Use a Breath Controller for Realistic MIDI Brass & Wind Parts
Use a Breath Controller for Realistic MIDI Brass & Wind Parts – Want to bring your MIDI brass and wind parts to life? A breath controller might be the missing link. Discover how, why, when, and how much it costs to use one with virtual instruments like Kontakt horns, AIR Instruments Xpand!2 brass, and more.
What is a Breath Controller?
A breath controller is a device that converts your breath pressure into MIDI signals, allowing you to control the dynamics, expression, vibrato, and more of virtual instruments in real time. Instead of relying on the mod wheel, velocity, or automation curves, you breathe life into your performance just like a real brass or wind player.
Whether you’re scoring cinematic brass for a film or adding subtle human-like phrasing to a jazz solo, a breath controller offers natural expressiveness that’s difficult to achieve with a MIDI keyboard alone.
Why Should You Use a Breath Controller?
If you’ve ever felt like your MIDI brass, winds, or strings sound too robotic or “MIDI-like,” this tool is for you. Breath controllers bring authentic realism to virtual instruments, especially for instruments that require natural breath-based expression, like:
- Saxophones
- Trumpets
- Strings (like SWAM’s Solo Strings)
- Other Synth and Pad Sounds
Here’s what a breath controller can do:
- Realistic Swells and Dynamics — Control intensity in real time. No more drawing tedious CC curves in the DAW.
- Natural Vibrato and Expression — Subtle human-like variations in pitch, volume, and timbre are easy to achieve.
- Live Performance Energy — Perform and record both notes and expression simultaneously, just like a live player.
- Time-Saving Workflow — Say goodbye to endless MIDI automation tweaks. Play it live. Done.
How to Use a Breath Controller in Your DAW (Step-by-Step Guide)
Choose Your Breath Controller
Start by picking a breath controller. The most popular option is the TEControl USB MIDI Breath Controller.
Plug It Into Your Computer
Plug it in! If you’re using the TEControl, it connects via USB. If you’re using the Yamaha BC3A, you’ll need a MIDI Solutions Breath Adapter to convert its signal into MIDI.
Open Your DAW & Load a Virtual Instrument
Load up your favorite brass or wind library, like:
- Kontakt Brass (Native Instruments Symphony Series)
- AIR Instruments Xpand!2 (Brass or Woodwinds)
- SWAM Instruments (Winds or Strings)
- Any brass or woodwind library of your choice!
Assign the Breath Controller to Expression (CC2 or CC11)
Assign the breath controller to control Expression, Dynamics, or Volume. In Kontakt, right-click on the “Dynamics” knob, choose MIDI Learn, and blow into the breath controller.
Record Your Performance
Play your MIDI notes on your keyboard and use the breath controller to add expression, swells, and vibrato. Your DAW will record both the MIDI notes and controller data at the same time.
Edit & Refine (Optional)
Fine-tune the breath controller’s CC data in your DAW’s piano roll. Tweak CC2 (Breath), CC1 (Mod Wheel), or CC11 (Expression) for perfection.
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How Much Does a Breath Controller Cost?
| Breath Controller | Price (USD) | Plug-and-Play? | Extra Gear Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEControl USB MIDI | £150 – £180 | Yes | No |
| Yamaha BC3A | £100 – £150 | No | Requires MIDI Adapter |
| Akai EWI | £300 – £600 | Yes | No |
| Roland Aerophone | £500 – £1000 | Yes | No |
Pro Tips for Using Breath Controllers
- Adjust Sensitivity — Set breath pressure range to make big swells easier.
- Use Multiple CCs — Layer CC2 (Breath Control) with CC1 (Mod Wheel) to control vibrato and dynamics.
- Record Expression as Overdub — Record MIDI notes first, then use the breath controller as a second pass.
- Save Presets — Save MIDI mappings in Kontakt, Xpand!2, or other VSTs to avoid reconfiguring every session.
Which Breath Controller Should You Buy?
Our top recommendation is the TEControl USB MIDI Breath Controller because:
- It’s plug-and-play (just USB, no adapters required)
- It’s affordable (around £150 – £180)
- It works with all major DAWs and VSTs
Conclusion
A breath controller is a game-changer for adding realism to MIDI brass, winds, and strings. No more lifeless, robotic dynamics. You’ll be able to create fluid, expressive performances that sound like a real player.
To recap:
- Use a TEControl USB MIDI Breath Controller for the best value.
- Connect it via USB, assign CC2 to Dynamics, Expression, or Volume, and start recording.
- Add natural swells, dynamic vibrato, and live energy to your brass, strings, and wind instruments.
For about £150 to £180, you can transform your MIDI brass sections into vibrant, expressive performances. Whether you’re scoring film music or producing epic orchestral tracks, the breath controller will breathe life into your music.
