Arts >> Music >> Digital Music

MIDI to USB Not Showing Up on MIDI Music Playback

A MIDI-to-USB adapter is essential for connecting traditional MIDI instruments and other hardware to a PC. While some newer MIDI workstations and controllers contain built-in USB ports, many MIDI devices still contain only the traditional "MIDI In," "MIDI Out" and "MIDI Thru" ports, unsupported by the typical home computer. If you want to connect these devices to your PC for digital recording or sequencing purposes, a MIDI-to-USB adapter can bridge the gap. If your adapter fails to work properly, your problem likely lies within your configuration.

Things You'll Need

  • MIDI cable
  • MIDI-to-USB software driver
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Install the latest driver for your MIDI-to-USB interface on your computer. Most interfaces include a software CD, which includes a driver that you must install before using your interface. If using an old interface on a newer computer, you may need to visit the manufacturer's website and download an updated driver.

    • 2

      Check the configuration of your audio recording software. Click "Options," "Settings" or "Preferences" on your menu bar, and select your audio input options. Some programs will lump together the input and output options on a main "Audio" tab. When you locate your input options, select your MIDI-to-USB interface from the list of inputs.

    • 3

      Disconnect your interface from the USB port and connect it to a different USB port. Some interfaces require excessive bus power, especially those not using an AC adapter. If one USB port has a weak charge, it may fail to establish a connection with your interface. Try using different ports, but only use those appearing directly on your PC, and not on an extrernal USB hub or PC keyboard.

    • 4

      Verify your MIDI connections. For MIDI music playback, you must have a five-pin MIDI cable connected to the port labeled "MIDI Out" on your MIDI keyboard (or other instrument), and to the port labeled "MIDI In" on your MIDI-to-USB interface. Any other connection will render you unable to transmit MIDI from your instrument to your PC.

    • 5

      Select a sound for your MIDI instrument. MIDI consists of digital-note data and not raw sound. To achieve music playback, you must assign an instrument sound to your MIDI device. On your digital recording software window, create a MIDI track by selecting the "New Track" or "Create Track" option and selecting "MIDI" as the track type. You should find this on your menu bar, under the "Options," "Track" or "Edit" menu. After creating your track, assign an instrument sound to it by locating the corresponding "Software Synthesizers, "Virtual Instruments" or "Voices." These may also appear on your menu bar, or on a drop-down menu appearing directly on the track (usually in the left column).

+:
+:

Digital Music

Related Categories