Turn off your computer.
Plug the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) cable into the "MIDI Out" port of the keyboard controller you're using. This can be just a controller, meaning that there's no sound coming from it, or a keyboard that does have sounds on it. The advantages of having just a controller is that controllers generally have more controls that can be synced to the virtual streaming technology instrument (VSTi ). On the other hand, if the controller keyboard does have some good sounds you want to use, then you can actually play them at the same time you're playing the VSTi, effectively layering the sound as you play.
Plug the other end of the MIDI cable into the "MIDI In" port of the MIDI interface.
Turn on the computer. If the drivers for the MIDI interface haven't been installed, then once the computer has booted up completely, go to the website of the manufacturer, download and install the latest drivers and reboot.
Open the digital audio workstation (DAW) and insert a VSTi into a track. Activate as a MIDI track and make sure that the channel is the same as the MIDI interface input that you have the keyboard plugged into. This should be plainly labeled on the face or rear of the interface.
Turn on the keyboard. You might have to set the "MIDI Out" to be active within the keyboard if you're using a keyboard with sound.
Set the latency under the audio options. This will vary depending on the model of the DAW. They're normally under a pull-down menu called "Tools," "Preferences" or "Options."
Play the keyboard. You should be able to hear the sound from the VSTi. If not, watch the indicator lights for the track to see if you're getting a signal. Check the connections to ensure they're secure.