Recording: Midi keyboard set up Recording: Midi keyboard set up
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Recording: Midi keyboard set up



Setting up the midi keyboard in our Recording studios

A MIDI keyboard is a powerful tool for music creation, and setting it up with your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a straightforward process.

If you are not sure how to do this or you are having any trouble getting the midi keyboard working, this step-by-step guide should help get you started:

 

Step 1: Connecting Your MIDI Keyboard

  1. Physical Connection: Use a USB cable to connect the MIDI keyboard to your computer's USB port - once connected you will see the keyboard light up with power
  2. Problem connecting: If the midi keyboard does not power up when connected, check if you are using a USB hub - try connecting the keyboard direct into your laptop instead! Failing this you will need to try another cable.

Step 2: Configuring Your DAW

GarageBand:

  1. Launch GarageBand: Open GarageBand on your computer.
  2. Preferences: Go to GarageBand > Preferences > Audio/MIDI.
  3. Select MIDI Keyboard: Under the MIDI section, ensure your MIDI keyboard is detected and selected as an input device.

Logic Pro:

  1. Launch Logic Pro: Open Logic Pro on your computer.
  2. Preferences: Navigate to Logic Pro > Preferences > MIDI.
  3. Configure MIDI Input: Ensure your MIDI keyboard is listed in the Input Devices section and is activated.

Ableton Live:

  1. Launch Ableton Live: Open Ableton Live on your computer.
  2. Preferences: Go to Live > Preferences > Link MIDI.
  3. Set MIDI Input: Select your MIDI keyboard in the Input section and ensure it's enabled for Track and Remote.

FL Studio:

  1. Launch FL Studio: Open FL Studio on your computer.
  2. MIDI Settings: Go to Options > MIDI Settings.
  3. Select Your Keyboard: Ensure your MIDI keyboard is listed and enabled under the Input section.

Bandlab:

  1. Launch BandLab: Open your web browser and go to BandLab's website or open the BandLab desktop application.

  2. Access Settings:

    • Web Version: Click on your profile picture on the top right, then select 'Settings.'
    • Desktop App: Go to the 'Settings' section.

  3. Select MIDI Devices: Look for the 'MIDI Devices' or 'MIDI Settings' section in the settings menu.

  4. Choose MIDI Input Device: Ensure your MIDI keyboard is detected and selected as the input device for MIDI.

Audacity: Audacity does not support recording via a Midi Keyboard, it's recommended to use another DAW instead for this. 

 

Step 3: Testing Your MIDI Keyboard

  1. Create a New Track: In your DAW, create a new MIDI track.
  2. Record/Play: Press keys on your MIDI keyboard. You should see corresponding notes on the MIDI track in your DAW, indicating successful connection and functionality.

Step 4: MIDI Mapping (Optional)

  1. CustomControls: Some DAWs allow MIDI mapping for assigning keyboard knobs or sliders to control parameters in the software. Check your DAW's manual for instructions on MIDI mapping.

That's it! You've successfully set up your MIDI keyboard with your preferred DAW.

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