A MIDI keyboard is a device that sends MIDI data to a computer or another hardware device. Perhaps you plan to set up a small music studio, for which you will need to learn how to connect different musical devices. A MIDI keyboard is crucial in mixing, and editing sounds as it opens the door to various MIDI software and features.
You can connect a MIDI keyboard to your PC by following these simple steps.
1. Get a USB connector that fits the USB port in your MIDI keyboard. For example, get a Type-A cable if your keyboard has a Type-A host.
2. Power up your PC and keyboard at the same time.
3. Plug in the Type-A end of the wire to your keyboard and attach the Type-A end to the USB port of your keyboard.
4. After logging in to the computer, open the Preinstalled Keyboard Software, which will take you to a configuration page where you select the Keyboard Model you are using.
This article details connectivity options on the MIDI keyboard and steps on how you can connect the MIDI keyboard with your personal computer.
Why Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Your PC
Using a MIDI keyboard is one of the easiest and fastest ways to enter baselines, edit drum tracks and record keyboard tracks. A MIDI connection also allows you to learn the keyboard piano.
How To Connect Your MIDI Keyboard
Here are all the methods you can use to connect your MIDI keyboard with your PC.
Connecting a MIDI Keyboard Through MIDI Cables
You can connect your MIDI keyboard using MIDI cables by the following methods.
- Through the USB port.
- Wireless Bluetooth connection.
- A MIDI input/output port.
If you are using a MIDI cable to connect the keyboard, you must make sure that you connect the MIDI output to the correct MIDI input. Otherwise, data transfer will not happen. This connection can be made by carrying out the following steps.
- Connect a 5-pin MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT port on the keyboard to the MIDI IN port of the external hardware.
- Connect another MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT port on the last external device to a MIDI IN port to a MIDI interface.
- Configure the DAW with the MIDI keyboard.
- Remember to make sure that the proper MIDI ports are connected within DAW.
To connect the MIDI keyboard, you will need the following equipment.
- A MIDI to USB cable.
- Turn on your MIDI keyboard.
- A USB adapter cable.
- A charged PC.
Connecting a MIDI Keyboard Through the USB Port
Connecting a MIDI keyboard with a USB port is generally straightforward. Depending on the model, you may need to install any necessary software before connecting the controller. You can do it by carrying out the following steps.
- Download and install the MIDI keyboard’s driver software (this will only be done if required by Windows).
- Use the USB port to connect the keyboard; this can be done using a powered USB or directly attaching the keyboard to your PC.
- Arrange the DAW with the MIDI keyboard.
Connecting a MIDI Keyboard via Bluetooth
Some MIDI keyboards support Bluetooth connectivity alongside the standard wired connection. You will need the following accessories to connect a MIDI keyboard via Bluetooth.
- A MIDI keyboard that supports Bluetooth connectivity.
- A computer that supports Bluetooth features.
- A MIDI Bluetooth adapter.
You can connect your MIDI keyboard through Bluetooth by following the following steps.
- Turn on the Bluetooth connectivity on your MIDI keyboard by following the Bluetooth connectivity instructions provided.
- Go to the system and connect the Bluetooth MIDI device and enable Bluetooth.
- In the Bluetooth device management screen, choose the device indicated as “Ready To Pair”.
- When the PC indicates the connection to be connected, your MIDI device is ready to be used.
- Start your MIDI application and select “MIDI IN” and “MIDI OUT” ports as necessary.
Connecting a MIDI Device Through macOS
Follow the following instructions to connect your MIDI keyboard with your macOS.
- Turn on Bluetooth connectivity on your MIDI keyboard by following the Bluetooth connectivity instructions.
- Go to System Preferences on your Mac spotlight and hit Enter, this will open the MIDI studio, and you can make the proper configurations.
- When the PC indicates the connection, your MIDI device is ready to be used.
- Start your MIDI application and select “MIDI IN” and “MIDI OUT” ports as necessary.
Conclusion
While connecting a MIDI keyboard to the PC, you must ensure that the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports are connected correctly. In addition to this, the device should come with the right connection cables.
In addition, you must make sure that your PC is compatible with connecting a MIDI keyboard to prevent hitches with the mixing of sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
A MIDI keyboard cannot be used as a piano unless there are speakers connected with it because they do not have built-in speakers.
