USB & MIDI: Everything you need to know to get it right (USB MIDI Host vs Interface explained)

[@richarquis]

"You get to keep your ball." Your videos are always supremely informative and onto it, but every now and then, you throw in these wonderful little jokes. I always look forward to when and what the next one will be.

[@dennislacroix9962]

I'm glad this is one of your most viewed videos. People need to know all of this stuff.

[@hungryformusik]

Thank you so much for this explanation. I just spent two hours in Media Markt this morning and nobody could explain me that a MIDI host is needed for my purpose. I'm glad that I walked out with empty hands. Great video!

[@niktonpanaflex7831]

This is great. I’d have saved so much time and money had this been all explained so simply to me four years ago. This will be extremely helpful for people. Thank you.

[@thomasschmitz3765]

You nailed it! I thought I knew a thing or two about MIDI, but you taught me wrong. For the first time I now get an idea of how I should set up my four MIDI devices on my own by making use of your tricks and hints. Plus, the video is very well made, and that does not just refer to the clear picture, great camera setup and the clear audio, but also to the permanent timeline tabs on the left. Absolutely brilliant stuff, thank you so much for making and sharing. Subscribed :-)

[@melodiac]

Ziv. I really appreciate the time you've taken to provide this information. I have accumulated 40 years of midi keyboards and devices and still have something to learn. I will definitely share this with all my midi friends. Thank you. Ange C

[@richardrife1942]

Thank you! I was perplexed by the multiple MIDI ports on my SLMk iii (as I've been out of the midi loop for years) but your vid answered all my questions. Now I don't to write the manufacturer, who likely wouldn't respond in any event. Great job, sir!

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Sir, I am so glad this KZbin algorithm finally steered me to this, as I have been researching MIDI like a madman for a week. You've just kept me from wasting even more time and money. Beautifully explained....I now 'get it'. Thank you very much. You bet, I 'liked' and 'subscribed'.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Thanks to you I was able to order the correct controller keyboard, one w/ legacy MIDI as I want to trigger a bass synth module. I almost bought a controller w/ MIDI over USB thinking I could use a Roland UM1.......but now I know about device/host w/ USB. BTW: I am not even a keyboard player, I'm just putting together a small studio for people to come over and jam or write. You not only saved me money but a major headache. Much appreciated.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

If your keyboards and synths are “class compliant “ meaning you can use them on your computer, without installing a driver for them, You can plug them into a usb hub, then into an iPad , with camera adapter kit, to record/playback and rout your MIDI signals to the attached devices. If you already have an iPad/iPhone you can use as a host, an inexpensive USB hub, can be a very powerful USB midi merging, splitting, filtering and routing option.

[@jas_bataille]

Interesting. Shame the camera kit is so damn flimsy.

[@frenchismexican]

You are an audio wizard! Thanks for sharing these helpful tips. I'm just learning to route midi across laptop and analog devices. The bluetooth trick is WILD!

[@nigelrogers8690]

For a newb like me this is golden 👍🏾 Thanks for sharing. For someone who obviously has a deep understanding of these things, u have a great way of explaining and demonstrating it to viewers without assuming any prior knowledge 👏🏾 This saved me hours, if not days of head scratching 🙏🏾

[@koubeats4842]

OMG what a video! This is the best video in youtube or anywhere else (for musicians, composers, songwriters, music producers, beat-makers, sound designers, sound and recording engineers, etc etc) in this planet. Period. This guy can be the director of the video department in Yamaha, Roland, and all music electronics companies at the same time!!!

[@martintremethick8370]

Why can’t everyone doing a ‘how to’ video explain it as clearly as you! I had exactly this question but the info was more confusing. Excellent.

[@st0rmchild]

Loopop is the best in the business.

[@herranton]

Your voice and vocal cadence are so soothing. Very much reminiscent of cgp grey. And the info is presented well, just like cgp grey. Thanks for doing the youtube thing, your videos are super helpful.

[@tusk1_]

All your videos are so good man. Keep up the great work. You're like the go-to music gear tutorial spot for me on youtube.

[@kedro5]

THANK YOU! I just got a Moog Minitaur today and once I figured out how to use it with my MIDI keyboard I thought, "do I really have to pass this through the computer?" Glad to know that not only are there much more portable solutions out there but also that the basic logic of working with MIDI devices is much simpler than it seems.

