Is it possible to record sound from a synthesizer via MIDI?

Question

Audio

Hello!
Such a question: when recording through a sound card, can a synthesizer be recorded only through audio inputs? That is, via MIDI, I cannot transfer timbres, the sound of a hardware instrument to a laptop, only use it as a keyboard, controller for soft instruments? Then what is the point of MIDI on synthesizers? MIDI keyboards are understandable - that's what they are for, in order to control software instruments, but what's the use of hardware instruments, only for switching between different hardware instruments? And why is the synthesizer persistently connected to MIDI connectors on many switching schemes?
Or am I stupid and need to connect both via MIDI and audio input?

Answer 1

Yes, absolutely right. The audio output from the synthesizer is used to record audio and only through it can the sound configured on the synthesizer be output. MIDI output turns the synthesizer into a MIDI keyboard (why deprive it of such a possibility, right?), You can control other synthesizers or play simultaneously on several devices, thereby layering sounds. You can also switch presets and change settings with MIDI signals.
In general, everything is for the sake of flexibility. You can choose not to use the MIDI outputs if you don't need them.
And you can use the synthesizer solely as a controller.
The synthesizer can also have a MIDI input, and through it other devices can already control its settings and change its parameters.