New to midi

[Whistlebob]

Hi all, I’m new here and new to midi so I am looking for any advice you can offer. I have a Yamaha NP-30 keyboard and would like to experiment with midi connecting it to an Acer laptop running Widows 10. The Yamaha has “Midi in” & “Midi out / through” sockets (no USB). I need to buy a USB/Midi cable to get started however some seem to be just cables whilst some seem to have some circuitry in the cable and are described as an “interface”. Obviously cost is a consideration, I don’t want to spend a lot at this stage. Can you suggest a reasonably priced interface or could I make up a cable myself, I have made up various audio cables in the past. I would also be interested to know which programs / apps you use on the computer. Sorry if these seem stupid questions but I am a real newbie to this.

 

[happyrat1]

Get one of these.

Amazon.com: FORE MIDI to USB Interface MIDI Cable Adapter with Input&Output Connecting with Keyboard/Synthesizer for Editing&Recording Track Work with Windows/Mac OS for Studio USB 2.0 Color Red - 6.5Ft: Musical Instruments

Buy FORE MIDI to USB Interface MIDI Cable Adapter with Input&Output Connecting with Keyboard/Synthesizer for Editing&Recording Track Work with Windows/Mac OS for Studio USB 2.0 Color Red - 6.5Ft: MIDI Interfaces - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

The ultra cheap are ultra unreliable.

And no, it's not a simple cable. There's a circuit between the MIDI port ad your computer.

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

For software the best is Cakewalk By Bandlab which is FREE! (as in beer)

BandLab - Make Music Online

The cloud platform where musicians and fans create music, collaborate, and engage with each other across the globe

www.bandlab.com

Cakewalk Discuss | The Official Cakewalk by BandLab Forum

discuss.cakewalk.com

https://bandlab.github.io/cakewalk/docs/Cakewalk%20Reference%20Guide.pdf

And there are many many detailed tutorials on Youtube.

Gary

 

[Whistlebob]

Hi Gary, thanks for your prompt reply. I can’t seem to find the Fore USB/MIDI interface over here, currently unavailable at Amazon, but I’m still looking around elsewhere. The Cakewalk program rang a bell! I used to work around a college music department before I retired and I seem to remember them using it. Didn’t realise it was free though, a definite plus! Once again thanks for your help.

 

[happyrat1]

You're very welcome. This is what we do around here.

Gary