[@EchoKraft]

Great video for both beginners and professionals!

[@MattMcConaha]

The organization of this content and clear timestamps is wonderful.

[@dccasey1]

This was a great video. It answered many of my questions, involving usb and midi, that I was struggling to find answers for. That includes questions I had about my own gear. I now know how i can use my Casio cdp-s100 digital piano as a controller for my Korg Volca Keys synth with a midi/usb host. Im very excited about this. I didnt even know if it was possible until I watched this video. Thanks for the help!

[@timmydillard1633]

I’m trying to use my Volca Keys as well! Are you using a computer? Or a separate usb/midi host?

[@microsoap2858]

I had to face this problem 3 weeks ago when I bought a Prophet desktop synth. I realized that most of professionals in music stores had no idea about it and were confusing usb to midi cable and midi host. In the US I finally found a midiplus midi host on Amazon. Works perfectly but was hard to find 😱. Very good video ! :)

[@BlazshoNikolov]

Im ... Amazed. Lost my words somewhere in the clip. The only reason im making a post i to congrats you for the wonderful job done here and how awesome that tutorial is! Amazing!

[@krazywabbit]

Just jumped into the dawless pool and this was struggling. This video was the life preserver I needed. THANK YOU!

[@davmar9923]

Very informative and useful video. I wasn't previously aware that there were standalone USB host devices (but I don't have any such need). One aspect of USB devices that might be important for some devices that was not mentioned in your presentation is the issue of whether the device is "USB class compliant" or not. For a standalone USB host to be usable, any connected device would have to be "USB class compliant". USB devices that are not class compliant require the installation of software drivers specific to that device on a computer, since standalone USB host boxes would not have that capability. Although I have a lot of old school rack mount synths with MIDI I/O on 5-pin DIN cables (which also requires a number of hardware MIDI routing equipment) I do have two devices which use USB I/O. The first is an Akai MPK49 MIDI controller keyboard. The Akai is USB class compliant and requires no drivers to be installed on the studio PC, it is just plug and play. The second product is a Korg Kronos X 88-key workstation that connects to the PC via USB. The Korg is not class compliant and does require the installation of a driver supplied by the manufacturer. Not only does the USB connection carry MIDI I/O, it also carries digital audio I/O.;

[@possiblity8639]

Please midi audio connections, do they Carry noice? this is the issue I'm having using pin cable to keyboard and using earphone pin for laptop only to be experiencing a steady heavy noice. please people should guide me through

[@57muzic]

I'm very happy when I learn something new ( the Yamaha wireless midi device); it may have been out for years, but I wasn't aware of its existence, I really needed one, about thirty year ago thanks for the info, because I still have my Yamaha KX5! Great presentation my friend!

[@giantsparkplug3462]

The "snap" transitions are so smooth!

[@5argetech56]

I have been a MIDI maniac since 1987.... Yamaha PSS-480! which was a fantastic mini keyboard that transmitted & Received, on all 16 channels. Using a QX-21 then a Brother PDC-100. I miss In/Out/Thru... Yes I am old school! Now in my 60's... Peace and Thanks!

[@DivKid]

Thanks for showing us how to keep our ball :) ... great work as always mate!

[@marc.lepage]

Thank you for FINALLY explaining it all! (It's surprisingly hard to google for this level of detail, which explains the confusion out there.)

[@arnauddematte8472]

Your content is just amazing. Great video editing, great flow, and you definitely have that "interesting teacher's voice" we want to listen to 😎 This particular video on midi is a life saver as it clears up a lot of crazy confusion regarding midi over usb. Amazing job 👍

[@sonicaspect7895]

Excellent video on MIDI connectivity, both informative & concise. I'll be sure to link your video to anyone I come across with MIDI gear uncertainties.

[@cougarman8]

Needed this video forever! Thank you so much for making it!! This is why I'm happy to be your patreon supporter!

[@mutmunkel]

Oh thank you man, that was so helpful, finally someone sums it all up what I needed but never understood. This is a real KZbin moment😂

[@tonywang4572]

Thank you so much for making such a good and intuitive video! I watched it again and again everytime I running into trouble to hook something up.

