Contents
You are aware that MIDI controllers, digital pianos, and keyboards are distinct. Can a keyboard or digital piano be used as a MIDI controller, though? Can I use my Yamaha keyboard as a MIDI controller? The short answer is that you can use keyboards and digital pianos as MIDI controllers.This is a fantastic way to utilize your keyboard or digital piano more often! It may not have occurred to you, but doing this is very simple. Learn how to use your keyboard or digital piano as a MIDI controller to take advantage of this chance. You’ll have more options for recording and greater control over the content of your songs as a result, which will give you new opportunities An excellent computer recording tool is a musical keyboard. Once your keyboard is connected to your computer, you can record MIDI or direct audio from your keyboard using a digital audio workstation program.
Step 1:
Your keyboard needs a USB or MIDI cable connected. Your Yamaha keyboard might have a different USB port, depending on the model. You are most likely to find one of four different types of audio-out ports on your keyboard. [1] A USB audio and MIDI port can transmit both audio and MIDI data. A USB A-to-B cable is required to connect to these ports. Can I use my Yamaha keyboard as a MIDI controller? USB Only MIDI Your keyboard can receive MIDI data from a USB MIDI-only port, but not audio data. You can use a USB A-to-B cable to connect to these ports. Some vintage keyboards don’t have a USB port, only a MIDI port. They have a MIDI out port instead. MIDI ports have five pins and are spherical. You will want an audio interface with a MIDI in port to connect these cords to your computer.
Step 2:
Line-out/auxiliary: Some keyboards have an auxiliary or line-out port to which you can attach a 1/4″ audio cable. The keyboard’s headphone jack can also be used as a line-out jack. The computer or audio interface should be connected to the cable’s opposite end. You can purchase an adaptor online if your laptop lacks a USB input.
USB: If your keyboard is connected to a USB A-to-B cable, you can join the other end of the Line to an available port on your computer.
MIDI: Attach the opposite end of the MIDI cable to the audio interface’s circular MIDI In port if you’re using a MIDI cable. Next, use a USB A to B connection to connect the audio interface to your computer.
Step 3:
Line out and auxiliary The other end of a 1/4″ audio cable used to connect to your computer must be connected to the Line In port of an audio interface. A USB A-to-B cable is then used to link the audio interface to your computer. Suppose you don’t have an audio interface and use a 1/4″ audio cable to connect to your computer. You can use a 3.5mm adapter to connect directly to the computer’s microphone port. Switch on the keyboard. Switch on your computer after connecting your keyboard. It would help if you switched some keyboards into PC or MIDI mode to record MIDI data. Download your keyboard’s MIDI drivers. Download the most recent MIDI drivers to record your keyboard using MIDI data. To download the most current drivers for your Yamaha keyboard, use the procedures below.
Step 4:Windows:
- To confirm your acceptance of the licensing agreement, scroll down and check the box.
- Download the zip file by clicking the purple icon.
- To extract the files, click the zip file in your Downloads folder or web browser.
- In the extracted folder, open the “um3141x64” folder.
- Click the Setup file twice, then adhere to the prompts that appear on the screen.
Mac
- To confirm your acceptance of the licensing agreement, scroll down and check the box.
- Download the zip file by clicking the purple icon.
- To extract the files, click the zip file in your Downloads folder or web browser.
- In the extracted folder, open the um132-2mx file.
- Double-click the file to use the Yamaha USB-MIDI Driver V1.3.2.pkg and then adhere to the on-screen directions.
- Go to your sound settings and choose your keyboard or audio interface. For Windows and Mac, use the steps below to select your keyboard or audio interface.
Windows: Select the Start button.
- Select Settings from the Gear icon.
- In the Window Settings, select System.
- In the left sidebar, select Sound.
Choose your keyboard or audio interface in the “Input” drop-down menu.
- Apple Icon in the Upper Left Corner of a Mac: Click.
- In the drop-down box, select System Preferences.
- In the System Preferences menu, select Sound.
- At the top, select the Input tab.
Step 5: Click the audio interface or your keyboard.
Activate the digital audio workstation. Digital audio workstation (DAW) software is required to record using a Yamaha keyboard. Many digital interfaces include a separate DAW. Reaper provides an unlimited free trial if you don’t already have a DAW. Another free recording tool is Audacity.
Step 6:
Include a new MIDI or audio Track. Each DAW has a different method for doing this. Typically, you would click Track in the top menu bar, then New Audio Track, New MIDI Track, or a similar option. Your keyboard’s precise Sound is captured during audio recording and saved as a wave file. MIDI captures the play data (the keys you push and the volume) but applies the Sound or tone using your computer or DAW. Can I use my Yamaha keyboard as a MIDI controller? Arm the Track and start a keyboard recording. You should arm the Track after adding a new audio or MIDI track before pressing the record button to begin recording.
Related Article:
Can You Use a USB Keyboard as MIDI?
How to Play Barre Chords Without Muting Strings?
How to Play TV Sound Through Home Theater System Speakers Without HDMI?