- How to test MIDI devices<\/strong><\/a>
- Use a MIDI utility to monitor MIDI data<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Connecting USB vs. MIDI<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Reconnect USB MIDI devices<\/strong><\/a>
- Does the computer detect your MIDI device?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Reconfigure USB connections: ports and hubs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Reinstall driver software<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- MIDI connections and routing<\/strong><\/a>
- Check MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU connections<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- MIDI keyboard setu<\/strong><\/a>p<\/a><\/strong> guides<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- DAW controller setup guides<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to test MIDI devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Musicians all over the world have MIDI devices, but what do you do when they don\u2019t work? Sometimes reconnecting a USB cable<\/a> can resolve the issue, while other times, a MIDI setting might need to be changed. Since each MIDI device and configuration are different, we troubleshoot MIDI problems by using a MIDI test utility<\/a> and then taking the appropriate steps for either USB or MIDI connections<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nUse a MIDI utility to monitor MIDI data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re troubleshooting MIDI devices, you need to know whether it and its MIDI data are detected. To do that, we recommend using a MIDI utility app. A MIDI utility app will display detailed information about each MIDI message (port, channel, CC#, and value). For example, if your MIDI device isn\u2019t selectable in the software and its information doesn\u2019t show up in the MIDI utility, then the device may need to be reconnected, reset, or reinstalled. If the device and its MIDI data show up in the utility, then reconfiguring the software is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Connect and power on your MIDI device.<\/li>
- Download the MIDI utility for your OS:
- PC: MIDI-OX<\/a><\/li>
- Mac: MIDI Monitor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Open the Downloads folder and launch the MIDI utility app to test your device:<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI-OX (PC)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Double-click the midioxse.exe <\/strong>file.<\/li>
- Open the Input Monitor<\/em> window by clicking View <\/strong>and selecting Input Monitor.<\/em><\/li>
- Open the Options <\/em>menu and click MIDI Devices<\/strong>. Select your MIDI device(s) input and output ports, and click OK<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Use the keys, pads, buttons, or encoders to see their corresponding MIDI data values.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI Monitor (Mac)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Double-click the MIDIMonitor.zip<\/strong> file. Move the newly created MIDI Monitor file to the Applications <\/em>folder and then double-click it to launch the app.<\/li>
- Open the Sources drop-down menu and click MIDI Sources<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Click the check-box beside each MIDI device you want to monitor. We recommend only checking the device(s) which needs testing.<\/li>
- Use the keys, pads, buttons, or encoders to see their corresponding MIDI data values.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nConnecting USB vs. MIDI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MIDI devices will connect to your computer either via USB or MIDI. While most will work just fine over MIDI, some require (or only have) USB connections. Once connected, check that your MIDI device is detected in your software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
USB<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Continue to troubleshoot USB MIDI connections.<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
USB is common and often used because it can provide power to bus-powered<\/a> controllers. That means the device is both connected and powered from the same USB port. Many MIDI devices have an additional power jack for connecting an external power supply<\/a>, which is useful when using a MIDI connection instead of USB.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nMIDI<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Another option is to connect via MIDI cables<\/a> to a MIDI<\/a> or audio interface\u2019s<\/a> MIDI ports<\/a>. When connected this way, the MIDI device will show up as the interface\u2019s MIDI port instead of its USB device identity. Keep in mind that since MIDI does not provide bus power, you will need either USB power or a wall wart power adapter to turn the device on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Continue to troubleshoot MIDI connections.<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"MIDI](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2019\/03\/MIDI-USB-DIAGRAM.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUSB MIDI connections<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nReconnect MIDI devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Computer audio production usually involves connecting a few USB devices to your computer. Sometimes the connections become out-of-sync and a device needs reconnected. Unplugging its USB connection and plugging it back in will often do the trick. If not, you will need to reconfigure the USB connection and then reinstall any required driver software. Before you do, check to see if the computer detects your MIDI device.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes the computer detect your MIDI device?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Device Manager (PC) and System Information (Mac) utilities are handy for investigating device connections, software specs, and other essential information on your computer. In audio production, we use these menus to check that each device is connected and communicating with the rest of the system. If your MIDI device does not appear in the utility, consider reconnecting the cable, connecting it directly to your computer, or trying a different USB port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPC: Device Manager<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Right-click the Windows icon and choose Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Select Sound, video and game controllers<\/strong> and locate your device.<\/li>
- Right-click your device and choose Properties <\/strong>to uninstall the device and view driver details.
