Usually the key to connecting Computer Midi (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and the Digital Keyboards/Pianos we use for entry and playback is understanding what it is we’re trying to accomplish. Essentially the Digital Piano is becoming our new soundcard and all the input in and sounds coming out are going through it.

We have found that the best thing to do first of all is contact your Digital Piano/Keyboard Manufacturer and be sure you have the right cords and drivers to have the computer and keyboard/piano communicate. This is essential and it really helps avoid the frustration that can come when you can’t get the computer and the keyboard to communicate. For example: at HardyHouse Music one of our instruments is a Technics PR-804. It comes with a cable that plugs into the piano (like a digital camera cable) and the other side is USB to the computer. These connections should be done while the piano and computer are off. The computer can now be turned on and booted up. However, before turning on the piano, the suggestion is always to install the software (drivers and applications) before turning on the digital piano/keyboard. Then, when the piano is turned on, it usually is a simple matter of plug and play recognition.

Additionally, it is helpful to know how to go into your sound and audio settings in the control panel and select the new hardware as your midi in and out. Usually the internal soundcard is the one selected and there is a need to change this so that the digital piano becomes the new soundcard. Once this is done it is usually ready to go.

The next step is then REALLY (and we emphasize REALLY) understanding how your keyboard/digital piano works. And how to organize the 16 channels with the Music Notation Software program that’s being used. For instance in FINALE ä it means understanding the Instrument List under the Window menu and organizing the sounds for the correct channels that you are wanting. Then each stave for each instrument will have the corresponding sound for the channel selected.

Here’s another tip that can help you to be sure your volume controls and midi are working.

System Volume Control
Check to make sure that your system volume control is set so as to enable you to hear MIDI files.

1. In your system tray, double-click on the loudspeaker icon. The "Volume Control" window will display.

2. The "Midi" column should NOT have its "Mute" box checked. If it is checked, click the checkmark, which should cause it to disappear.

3. Check that the position of the "Midi" Volume slider is not at its lowest point. If it is, click on it and slide it up to midpoint.

4. Check that the "Volume Control" "Mute all" box is NOT checked; uncheck it if necessary (as in #2).

5. Check that the "Volume Control" slider is not at its lowest point. If it is, click on it and slide it up to midpoint.

For more tips – feel free to write us via email and let us know your concern. If we can help we will.

Here’s another great link to more information!

http://www.computer-music.com/