The sound of a violin can be transformed from analog to digital in two ways:

transformation

The synthesizer transforms the violin into a “controller”. In other words, the synthesizer catches the sounds of your violin and translates them into their most important components (e.g. pitch, velocity, pressure...). This data is then transformed into digital sound samples of other instruments, stored in its memory. This type of MIDI controller does not output a MIDI signal, thus it can not control an external synthesizer.

MIDI

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. In other words, MIDI is the standard computer signal that allows communication between two instruments. The difference between the MIDI controller and the digital synthesizer is that the MIDI controller translates the sound into MIDI. The downside is that most MIDI controllers do not have synthesizers built into them so you will have to purchase an external synthesizer like Korg, Roland or E-mu.

The advantage of playing a MIDI instrument is that you can change the sound in any way you like. You can practically transform your instrument into any other instrument. Another great thing is that nowadays synthesizers have the option of combining the MIDI sound together with the original sound of your violin. So you could, for example, choose to be accompanied by a bass guitar while you’re playing your violin.

Do not expect playing MIDI to be an easy job. You might find yourself learning to play your violin all over again as playing MIDI involves different techniques than playing the natural violin.

Another important aspect about MIDI controllers and synthesizers is that some of them have a delay in the signal between the moment you play a note and the moment when the sound is heard. From this point of view some controllers and synths are better than others so you should really research the market before you make your decision.

Where to go

Zeta is the most widely known company which offers a wide range of instrument with optional MIDI controller. They offer the Synthony II MIDI Controller to go with their solid-body violins. Truth be told, this option is rather expensive but due to their unique way of building the violins they also offer a unique feature: the possibility to program each string to a different MIDI channel. This means that you can actually play four instruments (or sounds) at a time.