- (optional)<\/em> If it shows up as an unknown device or with a yellow exclamation mark, uninstall the MIDI device and reinstall the device\u2019s driver software.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Mac: System Information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
- Click the Apple <\/strong>icon, then hold the option key and click System Information\u2026.<\/strong><\/li>
- Under Hardware<\/em>, select the type of port that your MIDI device is plugged into (e.g., USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire, etc.).<\/li>
- Locate and view the status of your MIDI device.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf your MIDI device is not detected, continue to reconfigure USB connections<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nReconfigure USB connections: ports and hubs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your MIDI device does not appear, let\u2019s try reconfiguring the USB connections. Although hubs are a convenient way to connect multiple devices to the same USB port, they may prevent the MIDI device from communicating with your computer (especially with passive hubs). While larger MIDI devices can have dedicated power supplies, others are bus powered from the computer. If your USB devices draw more power than your hub can provide, you may experience a loss of connectivity. For best results, use a powered hub that has its own power supply adapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow the steps below and check the Device Manager\/System Information window and MIDI monitor app to view the status of your MIDI device.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Disconnect and reconnect the MIDI device. Test the device.<\/li>
- Disconnect and reconnect to a USB port directly on your computer. Test the device.<\/li>
- Disconnect all other USB devices. Test the device.<\/li>
- Restart the computer. Test the device.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
If your device is still not detected, continue to reinstall driver software<\/a>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nReinstall driver software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many MIDI devices are class-compliant<\/a>, which means you don\u2019t have to install anything for them to get a MIDI connection. If your device isn\u2019t class-compliant, that means you will need to install the driver software to make it work. Even if you\u2019ve already installed the software, sometimes drivers need to be updated or reinstalled to restore connectivity. To reconnect your MIDI device, download the latest compatible driver version, install it, and restart your computer.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n- Power off and disconnect your MIDI device from the computer.<\/li>
- Visit the MIDI device\u2019s website or go to our driver index to locate and download the driver software.<\/li>
- Open the Downloads <\/em>folder and run the installer file.<\/li>
- Once installed and\/or updated, restart your system in the following order:
- Connect USB and MIDI devices.<\/li>
- Power on USB and MIDI devices.<\/li>
- Power on the computer.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI device connections and routing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MIDI cables are another way to connect MIDI devices. While MIDI connections do not require USB ports to transmit MIDI data, the devices will still need to be powered, either from their included power adapter or a USB Power Distribution supply<\/a>. Continue below to check your controller\u2019s MIDI connections<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nCheck MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU connections<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, double-check that each MIDI device cable is connected to the correct ports. Input devices like MIDI keyboards will connect their MIDI OUT port to the other MIDI device\u2019s MIDI IN port. MIDI THRU ports connect to INPUT ports and will pass on any data received from their own device\u2019s INPUT port. Problems with the software configuration are more common than MIDI device failure. For virtual instruments, make sure the MIDI controller is selected as the MIDI or instrument track\u2019s input. If your MIDI devices are connected but not triggering the correct features or instruments, they might be assigned to the wrong channel. Check your MIDI device\u2019s user manual for more information about changing its MIDI channels or resetting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI device output settings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some devices have a setting for enabling\/disabling the MIDI output port. Check your controller\u2019s user manual for more information about this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Check that each MIDI OUT or THRU port of your device is connected to the correct MIDI IN port.
- OUT <\/strong>connects to IN<\/strong><\/li>
- THRU <\/strong>connects to IN<\/strong><\/li>
- IN <\/strong>connects to OUT<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Use a MIDI utility to monitor MIDI data and test your controller.<\/li>
- If the signal does not pass correctly, consider the following:
- Reassign the device\u2019s MIDI channel or reset it.<\/li>
- Update the DAW\u2019s MIDI track IN <\/strong>and OUT <\/strong>routing.<\/li>
- If no signal passes, try another MIDI cable.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n
Keyboard and DAW controller setup guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIDI keyboard setup guides<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n- Pro Tools<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Cubase<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
- Studio One<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Ableton Live<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n- FL Studio<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Reason<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Digital Performer<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Bitwig Studio<\/a><\/strong> <\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDAW controller setup guides<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n - Reason<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Cubase<\/a><\/strong><\/li>
- If no signal passes, try another MIDI cable.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- THRU <\/strong>connects to IN<\/strong><\/li>
- OUT <\/strong>connects to IN<\/strong><\/li>
- Check that each MIDI OUT or THRU port of your device is connected to the correct MIDI IN port.
- Once installed and\/or updated, restart your system in the following order:
- Under Hardware<\/em>, select the type of port that your MIDI device is plugged into (e.g., USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire, etc.).<\/li>
- Click the Apple <\/strong>icon, then hold the option key and click System Information\u2026.<\/strong><\/li>
- Select Sound, video and game controllers<\/strong> and locate your device.<\/li>
- Right-click the Windows icon and choose Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Continue to troubleshoot MIDI connections.<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Open the Sources drop-down menu and click MIDI Sources<\/strong>.<\/li>
- Open the Input Monitor<\/em> window by clicking View <\/strong>and selecting Input Monitor.<\/em><\/li>
- Mac: MIDI Monitor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- PC: MIDI-OX<\/a><\/li>
- MIDI keyboard setu<\/strong><\/a>p<\/a><\/strong> guides<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Reconfigure USB connections: ports and hubs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Connecting USB vs. MIDI<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Use a MIDI utility to monitor MIDI data<\/strong><\/a><\/li>