If you own an audio interface, it may include a MIDI interface with the traditional 5-pin DIN ports. There are two ways you can get a MIDI interface… You’ll learn all about the capabilities of MIDI keyboards, what they are good for and what they are not, and whether one will fit in with your personal musical needs. If so, then definitely check out my “ Is a MIDI keyboard worth it?” article. This is probably best explained by a diagram… Connecting a MIDI keyboard to a PC via a MIDI InterfaceĪs a side note, you may be reading this article because you are considering putting together a home studio setup with a MIDI keyboard as part of it. The MIDI interface usually connects to the computer via USB. The other end of the cable needs to be plugged into the MIDI IN port of a MIDI interface that is connected to your computer. The type of cable you need is a 5-pin DIN cable, such as this one from Amazon – 5-pin DIN MIDI cable (affiliate link). To do this, you connect one end of a traditional MIDI cable to the MIDI OUT of your keyboard.
EXTERNAL USB AUDIO INTERFACE FOR INPUT SOFTWARE
You can connect your MIDI keyboard to your computer so that your keyboard can play software instruments, or to record the keyboard via MIDI into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). MIDI Keyboards typically have two MIDI ports MIDI IN and MIDI OUT.
EXTERNAL USB AUDIO INTERFACE FOR INPUT HOW TO
How to connect a MIDI keyboard to a computer via a MIDI interface
If you are interested in checking out the best computer music gear such as interfaces, software, computer accessories, etc., you can find them at (affiliate link) by clicking here. This takes you through the basics, giving you a clear, simple step-by-step guide to making your first recordings.
If you are relatively new to home recording, I highly recommend you check out my beginner’s guide to recording music at home. You may well be wanting to connect your keyboard to your computer to record it. So we need a physical connection from the MIDI OUT of the keyboard to the computer. To do this, the MIDI information saying what notes to play needs to get from the keyboard into the instrument software. These range from traditional keyboard instruments such as pianos, electric pianos, organs and synths, to percussive instruments such as drums, to orchestral instruments like strings, woodwind and brass. MIDI keyboards can be used to play a multitude of software instruments inside your computer.