Place the computer, keyboard, and MIDI interface where you want them.Most Macs have USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, a standard that allows users to connect devices to their computers without needing to restart for the devices to become active. The most basic interfaces require no external power and have ports (jacks) for a single MIDI keyboard more expensive models have ports for multiple MIDI devices or other features.

The last item, a MIDI interface, is a device that translates the signals arriving from the MIDI keyboard into signals that the computer understands, and vice versa. In this guide, “MIDI keyboard” refers to whatever type of MIDI device you are using.Īt the very least, you’ll need the following equipment for an operational MIDI system (not including your computer): We’ll assume that you’re connecting a MIDI keyboard, although you can use any MIDI instrument. It’s the language spoken by computers and electronic musical instruments. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. You are here: Get Started > Step 2: Setting up your MIDI system Step 2: Setting up your MIDI system