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