Ableton Forum

I'm still new to the whole MIDI controller world and I was wondering the difference between just recording MIDI input and recording is while synced to the keyboard... I thought it had something to do with an onboard sequencer or something, but mine doesn't have one and it is an option... any insight?

midi sync is only for devices with their own internal sequencer, like a drum machine. the purpose is to sync them together so they play at the same tempo and you are right in tihnking that it has nothing to do with controllers...

You only need sync if you are going to match tempo between two devices that generate sound without your direct input. Like a drum machine and Live, or two computers running Live.