Have a look at this diagram, there is quite a lot to take in but let's take each part seperately...
Now, let's start by dividing your connections into 2 seperate categories.
You have MIDI connections and Audio connections, these are both seperate and should be treated as such.
MIDI Connections
Let's first connect your MIDI keyboard to the computer soundcard MIDI interface.
- Assuming you have a soundcard with MIDI IN/OUT Connections or an external USB MIDI thru box that is already installed - using a MIDI lead, connect
the MIDI OUT from your keyboard to the MIDI IN of your computer MIDI interface.
- Connect the MIDI IN of your keyboard to the MIDI OUT of your computer interface. This allows you 2-way transmission of MIDI. What does that mean?
I hear you think...Well, if you're using a sequencer package like Cubase for example and the sound you use to record with, say piano, comes from the keyboard itself then
you'll want the computer to playback the piano sound. This is the reason you would connect the MIDI OUT from the computer back to the keyboard. To play out the recorded MIDI information
and trigger the piano sound - This is a whole chapter all of it's own which I will cover shortly. e-mail me if you want help!
- OK, hopefully you've got your MIDI connections setup correctly. MIDI is now Complete! Put the kettle on.
Audio Connections - IMPORTANT Switch OFF before connecting audio connections Or say ta-ta to your gear!
Before you continue, I am assuming you have a basic grasp of connections and I won't accept responsibility for damaged equipment! OK, I'm covered...Let's continue -
If you don't have a keyboard with its own speakers then you will want to either use headphones or a mixing desk connected to an amp and speakers.
As there are so many ways of connecting up I'm going to try and show you a simple method using a mixing desk and regular home stereo.
- Connect the Line Out(Left) from the keyboard to the mixing desk - channel 1 input (turn the pan control button on the desk all the way to the left)
- Connect the Line Out(Right) from the keyboard to the mixing desk - channel 2 input (turn the pan control button on the desk all the way to the Right) - This will now allow you to
hear in stereo - the way the sounds were initially programmed on the keyboard (assuming you are using a stereo preset!).
- Connect your mixing desk Outputs (left and right) to your stereo amplifier (aux) inputs or CD inputs. Of course, I'm assuming you've connected speakers to your stereo and switched the Aux or CD button
on your amplifier to monitor the incoming audio signal.
Need a sequencer package and well written book? Check this out - It's everything you need for MIDI sequencing
So now you should have achieved:
- Connection of your MIDI equipment.
- Connecting your audio so that you can hear (monitor)!
- Well done, that wasn't too difficult. If you had any problems let me know by e-mail and I'll add some more info!
questions@canmoremedia.com
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