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How to Connect an Old MIDI Synthesizer to a Notebook PC

Vintage MIDI synthesizers remain popular among electronic music enthusiasts for their classic analog sound. Whereas you once needed devices like hardware sequencers to program notes from a MIDI synth, you can now plug the device into your notebook PC and record music digitally. Since notebooks have fewer ports than many desktop computers, you will need to use USB for connectivity.

Things You'll Need

  • MIDI Synthesizer
  • MIDI cable
  • MIDI-to-USB converter cable
  • Notebook PC
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect one end of your MIDI cable into the "MIDI Out" port on the back of your MIDI synthesizer. This will allow you to send signals from the synth to your notebook. If you do not know which port to use, look directly above the two MIDI ports on your synthesizer. You should see the words "MIDI Out" and "MIDI In".

    • 2

      Connect the other end of your MIDI cable into the "MIDI In" slot on your MIDI-to-USB converter cable.

    • 3

      Plug the USB converter cable into any free USB port on your notebook PC. To test your connectivity, open any digital audio software with MIDI capabilities, such as Logic, Cubase, GarageBand or Pro Tools, and begin sending signals by pressing notes on your synthesizer.

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Digital Music

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