[@maxfrahm8407]

Awesome video!!! I have one idea.. you could like colour the timestamps that are already behind, so you would know where you are. Just an idea! Thanks for your vids I love them!!!!

[@NevilleHayfield]

Bro, your so slick with this ish 👊🔥 and I don't believe for one minute that was it with your finger drumming skills 👏💪👊🔥🔥🔥

[@mrrafsk]

thanks for your videos. love your work.. been intending to get/read your patron pdf’s asap.. a couple of points on this vid: (please correct inaccuracy anyone) 1) usb, particularly micro/mini breaks and falls out easily (solutions are leash’s and camera tape etc) 2) midi over bluetooth is reputed as not being fast enough for rolls/flams? 3) ios rocks as a usb midi host- i like aum with midiflow or streambyter.

[@loopop]

Thanks so much! Re your points: 1. You are right. I have found some cables are better than others. 2. True - data can get lost 3. True :)

[@mikesharpsongs]

I recently purchased a Fishman Triple Play wireless MIDI guitar controller, which transmits from a guitar mount to a USB dongle. I also purchased their FC-1 footswitch control device. There are a couple of ways to send the data between these devices. The USB dongle can be connected to either a computer or iPad (via a USB/camera kit adaptor), or directly into the FC-1, which in turn sends the data over a USB cable to the aforementioned destinations. That way, you can control soft synths on either platform. The problem I have been having is that the FC-1(which allows you to footswitch through presets, add an expression controller, and/or footswitch a hold function) doesn't fully function with the iPad. This is likely due to a lack of MIDI host along the USB cable connection. So today I purchased a Keith McMillan MIDI Expander to serve this function. Your video has confirmed my hopes and taught me why along the way; thanks & kudos!

[@justingoers]

Essential stuff! I was dying for a video like this about a year ago when all these connections seemed so mysterious! Thanks!

[@Bikewithlove]

I had the original Korg MonoPoly a while back, sold it for Ableton and the MonoPoly VST, which is great. Along comes Behinger with an improved remake of the MonoPoly, so I got one and I love it. It has MIDI in/out/thru and USB, but it doesn’t like Ableton OR Mackie’s interface. I’m very glad today that I kept my M-Audio O2, because the Behringer Monopoly loves it (MIDI), and the O2 loves Ableton (USB). For the first time in my life, last night, Ableton was repeating a sequence I made of an exerpt from Tangerine Dream’s ‘Ricochet’ on the MonoPoly, courtesy of the M-Audio O2 ☕️

[@JamesBermingham]

This guy knows everything. 👍👏👏👏👏

[@rockhead11]

Thank you for this video! After viewing this I purchased the MIDI host from Hobbytronics. Works great and was about $60. Now I can use my Nektar controller, which only has the USB port with my Roland Boutiques, IPad, QY70, etc.

[@timnordberg7204]

hey this video is an excellent primary resource about the connectivity differences between DIN MIDI and MIDI-over-USB. One thing was missing in my opinion; there was no discussion of latency. My impression is that these latencies differ from device to device, but some basic information and possible testing procedures would have been a major boon so that the end user can test and decide whether DIN or USB is the right choice for them. Maybe in a further video?

[@loopop]

Thanks and indeed that’s an interesting future topic

[@420xsinging4]

Thank you for clearing up my understanding between host vs. midi to midi connection, now I know what type of cable to buy for my midi drums.

[@ToyKeeper]

That BomeBox is interesting. I didn't know it existed though, so I kinda made my own with a raspberry pi. It auto-routes midi data from keyboards to sequencers, and from sequencers to synths, and also does some processing on that data if desired. No companion app or computer is required to configure it though... remapping is done on the fly by sending midi data to it via a "hint" or control track. With two MIDI keyboards attached, one can be used for hints while the other is used for performance, which allows realtime remapping. Or send the hints from a Digitakt so it can remap itself to match the current part of the song. Or toggle a single keyboard between hints and performance as needed. Eventually I'll probably add a touch screen or something, to allow for more advanced configuration... but even without that it's pretty handy so far. My USB MIDI devices are basically plug and play now, and no matter what my song is doing, I can play in the correct key and scale using just the white keys.

