Arch Linux

build

Member

Registered: 2009-03-05

Posts: 15

Need advice for connecting MIDI-apparat to pc

Hello,

I have a digital piano which i want to connect to my computer. So i can use some software to record notes being played.

Which would be the most obvious way in connecting it? Just a MIDI-USB data cable (or a MIDI-Gameport. I still have an old SBLive) or do I need to buy an MIDI interface like for example a M-Audio MIDIman?

Is there anyone who could give advice in what is the easiest way? Because I dont want to spend weeks on how to get things working. I had that before with other stuff

Thanks.

owain

Member

From: Manchester, UK

Registered: 2009-08-24

Posts: 260

Re: Need advice for connecting MIDI-apparat to pc

Before you worry about adaptors, check the back of the piano - it might have a USB port, in which case just connect with a regular USB cable and have it picked up by the kernel as a MIDI input.  Failing that, the old soundcard should do the trick, or the most basic items such as the M-Audio Uno (inline MIDI-to-USB adaptor) will work - search the AUR for the firmware tools for that one.  Some of the cheap ones have shocking latency, though.

Cilph

Member

Registered: 2011-05-01

Posts: 29

Re: Need advice for connecting MIDI-apparat to pc

A Midi-USB cable will work, but be wary of any cheap brands as this can give problems with unofficial extensions like Yamaha's XG or Roland's GS (or like above, high latency) I have an E-MU X-midi 1x1 USB Tab myself. Works fine with my keyboard, both ways, but I can't transfer any songs into the database (not sure whether it's the cable of Yamaha's crappy software).

Last edited by Cilph (2011-09-02 01:50:37)