How to Set Up a Korg TriTon MIDI

The Korg Triton line consists of 11 individual keyboard synthesizer workstations, including the Extreme, the Studio, the LE and the Classic. These synthesizers differ in their specifications and capabilities, but all offer one important feature: the ability to send and receive MIDI, digital music notation. This feature allows you to sequence note patterns from your Triton into a second MIDI instrument or from a second instrument into your Triton.

Connect a standard MIDI cable (available at music supply stores and electronic stores) to the back of your Triton. If you want to transmit MIDI notes from your Triton to a second instrument, attach your cable to the "MIDI Out" port. If you want to transmit MIDI notes from a second instrument to your Triton, attach your cable to the "MIDI In" port.

Connect the opposing end of your MIDI cable to your second instrument or MIDI component. If you used the "MIDI Out" jack on your Triton, you would use the "MIDI In" jack on your second instrument and vice versa, thus establishing an output-to-input configuration. If connecting your Triton to a computer, you will need to attach a MIDI USB adapter to your computer first and then connect your cable to the adapter. Although some Triton models (like the Extreme) contain USB jacks, these are for transmitting recorded files, not raw MIDI notes.

Turn on both MIDI devices. If you are using a computer as your second MIDI device, open a MIDI program. It should include most major recording programs like GarageBand, Pro Tools, Logic, Audition and Cubase, as well as some free programs you can download, such as Rosegarden, QTractor and LMMS.

Click the "Global" button on your Korg Triton and select the "MIDI" option on your screen, using your round value dial (to the right of the LCD menu) and "Enter" key. Locate the words "Local Control" on your screen. If the box beside the words appears checked, uncheck it. This command will instruct your Triton to function as a MIDI device, communicating with external components, rather than functioning as a self-contained instrument. With some Triton models (such as the Triton Studio), you will not see the "Local Control" option but instead must select "MIDI Clock" on your screen and select the "External MIDI" option.

Begin transmitting MIDI notes. If you use your Triton for input (meaning you plan to send MIDI from your second device to your Triton), click the "Combi" button and select a voice (instrument sound) from the menu. Then click the "Sequencer" (SEQ) button to enable recording. If using your Triton for output, you can immediately begin playing the keys to transmit notes to your second device.