MIDI interfaces come in many different shapes\nand sizes, but at their core, they all serve one purpose: to send and receive\nMIDI. So, in this guide, we will show you the ins and outs of a MIDI interface,\nhow it works, and how to get up and running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first MIDI devices shown at the Winter 1983 NAMM show\nconnected to each other via MIDI In and Out ports. That breakthrough was followed by additional developments, including\ncomputer interfaces that could bring MIDI data into, and send it out of, a\ncomputer. When the interface is connected, your computer can send and\nreceive MIDI data. This means you can record MIDI data from an external MIDI\ndevice to your DAW or send MIDI data from your computer to trigger an external\nsynth via MIDI connection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MIDI interfaces are primarily used when you\nhave a larger external MIDI setup and need to connect multiple devices to your\ncomputer. One MIDI port carries 16 channels of MIDI data, so if you have an\n8-port MIDI interface, 128 MIDI channels are available for use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the MIDI interface, you can also\nsplit the MIDI input into multiple MIDI Thru ports, expanding on advanced\nrouting options that will let you get more creative with your studio\nsetup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n