How to Hook Up Multiple Sound Modules
Most home recording studios have a variety of sound sources in the form of electronic keyboards, drum machines and sound modules. To get the best out of your equipment, it's important to connect it in the right manner. Sound modules can be chained together using the MIDI protocol (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) or connected through an MIDI interface.
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Instructions
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Hook up the audio. Connect audio leads from the outputs of the modules to the mixing console or computer interface input. The modules will have a stereo pair, usually on quarter-inch jacks, and possibly some extra outputs. Make sure at least the main stereo pair is connected to a pair of inputs on your console or interface.
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Hook up the MIDI. Most home recording set-ups incorporate a master keyboard and one or more additional modules. The MIDI signal needs to connect from the master keyboard (the one that will actually be played) through to the additional modules. If you are using a computer-based sequencer, the MIDI signals will pass through the computer first. If not, connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the master keyboard to the MIDI IN of the first module. Then, connect from the MIDI THRU of the first module to the MIDI IN of the second module. If you have more modules, continue to chain them in this fashion. The master keyboard will now play the external modules according to which MIDI channels you have them set to internally.
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Connect MIDI through a sequencer. When using a sequencer, the master keyboard connects from MIDI OUT to the MIDI IN of the interface on the computer, and from the MIDI OUT of the sequencer to the MIDI IN of the master keyboard. Connect the MIDI OUT of a second interface port to the MIDI IN of the first module. Then connect from the MIDI THRU of the first module to the MIDI IN of the second module. Alternately if you have additional ports on your MIDI interface, simply connect port three MIDI OUT to the second module MIDI IN, port four to the third module and so on. This avoids the need to chain modules together and allows each module to receive the full 16 MIDI channels.
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Configure the software. Launch your sequencer from its icon or from the “Start” menu. The sequencer now registers an input from the master keyboard and will route that MIDI signal back to the master keyboard or to one of the external modules. You may need to configure the inputs so you are sure which signal goes to which port, but this is determined by the type of sequencer you are using.
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Tips & Warnings
When using a sequencer, turn your master keyboard "Local" setting to "Off." This will ensure it does not play at the same time as your external modules.
When troubleshooting, check the "MIDI Received" lights on modules to see if they are receiving a signal.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit midi controller image by Johann Dethloff from Fotolia.com