[@douglascarmichael4582]

One disadvantage of the BomeBox is that it can only currently present one stream of MIDI data to the host computer via Ethernet. (You can use a separate MIDI channel mapped to each device, but you are limited to 16 channels.) Personally, I use an iConnectivity mio4 (www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/mio4) connected to my Mac via USB, and it works very well for both presenting all my devices (USB and 5-pin) to my Mac as individual MIDI ports as well as remapping the MIDI data from my keyboard so I can control any device directly from it. It also can filter MIDI data (both messages and continuous controllers) as well.

[@konceptikon9272]

How did you do the key mapping for this so that its always in key ? Or what scripts did you use to configure in general?

[@TheOneMonk]

The USB-Which-Side-Where-Puzzle is finally resolved. Thank you Loopop! This is actually the only reason I like USB-C. Finally someone was thinking about the user! Ok, the speed improvement isn‘t too bad either. Perhaps it is also worthwhile to mention the ESI M4U/M8U which is also a fab USB 3.0 MIDI-Interface. (I dont have stakes in it).

[@5argetech56]

Great Vid! I miss my old hardware Sequencers (Yamaha QX-21, QX-5 and Brother PDC-100 32 track, 64 macro) sometimes modern DAW's get in the way of the music flow... I am still getting used to that.

[@lemelstudio]

Conductive Labs' MRCC (MIDI Routing Control Center) is an excellent modern option (2022). They even have a couple of more affordable units coming as well. Maybe even worth updating this video for. Thanks for your continued work educating us!

[@marcuspearson6214]

I have an iconnectivity mio 10, its awesome, I have my 40year old vintage gear retrofitted with midi connnected with my mac, drum machines, and ipad all talking to each other seamlessly

[@perrypelican9476]

There is a very cool gadget called the PUC+. Check it out. You can make any wired keyboard or other controller or MIDI source into a Bluetooth MIDI source. You control it with its own app instead of trying to figure out MIDIFlow. I love MIDIFlow and even more MIDIFire, but not everyone is like you and me. Another cool thing is a midi thru box made by Amptone called MIDI Splitter Box. There are others but this one is powered either by plugging it in or using a 9V battery. So it has one 5 pin DIN MIDI In port and four 5 pin DIN MIDI out ports. The beauty is that there is never any problem that the controller doesn't provide enough juice so the MIDI out is always exactly as expected. Way better than daisy chaining and more reliable than other non-powered thru boxes. I really like your videos. You explain things so clearly with no bull.

[@spybloodjr]

I've been using the Retrokits RK-004 which is a "7 channel MIDI Merger/Splitter, 8 channel Sync-hub and clock processor!" They handle analog clock signals, interface with Raspberry Pi, and have a ton of customizable sysex stuff. Honestly the RK-004's capabilities are daunting and I would love to see you break down one of these things!

[@dchampion5576]

Very good. Love the depth and breadth you go into for each vid.

[@MeerkatMuzic]

Top stuff, really good info.

[@blackbeatsentertainment]

I know it’s a 3yo video, but glad I found it. Been making music since I was in highschool, but I never got into actually having all of what I’d need to start producing like most others. It’s kinda like a Nick Cannon in drum line moment for me (if anyone understands his “issue” with learning music from the plot) everything is pretty much luck and comes by ear, but I’m trying now to actually start where I need too, learn needed software, devices, etc. and I’m still pretty confused but this video is a pretty good start. I just ordered a 25 key MIDI but I was also given a regular Alesis synth for free about a year ago but was never given the cords for it. So now I’m scrambling trying to figure out what I need 😅.

[@mixflame9078]

Very good instructional! You are to be commended!

[@BenA718]

You nailed it! Great video! I had the same issue when trying to slave my BeatStep to my BeatStep Pro without using a computer; a USB/MIDI host just like the one you showed solved the problem. Glad to see this info is out there, I am sure it will help a lot of people.

