How to Use a Piano Keyboard On a Computer
Dreaming of your own recording studio? Due to various types of music software for computers, you can now record, compose, and mix music at home. Since most keyboards have MIDI inputs and USB inputs now, it is possible to connect a keyboard directly to a computer.
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Instructions
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Determine which cable is needed. Look on the back of your keyboard to determine which input is available. Does it have a MIDI? Or USB? or both? A USB cable will most likely be the necessary cable. After determining which options your keyboard provides, look at your computer. Some sound cards have MIDI inputs, but all have USB inputs. If your keyboard only has MIDI and your computer only has USB, a special USB to MIDI cable will need to be purchased.
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Connect the keyboard to the computer. This will require connecting one end of the appropriate cable in the appropriate slot on the keyboard and the other end of the appropriate cable into the appropriate slot on the computer.
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Install the proper drivers, if necessary. Many keyboards will come with a CD that provides drivers for the keyboard to function correctly when connected to a computer. Simply insert the CD that came with the keyboard into the CD drive and the CD will automatically begin downloading or will bring you to a screen with the option "Install Driver".Once the drivers are installed, your computer will be able to use the keyboard.
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Open the music program you're going to use and begin playing. Digital audio workstations, such Fruity Loops Studios and ACID Pro, are common programs to use because of the many options of creating and recording music. Most audio recording or editing software reads MIDI devices, so select one that fits your needs.
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