| To quickly summarize what you might already know, | | | | your computer (and thus your software). |
| MIDI is a computer language that allows two different | | | | The best option for connecting a MIDI device to your |
| instruments, hardware/software, or any combination | | | | computer is to purchase a USB to MIDI interface. This |
| thereof to communicate. One thing to stress is that it is | | | | is usually a small electronic device about the size of a |
| a computer language, and so there is no audio involved | | | | cable modem or router. It will have MIDI ports for your |
| in this process. Computers speak to one another | | | | keyboard, etc. and then connect to your computer |
| through a series of 1s and 0s, and that is all any music | | | | using a USB cable - the most widely used connection |
| made through MIDI is doing. | | | | for computers (the U stands for Universal). Often it is |
| MIDI cables and interfaces do not look like anything | | | | more than just plugging in the cables, as the USB |
| else out there (except maybe XLR). A MIDI cable is | | | | interface will require you to install drivers to work with |
| relatively thin, but its ends are round and fat, and if you | | | | your computer - these are the same kinds of drivers |
| look at the connection side, you will basically see a | | | | you need when connecting any piece of hardware to |
| circle with 4 needles poking out of it - these ends of | | | | your computer like your printer, mouse, etc. Make sure |
| the cable connect to MIDI ports that will have | | | | to check the compatibility of the interface with |
| corresponding holes for those needles. Modern | | | | whatever operating system you're running (Windows |
| keyboards, synthesizers and drum machines usually | | | | 98, Vista, Mac, etc.). |
| have MIDI ports on them, and prospective buyers | | | | Your keyboard/synthesizer/drum machine will have a |
| should definitely check before purchasing one. Even if | | | | MIDI 'Out' port on it. Plug your MIDI cable into this and |
| you do not use MIDI with your hardware now, once | | | | the other end into the MIDI 'In' port on your USB |
| you have learned how beneficial it can be you will | | | | interface. Make sure the interface is connected to the |
| most certainly start. Most computers made today | | | | computer via USB, install all drivers, plug everything in |
| (unless custom built) do NOT have MIDI ports on them, | | | | and you should be ready to go. |
| thus requiring a separate interface to connect MIDI to | | | | |