[@DJdoublevision]

Thank you so much for this vid ,its excellent for me as i've been trying to get into all the music side of things after DJing for 33 yrs ,i bought some roland kit ,and couldn't work it all out connectivity wise ..and trying to stay away from DAW's.i got rid of most of the groovebox's...it was good to have a jam though ...then i went for the Roland Dj 505 ,which i've hardly used ...but has all the Roland drum machines built in ...So i've decided to give it another go ,so been watching more and more videos ,but this has been the most simplest to understand for a Technophobe like myself ,very easy to follow ...now i need an interface and a DAW ....so i can connect everything ...but how do you connect it all to the pc ...is it out of the digitack(?) to the pc ...Via usb to PC ...so you would need either a midi to usb cable ...or end the chain with a usb device to pc ....many thanks

[@jamesedinger4956]

I absolutely love how USB Midi was supposed to make things easier...at least that's the way I remember the discussions in the early days.

[@Subzearo]

If it costs around £50 to buy that MIDI host, why not just buy an audio interface which comes with audio ports as well?

[@tigerboy4516]

Sometimes all audio goes to usb thus Jack's can't be used on the soundcard

[@cranstjs]

I vote that you should make all the how too videos on KZbin! You have mastered the manner and detail. Thanks.

[@AKJ828]

The reason why we always get the usb wrong is because the first try the usb is in super position, the second try it's in wrong position and the third in the right position

[@AndyChannelle]

For hardware I went with the lazy option of a Roland MX-1, lots of Roland gear on USB, USB to PC, and then a USB/Midi hub to connect Launchpads, etc. THE USB/MIDI hub also goes into a standard powered USB hub which allows for connection to an iPad. I don’t know how it all works, but it does. The Yamaha Bluetooth MIDI is great too.

[@CaidicusProductions]

Loopop, while I appreciate your trying to make plugging USB plugs in easier, you're forgetting a very VERY important handicap. It is known that the USB Gods have ensured that nine times out of ten, you'll be plugging a USB wire into a hard to reach port, at the back of a hard to reach device, in the dark. Your tips are all good during observation, but as soon as one goes to plug stuff in, it all gets spooky from there on out, and that's how we end up with the power of three. Try, doesn't work, flip and try, doesn't work, flip and try a third time, taddah! Like magic. Like evil evil magic. It is said this is part of the reason USB C hasn't just instantly replaced both ends of a USB cable, because the contract with the devil hasn't expired yet, so we've been cursed with another decade of cables that are wonderful on one side (usb C) and cursed on the other (USB A). This is Caidicus, bringing you the true trues.

[@dynamicdavid]

Caid Johnson it’s TIME you got yourself a Head-worn LIGHT! 💡

[@hanggarigunawan4213]

unless you're placing your hard to reach device in your darkroom upside down, i'm pretty sure that its USB 'tounge' is on top. so, hold the USB with its USB logo stick to your thumb, and reach to the back.

[@rockhead11]

Caid Johnson. Dang, buddy you’ve got some major issues. If plugging in a USB is that difficult, you might want to stick with LEGOs for a hobby.....wait...don’t play with them in the dark. I feel sorry for your wife

[@junesondrab3833]

PC's have front USB ports too... nice and bright!

[@davidaustin6962]

USB C was never required. All they needed to do is make the USB plug designed so the top side could intuitively be determined by feel. The problem with the either-side up design of the USB C is that it duplicates connectors on either side up, so the number of pinouts is half of what it could be (at the cost) ... and therefore the speed or throughput of USB C could have been a magnitude higher had they opted to use an intuitive (by feel) one-side up instead of an either-side up.

[@ChrisBellingham]

MIDI Host/Device is exactly the information I was missing. I now know how to get my M-Audio keystation to control my Yamaha reface CP. Thank you!

[@waveshapes251]

Should have watched this video a year ago. I've been cursing the unsolvable puzzle of one-way connections... USB it is... Thank you!

[@waveshapes251]

I actually ended up buying Blokas "the midihub" due to continuous issues with latency when trying to run everything via USB-midi and at the same time having both digitakt and digitone via their respective overbridge plugins. Cannot recommend The Midihub enough. Infinite routing options.

[@pinstripesteve]

Thank you for all the videos you make, taking time to explain everything properly. This did clear up a question a lot off us had. Keep up the good work!

