Virtual MIDI Keyboard In Pro Tools 

With the release of Pro Tools 2021.3 you can now use your computer keyboard as a Virtual MIDI Controller. With the increased mobility of modern production, it's not always easy to have a physical MIDI controller available. This new feature allows you to be creative no matter where you are.

With modern audio production becoming more mobile, one of the most requested features of Pro Tools has been the addition of a Virtual MIDI Controller, or the capability of using the computer qwerty keyboard as a way to input & play MIDI sequence data. That request is now a reality starting with Pro Tools 2021.3. With a simple window, or shortcut, you can now use your computer keyboard to input MIDI data, transpose octaves, and change velocity.

To activate this feature in Pro Tools, go to the Window Menu and select "MIDI Keyboard". Once active you will see a floating MIDI Controller window appear on screen.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + K (mac / pc) to display the MIDI Keyboard.

Once active, this transforms your computer keyboard into a MIDI Controller you can use as if it were a physical keyboard.

As you can see in the pic above, the letters A through K represent the Natural notes on a piano, and the letter W, E, T, Y, U represent Sharps & Flats. The letter R is not used.
By this logic:
A = piano C
S = piano D
D = piano E
F = piano F
G = piano G
H = piano A
J = piano B
K = piano C

For sharps & flats:
W = C♯ / D♭
E = D♯ / E♭
T = F♯ / G♭
Y = G♯ / A♭
U = A♯ / B♭

Along with the input of musical notes, you can also use the letter Z and X to transpose the Octave of the note up or down.
Z = Octave Down
X = Octave Up

Furthermore, the letter C and V are used to change the Velocity of the notes up or down
C = velocity down
V = velocity up

As with any computer, you are also free to use your Mouse, or Trackpad, to input MIDI notes, as well as change velocity and transpose octaves.

Check out the video below to see these features in action:

If you would like to attend our instructor-led live or live-online courses in Pro Tools and preparation for official Pro Tools Certification, feel free to call our offices at 888-277-0457 or visit our website at  protoolstraining.com. Classes available nights, weekends and daytime, including beginner through Expert Level  Certification  in Music and Post Production. Courses include 101, 110, 201, 210M, 210P, 310M, 310P. ProMedia Training is the #1 Avid Pro Tools Official ALP Training Center in the U.S in number of students trained and certified. International Students welcome to our instructor-led, live online courses.

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Author: Mihai Boloni
Expert Certified Pro tools Instructor
ProMedia Training LLC (Avid Learning Partner)
Los Angeles, CA
888-277-0457 / protoolstraining.com