What Is Midi Keyboard Aftertouch?

[Borrowdale Barron]

Can you explain midi keyboard aftertouch in simple layman terms?

 

[Black Panther]

You simply have to imagine that when you press a key on your MIDI keyboard without immediately releasing the key, you can further apply more "pressure" to the key you are holding and that right there is "aftertouch"

So aftertouch is part of MIDI messages that is sent to your virtual instrument or virtual synthesizer when you further hold down or continue to depress a key on your midi keyboard.

In most cases aftertouch is used to control various synthesizer parameters to create movement or interesting articulations.

 

[Borrowdale Barron]

I have noticed some u-he synthesizers such as u-he Diva and u-he Hive have got a modulation source called "Pressure" is that the same thing as the normal aftertouch?

 

[Black Panther]

I have noticed some u-he synthesizers such as u-he Diva, u-he Hive have got a modulation source called "Pressure" is that the same thing as the normal aftertouch?

Yes you are right. For u-he synths "pressure" is synonymous with "MIDI aftertouch".

 

[Lenard]

Aftertouch is just a change in pressure when you continue to hold down a key on your midi controller. Basically aftertouch is a component of MIDI Control Change messages.