[@ionianechoes]

Conclusion: 36 year old old school midi is more advanced than usbmidi

[@loopop]

Yeah - the old school is less advanced, but in terms of direct connectivity, way better for sure

[@ionianechoes]

@@loopop same result+less complex=better

[@loopop]

yep agreed

[@davmar9923]

Not really. All MIDI devices use the MIDI 1.0 serial protocol. MIDI over USB has advantages in that one cable can carry MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and 5 VDC power, a significant reduction in cable clutter. In addition to MIDI I/O and power the same USB cable can also handle digital audio I/O, e.g., as implemented on my Korg Kronos X workstation (in that instance MIDI and audio I/O, not power). I've never seen a PC with a direct 5-pin MIDI I/O. You either have to use a USB device to USB host (the PC) direct connection or a MIDI interface,e.g., a MIDIsport 4X4, that accepts 5-pin MIDI I/O and then connects to the computer via USB. Obviously, if you are not using a computer and only have old MIDI gear with 5-pin DIN I/O then all you need is a pile of MIDI cables, modular power cords and 1/4" phone or XLR cables, if there is any audio output. P.S. MIDI is the acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, midi is the French noun for afternoon.

[@simonjefferytaylor]

​@@davmar9923er no

[@ericrankin4165]

I literally just had that little epiphany about usb cables two days ago. Now here we are! I guess I am not the only one constantly trying to put those things in backwards lol.

[@moistpeanut5986]

Unfortunately people in forums will still be asking how to do this.

[@Phlow]

Than just post the link to this video ;) and save yourself some time!

[@dustyj1784]

THANK YOU! My 1st time trying to connect 2 usb midi devices using a mac with no DAW. Havent even messed with Midi in about 20yrs...Spent about a week trying to get my M8 + Midi fighter twister working using my mac and as a midi host, but was missing the host software and was bumbling around in the built in mac midi tool to no avail (cuz thats what google kept telling me to do) using MidiPipe and seems to work well enough, though you need to load the profile everytime you boot the program.

[@RobertDorschel]

5-Pin DIN FOR LIFE FOR EVAAAAAH

[@ostelaymetaule]

USB is kinda 5 pin din normed D;

[@SIKKYBEATS]

7 of your video are recommended on my home feed! I think KZbins liking your video.

[@JoshRichmanDesign]

You missed the fact that USB MIDI isn’t grounded and cusses ground loops and hums. This is a big deal!!

[@patrizio7]

Damn you ground loops and hums.

[@loopop]

Check out my video about solving those problems

[@Tulio_Laanen]

i am a bit confused, what would be the best way get a ditigal piano with only usb-midi, to provide midi signal for a synth aswell as to my macbook/daw, so that i can use the ditigal piano to control the synth as wel as othersoftware plugin intruments? I assume the path would be to connect the ditigal piano via usb to my macbook/daw and use that as host?

[@loopop]

correct!

[@Tulio_Laanen]

@@loopop awesome thanks!

[@JomenoVona]

Thank you so much for your reply. Your tip on how I might connect an Android phone to a piano using a USB A adapter is very highly appreciated.

[@shpongled587]

Don't ever stop, loopop!

[@malabari40]

Brother, you really are the best!!! Keep on making our lives easier :) Thx for giving all of the simple, solid and USEFUL information with vids like this. learned in this channel most of the knowledge I needed so I could then explore and expand on my own in so many different subjects (digitakt for example and others) Cheers to you!

[@paddyware4466]

Your guides and reviews are first class. I love this midi one especially as this has answered so many previously searched questions. This is my new favourite channel. Just going through the Roland series Looking for the MC 101?

[@loopop]

Thanks and it's there! (I think in a vs 707 video...)

[@vespo3578]

glad i found your vid. got a new rack mount and saw your Arturia keystep and immediately grabbed on on sweetwater. thank you sir.

[@IMRANnet]

So glad I found your entertaining and educational videos.

[@rockstar450]

Love your videos mate - best channel I've found this month :)

[@laika25]

Wow. Right on the money! This is EXACTLY what i was fishing for/wanted to have explained

[@esmoroglu]

Excellent, always clear, I learn so much from your videos.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@johnbishop5316]

So at 5.38, little tip for getting USB plugs the right way up first time. I glance down at my computer: 6 USB sockets. Er, on their sides. NO problem. Great video thanks.

