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The USB MIDI Is Not Recognized

MIDI gives electronic musicians the ability to network between digital instruments and recording devices, such as synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, sequencers and controllers. For instance, a musician might use a keyboard for playing notes, connected externally to sound module for generating sound. In recent years, computers have also become MIDI friendly, thanks to compatible digital audio software. Some MIDI devices come equipped with built-in USB cables for easy connections, but if your computer fails to recognize your MIDI USB device, you might have one of several common issues.

Things You'll Need

  • MIDI driver installation disc
  • Digital audio software
  • MIDI cable
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install the necessary driver. Most USB MIDI adapters include an installation disc with the packaging. The installer places the necessary driver on your computer, allowing the PC to communicate with the adapter. Try reinstalling the driver if you installed it already or check the manufacturer's website for driver downloads.

    • 2

      Install a MIDI-compatible program. In order for your computer to recognize a MIDI source, you must open a program that recognizes and interprets MIDI signals. You can access MIDI instruments using most major audio workstations, including Audacity, Audition, Cubase, GarageBand, Logic, ProTools and Reason. If you do not have a MIDI-friendly audio program installed, you can choose from among numerous free programs, such as Audacity, Ardour and Traverso DAW.

    • 3

      Open your software settings, usually accessed from your menu bar and appearing under the name "Settings," "Options" "Preferences" or "Setup." In many cases, you will need to specifically assign your MIDI USB device as an input device, under your "Input" or "MIDI" settings.

    • 4

      Check the connection. Some USB adapters and keyboards require considerable power in order to run properly. If you connect to a weak USB port, you might not have sufficient power to maintain the USB device. Try connecting your USB cable to a different port on the computer and avoid using external USB hubs and keyboard USB ports.

    • 5

      Restart your computer. If you connected your USB device with the computer running, you might need to restart in order to automatically detect new connected devices. Leave the device plugged in, restart your computer and check the connection again.

    • 6

      Check your external MIDI connections. If using a MIDI USB adapter, you should have at least two jacks: one labeled "MIDI In" and one labeled "MIDI Out." In order to transmit signals to your computer from an external device (through the adapter), you must ensure that the MIDI cable connects to the "MIDI In" jack on the adapter and to the "MIDI Out" jack on the second device (which might include a MIDI keyboard, drum machine or other digital instrument).

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