MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a standardized protocol that enables electronic musical instruments, typically keyboards, to work with computer software for creating and recording music. Instruments connect with round MIDI ports. The MIDI cable plug contains five metal pins set in a semi-circle that connect to the five holes in the MIDI port on an instrument. The MIDI cable can be linked with an adapter to connect a keyboard to work with GarageBand, an audio software program designed for Apple Mac computers. The adapter includes a USB plug to connect with a Mac.
Things You'll Need:
- Midi-To-Usb Cable
- Midi Cable
Turn off the keyboard and shut down the Mac.
Plug one end of the MIDI cable into the MIDI port on the back edge of the keyboard, aligning the five pins in the plug with the holes in the port.
Connect the MIDI socket on one end of the adapter cable to the other end of the MIDI cable attached to the keyboard.
Insert the USB plug on the other end of the adapter into any unused USB port on the Mac.
Double-click the GarageBand icon on the Mac desktop to start the audio software on the computer.
Click "File" and select "New Project," then click on the keyboard icon that appears in the window, indicating GarageBand recognizes the connected keyboard and is ready to communicate with the instrument for recording music, practicing with the built-in keyboard lessons or creating mix tracks with the keyboard.
Warnings:
- Shut down the Mac and unplug the keyboard when hooking up the MIDI and USB cables.
References
Writer Bio
James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.
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