[@strangequark420]

This is a confusing topic that's difficult to figure out on one's own. Thanks for helping me understand some key facts!

[@supernonkey]

7:20 Raspberry Pi as midi host Hello music folk. As demonstrated by @loopop, I am trying to route my Rapsberry Pi 4 as a midi host between my arturia microlab and a Roland Mc101, via a usb midi interface cable. As it stands, the linux audio drivers (ALSA) understand the different audio/midi devices/cables. I am able to route midi info through the interface cable--an led lights up when I trigger a note. However, these midi messages are then not understood by the mc101. I have tried just about everything. Any help is greatly appreciated, I've been trying to connect the devices for about a month now.

[@rmactvc]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to connect my Cassio keyboard to a MX1 Hammond organ emulator. I can’t tell you how many KZbin rabbit holes I’ve been down trying to to figure it out. Thanks for the information on the USB host!!

[@patrickbodine6010]

I have a Notation Launchkey 25 with usb, I need to connect to my Volca keys . I have also a midi host that is powered. The launchkey is powered by its own power supply. I also have one of those cables like you show in your video. That "y" cable with that "thing"in the middle. I do not want to use a computer. How can I get it to work, please. I have watched your video several times. Can you help? Thank you!

[@patrickbodine6010]

Ableton is a curseword around here, btw.

[@SyncdAlien]

Thank you! Very important video, I will be referring people to it for years to come, I'm sure. 😍

[@marc.lepage]

I recently got a Deluge, which originally could not do USB host mode, but acquired that power with a firmware update.

[@bitbotrecords]

Love your work mate, thanks making such cool videos

[@DAVEDigitalandVinylExpert]

Great tutorial and well explained. Will be sending my students to you channel. Liked and subscribed

[@longcat]

timely, as i was just looking at my rpi0 and remembered i intended it to act as a usb midi host between keyboard & synth... well explained as always x

[@Funkbutterfly]

One of the reasons I love the mpc live so much! It can support up to two midi devices over usb

[@Carbonvidz1111]

The only tidbit I'd add is when he is connecting one controller device to a synth device through a DAW like Ableton, be sure to record enable the track.

[@timschannel247]

9:35 I am quite unsure if your tool is needed, you never dived into AUDIO MIDI TOOL which is natively supported by Apple? You can enable specific channels for each device and even wire these devices. Of course you could create virtual midi device as front / facade. Otherwise please tell me what this software can better? Cheers!

[@geoffarcher46]

Thanks for making this video. It helped me a lot. I was struggling to connect a controller to a mini synth.

[@wildvortex4565]

Thanl you soooooo much! I thought I'd have to buy a whole new keyboard to control my new synth! This video is insanely helpful and comprehensive

[@jtBrander]

I was going to write the same thing, cheers!!!

[@kps2420]

from midi.org: "How 3.5 mm Tip Ring Sleeve Mini jacks are wired to 5 Pin DIN MIDI connectors It turns out that there are at least two different variations of wiring for TRS to MIDI. We will call the main two TRS "Type A" and TRS "Type B" in this article. The first product to use TRS breakout cables was the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer in 2010. We call the Line 6 method Type A because the MIDI Mobilizer was the first TRS MIDI product on the market. The number of products in the marketplace is pretty evenly split between Type A and Type B because very popular Arturia and Novation products use Type B wiring. Of course, both wiring methods work, you just need to know which version your product uses, so you can make/buy the right cables or connect to another product via a straight TRS cable. "

[@lt7114]

I am having an issue. I have an old Casio CZ-101 that I have connected to my PC via one of those MIDI to USB adapters. In FL Studio, I have everything working fine in that if I click a note with my mouse in the piano roll, it plays the sound back - the problem is when I actually write MIDI notes to the piano roll, and play it back the sound is completely wrong, it just plays high pitch notes that almost sound arpeggiated.

[@pkskyutube]

I have an old Yamaha PSR-175 electric piano that has only MIDI out and in, no USB connections. I try to connect it with a computer, either iPad or Windows 10 laptop using an adapter (as at 3:02). I am not getting useful results. There is response, but mostly erratic and unuseful. Should I be able to use this PSR-175 as a MIDI controller for my DAW?