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DIY: MIDI Interface

A musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) is the electronic connection that allows communication between MIDI devices. The basic MIDI system consists of three components: a MIDI controller, which is often a computer or MIDI sequencer; a MIDI instrument, such as a synthesizer or sound module; and a MIDI interface cable, which enables communication between the two other devices. Various MIDI cable options are available, including universal serial bus (USB), Gameport and five-pin MIDI Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) connections. The type of MIDI interface cable required depends upon the available communication ports on the controller and instrument.

Things You'll Need

  • MIDI controller
  • MIDI instrument
  • MIDI interface cable
  • Manufacturer's instructions for components
  • MIDI sequencing software (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Connect MIDI Devices

    • 1
      Shut down all devices before attempting to connect them.

      Turn off the MIDI controller and MIDI instrument.

    • 2
      A USB port is a common MIDI connection point on a computer.

      Connect a MIDI interface cable to the MIDI controller. The cable could be a universal serial bus (USB), the Gameport on a computer or the MIDI in/out ports on a MIDI sequencer.

    • 3
      Sound card with MIDI in and out ports on its right side

      Connect the MIDI interface cable to the MIDI instrument. Most MIDI instruments have MIDI in and MIDI out connections.

    • 4
      It is safe to turn on connnected MIDI devices.

      Turn on the MIDI controller and MIDI instrument

    Configure and Test MIDI Devices

    • 5
      The manufacturer's manual will help with setup.

      Configure the MIDI instrument. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to enable general MIDI communication on the MIDI-compatible instrument.

    • 6
      A home computer is a common MIDI controller.

      Configure the MIDI controller. A MIDI sequencer has preloaded software. If you use a home computer as the controller, then install MIDI sequencing software on the computer. MIDI software is often included with MIDI instruments, or it can be downloaded for free various software websites. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to enable general MIDI communication and for setup of the MIDI in and MIDI out settings on the MIDI controller.

    • 7
      The MIDI controller must communicate with the MIDI instrument.

      Test the controller's MIDI out and the instrument's MIDI in function. Open and play a sample MIDI file on the MIDI controller. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to play sample files. If the MIDI instrument plays the sample song, then the MIDI out function on the controller and MIDI in function on the instrument work correctly.

    • 8
      Take time to learn the MIDI sequencer or MIDI software recording functions.

      Press "Record" on the MIDI controller. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions about how to record MIDI files on the MIDI controller.

    • 9
      MIDI software can record music in standard notation.

      Play a sample song or a few musical notes on the MIDI instrument. The MIDI controller should respond to the MIDI instrument and record the song. If the MIDI controller responds to the MIDI instrument, then the instrument's MIDI out function and the controller's MIDI in function work correctly.

    • 10
      Most MIDI controllers and software have "Play," "Stop" and "Record" buttons.

      Press "Stop" on the MIDI controller. Refer to manufacturer's instructions to stop recording if necessary.

    • 11
      MIDI controllers can store hundreds of MIDI files.

      Save the recorded MIDI file on the MIDI controller. Refer to manufacturer's instructions.

    • 12

      Press the "Play" button on the MIDI controller to hear what was recorded. If you can play a recorded MIDI file, then the MIDI system should be configured correctly.

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