Plan out your MIDI connections. A General MIDI keyboard can be used to control notes that are then sent to a sound-generating device such as a computer, or the keyboard can be used to produce sound with General MIDI data sent from elsewhere. Any number of other General MIDI devices can be used to control signals, output or modify sound, or both.
Check the connections on all devices. Some devices have a USB port for sending and receiving data. Others have a series of MIDI jacks ("MIDI Out," "MIDI In" and "MIDI Thru"). If you are connecting a device that has a MIDI port to one with only USB, you will need a converter. Many types of MIDI-to-USB converters are available, for a range of possible applications. If you have a large number of connections, a MIDI hub or interface can be a good way to simplify and manage your MIDI chain. Many hubs and interfaces also convert MIDI to USB, or vice-versa.
Connect your MIDI chain. If a device is sending General MIDI data to another device, run a cable from that device's "MIDI Out" jack to the desired receptor's "MIDI In" jack. Likewise, if a device is receiving General MIDI data, connect the cable over which that data is sent to that device's MIDI In jack.
Configure the MIDI In/Out settings on your devices, if necessary. If you are using a keyboard or other General MIDI instrument, this is usually not necessary. If you are using a computer, you may need to configure some port and sound card settings. Select the desired input and output settings corresponding to General MIDI. If you are using a large MIDI hub, you may need additional configuration needed on that device as well.