How to Play a MIDI Keyboard on Your Computer
MIDI is a computer protocol that allows computers to simulate the sound of real instruments. Rather than raw audio, which is a digitized version of actual recorded sound, MIDI instructs a computer to create pitches of a specified frequency, volume, and duration. MIDI keyboards are a popular usage of the technology. The keyboards simulate the action of playing the piano and can connect the information directly to a computer.
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Instructions
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Connect the MIDI end of the MIDI to USB cable to the MIDI ports on the keyboard. The ports are round with several (often seven) prongs. Pay attention to the MIDI cables to ensure that you connect the cable titled "MIDI IN" to the "MIDI IN" port on the keyboard and the "MIDI OUT" cable to the "MIDI OUT" port.
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Connect the USB side of the cable to the computer's USB port.
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Turn the keyboard on. Play a few notes on the keyboard. The LED indicator lights should register on the converter box on the MIDI cable.
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Launch a MIDI capable program on the computer. Popular uses of MIDI in computer programs are composition programs (Finale, Sibelius) or recording programs (Pro-tools, Garageband).
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Start a new MIDI track or file. Begin playing the keyboard. The notes played on the piano should sound on the computer, playing through the speakers.
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References
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