How to connect a synthesizer to a computer?

Connecting the synthesizer to a PC provides many additional options. This is especially true for those who are professionally engaged in music: he writes scores for orchestras, makes arrangements. Thanks to this technical combination, when connecting a microphone, it is possible to superimpose a voice on the accompaniment, easily changing the rhythm and tempo of the piece. But to do this, you need to understand how to connect your digital piano to your computer.

For creative people like composers and musicians, pairing a synthesizer with a computer is extremely important because it is much more convenient to work with many useful resources. In parallel, you can carry out the process of recording your creations, independently improve their quality, and create incredible effects. In fact, without leaving your home, you can dispose of any sources, musical instruments, online services of sequencers (audio editors). You can also use note recording applications, which is also very convenient.

First, you need to decide on the method of connecting the equipment to the PC. Today there are three options.

Depending on the modification and features of your technical devices, these will be:

• use of USB connectors;
• mixed connection (USB + MIDI);
• the use of a MIDI interface.

In most cases, on a personal computer, there are MIDI connectors (three sound controllers) for power tools, but, of course, such signals must be supported by EMC.

Accordingly, for work you may need the following components:

• high-quality sound card (external) with MIDI support;
• midi cable at least 2 m long with optocoupler isolation;
• PC with built-in MIDI system;
• synthesizer with MIDI or similar keyboard.

You can also connect via USB ports, for this you need:

• PC with USB sockets;
• keyboard / synthesizer with USB input;
• regular USB wire up to 2 m;
• media, drivers for keys, synthesizer.

Since laptops are not equipped with MIDI interfaces, this technique is also connected via USB ports. It's good if there is already a USB socket on the back of the music unit. In this case, you should get an appropriate wire with two connectors.

This method is considered one of the most convenient when mechanically connecting EMC to a PC. In the same way, other devices are connected to the computer: scanners, printers, faxes. The universal USB cable of the AMBM type is equipped with a rectangular and square plug: the first is inserted into the PC connector, the second - into the synthesizer. This method does not require the installation of a power adapter if the EMC is a midi keyboard. It does not need additional power supply.

When the synthesizer is connected to a computer using a USB cable, the main clipboard is the virtual midi port supported by a dedicated driver. Most often it is included in the EMC kit, but there are also synthesizers that are easily recognized by the PC system, so this device is not always necessary.

Despite the presence of a USB port on some synthesizers, it is intended only for the exchange of information between the synthesizer and a PC, and cannot be used for MIDI connection. Attention! Before running the sequencer, connect the EMC to your computer, otherwise the midi port will not appear in this program.

Most synthesizers connect to a PC via a MIDI interface. In the case of serious equipment, a round port with 5 contacts is used, in gaming systems, a trapezoid model is used. The connection diagram remains unchanged: a MIDI wire connects the PC input port to the EMC MIDI output. Before connecting, ask what type of port is on the computer so as not to be mistaken with the type of cord.

The connection process in the traditional way has several features:

• the synthesizer is not displayed as a device when connected to a personal computer, but the midi port appears, which is the source of information in the editor program (Sonar, Cubase, etc.);
• with this type of connection, you will need a driver for a sound card, but for a synthesizer, it is not needed;
• in order for the midi signal to pass to the connector of the electric keys, it is necessary to switch the equipment to the MIDI mode on their body (this action is not necessary if a midi keyboard is used).

In the absence of a midi-connector, the connection of musical electrical equipment to a PC can be carried out through the line input using an adapter, at one end of which there are two “tulips”, and on the other - a Jack-type plug.

This type of connector, which is a signal carrier, is inserted into the corresponding sockets on the synthesizer with two connectors, and the mini-Jack into the microphone connector on a laptop (computer). After that, you need to turn on the electronic music equipment and turn the sound volume down to a minimum. It will manifest itself in full range when entering any audio recording program.

Using a personal computer as a full-fledged multimedia system, you need to know that the device must have an impressive hard drive. The connection itself does not present any particular technical difficulties, but accuracy and the availability of certain accessories are important in this process. So even an inexperienced user can cope with this task.