Friday, 9 May 2008

How do I set up to use a MIDI keyboard with NWC?

Section: Play & Sound
FAQ ID: 52
Last Modified: 2007-02-17 11:24:00 < Previous | Next >

When an external MIDI keyboard is setup correctly on your system, you only need to do the following to use it in NWC for MIDI input:

Select the proper device in Tools, options, Record, Input Device
Set Port Usage to Always or While Active in Tools, Options, Midi
Enables Tools, Midi Input Active

If you have problems getting your MIDI keyboard input to work, here are a few things to try:

Make sure your keyboard is MIDI capable.
Make sure the cables are connected correctly. Some systems like MIDI In to MIDI In and some like MIDI In to MIDI Out. Even though there is a standard some do it the opposite.
In NWC, Tools:Options, Record tab, make sure you have selected the In Port of your sound card. (You may even want to go through each selection and test).
Make sure that you have not created a MIDI feedback loop. Turn off the MIDI Echo feature until you have confirmed successful MIDI input without it enabled.
Review the tips found in faq #53 and faq #54.

If you still cannot record, the problem is most likely the device driver for the input of your soundcard. You should re-install from the setup disk that came with your sound card. If this does not correct the problem, get the latest update driver software from your sound card manufacturer.

See also:

faq #53: How do I record live play from my MIDI keyboard?
faq #54: How do I casually enter notes from my MIDI keyboard (step time)?
M-Audio Keystation 49e Issues
Connect MIDI to USB
nwcforum article #558: connecting to a midi keyboard
nwcforum article #1856: keyboard to computer
nwcforum article #3619: midi cables
Search for forum references to "midi" and "cable"