Choosing the correct MIDI USB cable is about as important as choosing the keyboard itself. Finding the right MIDI to USB cable to work with your keyboard and computer simultaneously can be difficult. Not all cables are the same, and some keyboards or computers will require a special hook up in order to function. But MIDI USB cables are very necessary if you would like to record your playing, or transfer the keyboard sounds to your computer for any reason.
Before you can buy a MIDI USB cable there are a few things that you will have to consider. The first of which, is the type of inputs your keyboard features. Most MIDI keyboards feature the standard in and out ports to signify which connector goes where for how sound is supposed to function. A USB MIDI cable is the standard as a means to connect to your computer, by employing USB’s universal data transferring format. In most cases this will be completely compatible with any type of computer. However, if your computer only has a PCMCIA card port, you will need a USB converter in order to use the cable with your machine.
You will also need to be sure that the MIDI USB cable is fully functional with your computer’s operating system. You have to be sure that the driver software in the cable is designed to work with your computer. For instance, you couldn’t use a Mac specific USB MIDI interface cable with a PC, because the driver software wouldn’t be compatible. Buying the wrong type of cable for your operating system will result in the inability to interface your keyboard with your computer. That usually means going through the hassle of returning the cable so that you can exchange it for one that is compatible with your machines.
Finally, you will also have to double check the type of driver software that’s installed on your MIDI keyboard itself. The software needed to use a MIDI USB cable is only half the battle. Your keyboard also needs to be optimized to play on the type of computer that you use. There are Mac and PC specific keyboards, but also boards that are cross compatible. Refer to your keyboard’s owner’s manual to see whether or not that board is compatible with the type of computer that you have. If it is not, you may have to buy a different keyboard, or look for software to work around the compatibility issues that you would suffer otherwise.
When you are looking to buy a MIDI to USB cable, you can go to a musical instrument store, or even use a computer electronics retailer. Stores like Guitar Center, and even Best Buy or Circuit City will definitely have a few MIDI USB cable options to choose from. Depending upon the type of cable that you are looking for, the price ranges from $5 all the way up to $50. If the prices seem a little high in your area you can also try an internet website like MusiciansFriend.com or Amazon.com.