Why do you have to buy a USB MIDI-Interface? We explain!

Want to buy a MIDI interface? Interesting! With a simple studio setup you often do not need this, but do you have a setup that requires to make you look at a MIDI interface? Then read on! We help you with an explanation about a MIDI interface and with choosing the right MIDI interface.

What is a MIDI-interface?

A MIDI interface ensures that you can send MIDI data to your computer and from a computer to instruments or audio modules. Many devices have a MIDI interface built in and transmit it directly via the USB connection.
Some devices such as analog synthesizers send MIDI data in and out via a MIDI connection. You cannot simply connect this to your computer, for this you need an audio interface with midi inputs or a separate MIDI interface.
Nowadays USB is a new connection and has already caught up with MIDI, but sometimes you have an instrument for which you need to use MIDI cables. A MIDI interface makes it possible.

What can you do with a MIDI-interface?

With a MIDI interface you can, for example, send MIDI from your DAW to an analog synthesizer, so that it receives notes that the synthesizer can play. This way you can easily connect certain hardware to your DAW.

You can still easily process analog hardware from your DAW by adjusting and adjusting your MIDI arrangement from your DAW and sending it to your synthesizer.

Using your DAW piano roll for your workflow is therefore super useful!

What is MIDI OUT, IN and THRU?

MIDI out

MIDI OUT makes it possible, for example, to have a sequencer determine MIDI from other instruments. Do you have a DAW in which you made a piano arrangement and you want to send this to your synthesizer via MIDI-out? Then you have the chords of your DAW and the sound of your synthesizer. 

MIDI in

MIDI in receives data from another source.

MIDI Thru 

With MIDI Thru it is possible to connect multiple devices. It copies the incoming MIDI in port. You can connect all your hardware to a central sequencer without having to connect everything separately.

What should you pay attention to when purchasing a MIDI interface?

Many types of external audio interfaces have a MIDI connection, which makes it possible to work without a separate MIDI interface. Do you need more connections? Then look at an extensive MIDI interface. You should mainly look at the number of connections, this has to do with the hardware that you want to connect.

You also have simple MIDI to USB converters, so that you can connect your MIDI device to your computer via USB, useful converters!

Do you have any questions about this topic? Let us know in a comment!