How to Play a Keyboard Through a Computer

A MIDI keyboard sends special signals to your computer.

A MIDI keyboard basically sends special messages to a computer that are different from those sent by a normal computer keyboard. Those messages can be interpreted by a MIDI interface or by a driver installed on the computer, if the keyboard is connected to the computer directly through a USB cable. Either way will get the job done.

Things You'll Need

• USB MIDI interface
• Standard MIDI cable
• USB cable
• MIDI keyboard
• Software synthesizer

Instructions

USB Port

1. 

   The two closest slots are USB slots.

   Look in the back of your computer tower for a free USB slot. Connect a USB cable to the slot. If you can't get it in, try turning it around. USB cables have a plate, usually made of plastic, which will prevent you from connecting them if they're facing the wrong direction.

2. Install any software that came with your keyboard before connecting the other end of the USB cable to the keyboard's slot. If the software didn't prompt you to connect the cable, connect it after you have installed everything.

3. Test your keyboard by opening up a software synthesizer and pressing your keyboard's keys. Adjust the settings however you like.

MIDI Interface

1. Connect a USB cable to the back of your PC.

2. Install any software that came with your MIDI interface.

3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to your MIDI interface.

4. Connect a standard MIDI cable to one of the "MIDI In" ports of your interface. This port may be called "Input" or "In."

5. Connect the other end of the MIDI cable to an unoccupied "MIDI Out" port in your keyboard. This setup will send signals to the MIDI interface's input, which will relay the signal to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you use the correct kind of USB cable for the connection between your computer and your keyboard or interface. If the interface has a square type USB slot, get a USB cable with one square end.

References

• Tweakheadz Lab: Understanding MIDI Interfaces

Resources

• Software Synths: Synth Zone