18
Installation, registration and basic setup
Connecting your equipment
Connect a MIDI interface or controller to your computer
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is the way computers communicate with keyboards
and other electronic instruments. The term “MIDI” refers to both the type of cables, connections,
instruments and controllers and the “language” all these components use to “talk” to each other.
There are two common ways to connect a MIDI keyboard or instrument to your computer:
•
USB Cable.
Many MIDI keyboards and controllers have a USB connection. To connect to
your computer using USB, simply plug one end of the USB cable into the USB jack on your
MIDI keyboard or standalone MIDI interface, and plug the other end into your computer. Be
sure to install any software drivers that came with your MIDI keyboard or interface.
•
Standard MIDI Cable.
MIDI keyboards and interfaces usually have these jacks even if
they have a USB connection. First, you will want to check your audio device to see if it has
MIDI in and out connections. If it does not, you may have to add a stand-alone MIDI interface
to connect from your MIDI keyboard to your computer. If your MIDI keyboard or controller
has a USB connection, it will be easier to set up using the USB connection. For setup
instructions, please refer to the manual or instructions included with your MIDI device.
Microphone
Computer Sound Card
(or external audio interface)
Headphones or Speakers
USB MIDI Keyboard
USB connection
Microphone input
