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MIDI Hardware - Win
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, usually labelled 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 device to the 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
The MIDI interface is a piece of hardware that creates the connection between the computer and the MIDI device. You may need to install special driver software for your MIDI interface. Consult the documentation that came with the MIDI interface.
One side of the MIDI interface connects directly to the computer, and the other side connects to the MIDI device via MIDI cables.
Few computers have actual MIDI connectors built into the back of the computer. If yours does, you'll see them on the back, and they'll be described in your computer manual. If this is the case, you should be able to connect your MIDI cables directly from the back of the computer to the MIDI device.
MIDI interfaces can connect to the serial, parallel, or USB ports on the back of your computer. You can also install a dedicated MIDI interface card inside the computer. On the side that connects to the MIDI Device, you'll find at least two MIDI connectors, MIDI IN and MIDI OUT.
MIDI interfaces are also made in the form of PCMCIA cards for laptop computers.
MIDI Y-Cable
Many sound cards accept a MIDI interface in the form of a Y-cable that connects directly to the joystick port on the sound card and provides MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connectors. Check your sound card manual for details.
