What is Midi keyboard aftertouch?

[Borrowdale Barron]

Can you explain midi keyboard aftertouch in simple layman terms?

 

[Black Panther]

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

So, aftertouch is part of MIDI messages sent to your virtual instrument or synthesizer when you further hold down or continue to depress a key on your MIDI keyboard. In most cases, aftertouch controls various synthesizer parameters to create movement or interesting articulations.

 

[Borrowdale Barron]

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

 

[Black Panther]

I have noticed that some u-he synthesizers, such as the u-he Diva and u-he Hive, have 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. It is a component of MIDI Control Change messages.