Whatever the instrument you have—a synth, or even the best digital piano—eventually, you’d probably want to hook it up to a computer. For the MIDI keyboards, that step is obligatory, as these instruments don’t have their own audio block.

It’s quite easy to connect your MIDI keyboard if your PC is equipped with the pro-grade sound card that features the MIDI input and output. However, in the majority of computers, there are no MIDI ports. So, how to connect a keyboard to the computer without MIDI?

  1. Check what connections your MIDI keyboard has got. The ports are usually located on the back panel. The next steps will be determined by the type of connector you found.
  2. If you’ve found the USB Type-B port, the simplest solution is available. The USB cables with the B input on one hand and the A on another are usually included in the package with the MIDI keyboards. If you have none, you can borrow the one from your printer or buy a separate cable. They’re quite cheap. When you’ve got the cord, connect the USB Type-B (square-shaped) connector to the port on your keyboard, and the USB Type-A to the computer’s relevant port.
  3. If you searched hard but couldn’t find the square USB port, there’s no other choice but to use the connections you have. In order to connect the MIDI ports with the USB Type-A connection in your PC, get a MIDI interface cord. The latter is a three-end cord with two 5-pin MIDI connectors and a single USB Type-A one. The latter goes into your PC USB Type-A port, and the MIDI ends must be inserted into the keyboard input and output.
  4. Another option you might use is the wireless hookup. Is there a Bluetooth module on your PC/laptop? If there is, check your keyboard controls and connections panel for the Bluetooth-enabling switch. Turn it on and go to your PC settings. Activate the Bluetooth and wait until the keyboard is detected on the list of available devices. Then press “Connect”. The status of the keyboard on the list must be changed to “connected device” or it should appear on the list of such devices.

If there’s a BT module on your PC but none on your keyboard, you can still connect them via the wireless. For that, use the Bluetooth MIDI device. Insert the MIDI ends into the relevant jacks on your MIDI keyboard, switch on the Bluetooth. Activate the Bluetooth in the PC and connect the MIDI Bluetooth. As soon as the connection is performed, you’re good to go.

Tip: Your keyboard has got MIDI “IN” and MIDI “OUT” jacks? Are your MIDI interface or Bluetooth MIDI module’s connections labeled “IN” and “OUT”? In order to hook them up properly, insert the “IN” end into the “OUT” jack, and the “OUT” one into the MIDI “IN”.

Do you only have a MIDI “OUT” on your keyboard? Hook up the MIDI Input on your cable or a BT module to it.