How to Hook Up a MIDI Keyboard to a Computer
MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is the basic connection used for musical instruments like keyboards to a computer, so the instrument can be used with music recording or sequencer software. If you have a MIDI keyboard, connecting it to a computer is very easy if the computer has a MIDI port on its sound card. If it doesn't have this port, which is a circular port with five pins around the inner edge, you can still connect the keyboard to the computer with one of two possible adapters.
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Things You'll Need
- MIDI cable
- Universal MIDI connector, or
- USB MIDI interface
- Music sequencer software
Instructions
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Check the output ports on the back of your computer related to your sound card. If it has a MIDI or joystick port, you can connect the keyboard to the sound card. With a MIDI port, you only need a MIDI cable and the task is done; if you only have the joystick port, you need an adapter.
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2
Get a universal MIDI connector for the keyboard. This adapter has twin MIDI plugs at one end and the joystick plug at the other. Examine the MIDI connectors and mark with tape which one is the "in" plug. This is the only plug you will use; ignore the "out" plug.
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Purchase a USB MIDI interface if you don't have a MIDI or joystick port on your sound card. This will have the MIDI plug at one end and a regular USB plug that you'll plug into a USB port on the computer.
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Attach either the connector or the interface to the computer, using whichever port it needs---joystick or USB. Connect the MIDI "in" plug to the MIDI "out" port on the keyboard.
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Install the drivers for the USB connection if this is what you are using. Insert the included CD-ROM into your drive and install the software program(s) included on the disc.
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Configure your music sequencer program, like Sound Forge or Garage Band, for the MIDI connections if you're connected to the sound card. Open the program, click on the menu reference to setting up MIDI Devices and select "MIDI in" as the input. Choose "MIDI out" for the output if you're using a straight MIDI cable or the "MIDI mapper" selection if using the joystick connection.
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Tips & Warnings
A joystick port looks similar to a VGA port---the type a monitor uses.
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Comments
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I have a strange sound when using the MIDI option in FL Studio.. I sometimes have the wrong notes and also a strange background noise, like the wind or something.. Everything connectec properly, options are ok.
