Sometimes it can be really hard to be sure if your MIDI keyboard controller or other your USB-MIDI interface is working correctly, particularly if you are using it with complicated software. My suggestion is to separate the two things! Test that the hardware is working OK first. Use your computer’s control panel then test the device with a MIDI diagnostic tool.
Once you can see the MIDI device is working you know that you need to work on the software configuration. Tip: Make sure you install, connect and turn on your MIDI controller first, then start up the software you want to use. Some software just won’t find devices if you turn them on after starting up the software. The video below will take you through some testing basics, then read on for links and more information. If you want a bit more info, then you might find our basic guide on what is MIDI helpful.
How To Test Your MIDI Controller – Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Which MIDI Diagnostic Tool?
Windows
If you are using Windows, then download MIDI-Ox, it’s a fantastic piece of software that shows the stream of MIDI data on your screen so you can check every key, fader, pad and wheel on your MIDI keyboard and be sure they are all working OK. Download it here:
Then if you want a step-by-step guide on how to use it, this page on the M-Audio support portal is great, with easy to follow screen shots. Although it is referring to an M-Audio device you can use this software with any MIDI keyboard or interface.
Mac
If you are on a Mac then the SNOIZE MIDI Monitor software does a similar job and they have nice documentation on their site on how to use it. It is also possible to test your MIDI devices if you navigate to Mac’s Audio MIDI Setup Utility
MIDI Connections
If the above has not helped, then refer to our detailed post on MIDI connection. And you might also want to refer to our detailed step-by-step video course on how to record your digital piano or keyboard.
What If The MIDI Keyboard Isn’t Working?
If you still think the keyboard is not connecting correctly, then there is a useful post here on the Numark site which will help you to troubleshoot your plug and play device. Especially in Windows the native drivers can be missing or corrupted and may need to be re-installed.
If your device is not plug and play then you will need to go to the manufacturer’s site and download the correct drivers. NEVER do a ‘google search’ for drivers – there are lots of dodgy sites out there which will try to tempt you to download all kinds of things from them. Instead, go to the official site of the manufacturer of your particular device and navigate to their support/download page directly. The best manufacturers (Alesis, M-Audio, Numark, Roland, Korg, Samson etc) have telephone support as well, so take advantage of it. But do work through the above steps first!
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5 of the Best MIDI Controllers
We have tried all the following controllers, they work really well and if you have any problems then the manufacturer’s give fantastic support. As an added bonus, they all work on PC, Mac and iPad!
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential - USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual...
- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution,...
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and...
- 【EASY TO CONNECT WITH IPHONE / IPAD】Beautiful music comes from life, 25-key midi keyboard can be easily connected to iPhone or Ipad, and you can record your...
- 【CLEAN DESIGN WITH VELOCITY-SENSITIVE KEYS】The portable midi Controller, made up of 25 scaled-down velocity-sensitive keys, is a perfect companion for you...
- 【CAPTURING YOUR CREATIVE MUSICAL IDEAS ANYWHERE ON THE GO】 Compact and lightweight. You can fit this ultra-mobile midi keyboard into almost any bag easily,...
- Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance. Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment...
- Advanced Connectivity - Connect to different sound sources with CV/Gate and MIDI I/O. Control modular gear, sound modules, synthesizers, and more to bring new...
- Record and Compose Without a Computer - Connect to your production station and use the built-in 64-step sequencer featuring one track for drums and one for...
- Plug in the USB Powered V49 MKII MIDI keyboard, and turn your PC, Mac, or iOS device into a feature packed production studio - Ideal for home studio producers,...
- 49 Full-Size, Velocity Sensitive, Synth Action Keys alongside 8 velocity sensitive backlit beat pads with full level and note repeat controls, all in a design...
- Create sample sounds or backing tracks with 4 MIDI-assignable knobs for virtual instrument and DAW control, plus octave and transpose buttons that enable access...
- Wireless MIDI Keyboard – Portable MIDI controller powered by USB/3 pcs AA batteries, supports the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology to provide convenient...
- Make Music-making Experience Simpler - Unique thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control. Built-in arpeggiator allows you to change rhythm, beat,...
- Best Feel At Your Fingertips - 25 velocity-sensitive keys deliver a superior, ultra-responsive piano key performance. Waterfall keybed even supports to...
Last updated on 2023-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
Five Great MIDI Interfaces
Already got a nice keyboard, but no MIDI connection? Then you could get one of the following MIDI interfaces and soon be hooked up to your favourite MIDI software
- One-in/one-out MIDI interface with high-performance FPT processing
- Compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, and now with iOS on the iPad via the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit
- Data indicators for both MIDI input and output
- Wirelessly connect your iOS devices (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch) to your instrument
- Use music apps without cables and enjoy the freedom that wireless technology brings to your performances
- Simple and easy wireless connection of instruments with a 5-PIN DIN MIDI connection terminal to iOS devices and Mac
- FORE 1 MIDI in / 1 MIDI out MIDI interface, 16 MIDI input & output channels. Connecting keyboard, MIDI keyboard, synthesizer, electric drum and any device with...
- Plug & Play, with a Built-in driver and Intelligent LED Indicator. No extra difficult driver installation. Easy set up, truly plug and play. MIDI converter...
- No delay MIDI Input and Output. High-performance FTP processing chip, stable and fast speed MIDI data transmission. FL studio12, FL studio20, DirectMusic,...
- Inputs: 2 MIDI inputs (32 MIDI channels) Outputs: 2 MIDI outputs (32 MIDI channels) Power supply: USB Powered, no external power required
- Power supply: USB Powered, no external power required Operating Systems: Mac OSX, Windows XP and above (no driver needed)
- ATTACHMENT: USB cable
Last updated on 2023-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images via Amazon Product Advertising API
