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MIDI Hardware
Hardware-Mac [Setup 1] [Setup 2] [Setup 3] [Setup 4] [Setup 5]
There are three elements to the MIDI connection: the MIDI interface, the MIDI device, and the MIDI cables. The MIDI interface is a piece of hardware that creates a connection between the computer and the MIDI device. The MIDI device can be a synthesizer, a MIDI sound module, or a MIDI controller. MIDI cables connect the MIDI device to the MIDI interface.
MIDI Connectors
MIDI connectors are round, about one half inch in diameter, and contain five pins arranged in a semicircle. MIDI devices generally have one to three MIDI connectors, often called MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and MIDI THRU.
You'll find these connectors in two places: on the back of the MIDI device and on your MIDI interface.
Note: Controllers usually have only a MIDI OUT. Synthesizers and sound modules have at least one MIDI IN and at least one MIDI OUT, and they may or may not have a MIDI THRU.
MIDI Cables
MIDI cables are used to connect the MIDI connectors on your MIDI device to the MIDI connectors on your MIDI interface.
Both ends of the MIDI cable have matching pins that plug into the MIDI connectors. MIDI cable connections generally go to opposite label names.
MIDI Interface - Serial
The MIDI interface is a piece of hardware that sits between the computer and the MIDI device. The most common type of MIDI interface on the Macintosh connects to the serial port on the back of the computer.
You'll find at least two MIDI connectors on the MIDI interface itself: MIDI IN and MIDI OUT.
MIDI Interface - USB
If your using a USB MIDI interface, you'll need to use the OMS or FreeMIDI system. Both systems have USB support. Recent Macintosh computers have USB ports instead of serial ports. You can connect a USB MIDI interface, or you can get a USB-to-serial adapter that allows you to use a serial MIDI interface with your USB computer.
Note: If you're using a USB MIDI interface, you'll need to use the OMS or FreeMIDI system. Both systems have USB support.
