Modulation controller
The presence of a
modulation controller in the keyboard.
This controller allows you to slightly change the volume of the sounding note. It is used mainly to achieve a characteristic "trembling" sound, which can be used both as an artistic technique and to imitate live performance on a particular instrument.
Transport control
The presence in the keyboard of
the transport control function.
In this case, we are usually talking about support for the MIDI Machine Control standard, designed to control external recording and playback equipment. Such support actually turns the keyboard into an external remote control, allowing you to give commands from it to "Play", "Stop", "Pause", "Rewind" (forward and backward) and "Record". To do this, the design provides a separate panel with a set of appropriate buttons.
Pads
The number of
pads provided in the design of the keyboard.
Pads are auxiliary controls in the form of characteristic pads, usually square. The pads respond to touch, each of them can be tied to a specific sound or even a sequence of sounds. One of the most popular ways to use pads is to play drums or other rhythmic instruments.
Regulators (encoders)
The number
of encoder controlsprovided in the design of the keyboard.
Such a knob looks like a rotary knob, with which you can control various functions of the device to which the keyboard is connected — for example, turn the virtual knobs in the programme for recording and sound processing. At the same time, we note that a full-fledged encoder is capable of rotating 360 ° and turning to any angle in any direction, however, keyboards can also contain knobs with a limited rotation sector — they can also be called encoders. None of these options has a clear advantage: in some cases, an unlimited turning sector is more convenient, in others, a limited one.
Bluetooth
Wireless interface for direct communication between devices. Models with such an interface usually allow connection not only to computers and laptops equipped with
Bluetooth modules, but also to portable gadgets like smartphones or tablets (if appropriate applications are available). In this case, the communication range is several metres (up to 10 m within the line of sight), and the absence of a wire eliminates the hassle of connecting and provides additional convenience.
Programming function
The ability to programme additional keyboard controls — buttons, pads, faders (see above), etc. — assigning them one or another function at your discretion. This feature allows you to optimally adjust the instrument to your needs and preferences. Note that the programming method can be different: most often you need to change the settings through a computer, but in some models this can also be done using built-in tools.
