How to Connect the MIDI Keyboard to GarageBand

How to Charge a PSP Without the Charger
Written By
James Clark
James Clark
Published: Jun 26, 2010
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
2 minute read

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.

USB image by Bosko Martinovic from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will 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.
    James Clark

    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…

    Sponsored
    Our Pastimes Logo

    A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

    Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.