Connecting a MIDI Keyboard to Laptop PC With a USB

It's easy to connect a MIDI keyboard to a laptop's USB port.
Musical Instrumental Digital Interface (MIDI) allows musicians to have an almost unlimited number of "virtual" musical instruments at their disposal. Using an external MIDI controller--typically in the form of a piano-like keyboard--allows users to control and play a MIDI instrument as if it were a traditional musical instrument. MIDI can still be used even if you don't have MIDI inputs and outputs on your PC laptop's sound card, as there are a couple of ways to connect a PC to a MIDI keyboard using one of the computer's universal serial bus (USB) ports.

Use a USB MIDI Controller
 

1
Purchase a USB MIDI controller keyboard. These controllers function just like a traditional MIDI controller but connect directly to your laptop's USB port instead of to MIDI input and output ports. Some USB MIDI controllers also have traditional MIDI ports in case you'd like to use the controller with a different computer with MIDI ports, as well.

2
Connect your USB MIDI controller's USB output to any USB port on your laptop using the cable included with your controller. You'll have to install device drivers for your computer to recognize and communicate with the keyboard; this may happen automatically the first time you plug in the controller, or you may have to install the drivers manually from a disc included with the controller.

3
Open either your digital audio work station (DAW) with MIDI instrument plug-ins or a stand-alone MIDI instrument. Play a note on the USB MIDI controller to ensure that the program has recognized your device; if it has, a note should sound out of your computer speakers or monitors. Now you're ready to start playing.

Use a USB MIDI Interface
 

1
Purchase a USB MIDI interface. This is a good option if you already have a MIDI keyboard that does not have USB connectivity. These interfaces can be as simple as a cable with a USB plug on one end and a MIDI plug on the other or as full-featured as a large device with multiple MIDI and other inputs.

2
Connect the output of your USB MIDI interface to a USB port on your laptop using the cable included with your interface. Use a standard MIDI cable to connect the controller's MIDI out port to a MIDI in port on your interface. If you're using a single-cable interface, just connect the MIDI end to the keyboard's MIDI out port and the USB end to your laptop's USB port.

3
Load a MIDI instrument, either in a DAW or as a stand-alone application, on your laptop. Install the USB MIDI interface's device drivers if this is not done automatically. A note should sound when you press a key on your controller. You should now be ready to start playing your keyboard.

Note: You can purchase a MIDI to USB connector cable if your keyboard does not have a USB port and your computer does not have a MIDI port. These connectors can be expensive but make for easy connection with little hassle. The other alternative is to have a MIDI port installed in your computer.