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How to Use My Synthesizer as a Controller

A synthesizer allows you to play music and manipulate the audio frequencies so that you can get precisely the right sound for your project. If you have a digital synthesizer, though, you can also use it as a MIDI controller. In other words, you can connect it to a computer or MIDI sound module and use the keys on the MIDI keyboard to play music on the external device. This will not work with analog synthesizers. If you do not know whether you have a digital or analog synth, just look along the back panel. A digital synthesizer should have two or three round ports marked "MIDI."

Things You'll Need

  • MIDI cable
  • MIDI receiver
  • MIDI USB interface
  • Digital recording software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect a MIDI cable to your synthesizer. Your digital synthesizer should have three accessible ports: "MIDI In," "MIDI Out" and "MIDI-Thru." (Some do not have "MIDI Thru.") Because you intend to use your synthesizer as a controller (output device), connect your cable to the "MIDI Out."

    • 2

      Connect the opposing end of your cable to your receiver. Any MIDI-input device can function as a receiver, such as a second synthesizer, a sequencer, a sampler, a sound module or even your home computer. Insert the cable connector into the "MIDI In" port. If you want to use your computer, first attach a MIDI USB interface to one of your USB ports (you can find these at stores specializing in musical equipment). The "MIDI In" port will appear on the interface.

    • 3

      Turn on your synthesizer and your receiver. If using your computer as a receiver, open a digital MIDI recording program such as Audition, Logic, Reason, ACID, GarageBand or Pro Tools.

    • 4

      Open the "Settings" or "Configuration" menu on your synthesizer. Depending on the model, you may see a button near the LCD screen that reads "Options" or "Settings." Locate your MIDI settings and choose the "Send" option. Digital synthesizers have both "Send" and "Receive" options for MIDI, meaning that you can send MIDI notes to an external device or receive MIDI input from an external device. But in order to send MIDI, you must enable this option.

    • 5

      Play any note on your keyboard synthesizer. If your receiver responds by playing the sound, you have established a successful connection. If your receiver does not make a sound, check the volume on your receiver. Then check the "MIDI Channel" menu (or knob) on each device and set each device to the same channel (any channel between 1 and 16). If that fails, check your MIDI connections again.

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Digital Music

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