Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

Recommended Posts

Posted

I want to connect my 5-pin DIN Midi piano to Cubase, which is installed on my PC.

 

I am assuming that I need an add-on box to the PC, plugged into a USB socket.

 

I want to be able to play something (a bass line) on the midi piano, and have the notes appear in Cubase, so that I can print out the sheet music for playing from.

 

Can anyone advise?

Posted

If all you want to do is play notes on the keyboard so that Cubase can record the MIDI data, You will probably get away with one of those MIDI USB leads with two 5-pin DIN sockets at the other end. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Posted
22 hours ago, bass_dinger said:

I want to connect my 5-pin DIN Midi piano to Cubase, which is installed on my PC.

 

I am assuming that I need an add-on box to the PC, plugged into a USB socket.

 

I want to be able to play something (a bass line) on the midi piano, and have the notes appear in Cubase, so that I can print out the sheet music for playing from.

 

Can anyone advise?

Do you have an audio interface? Some of those have MIDI ports. If not, and you are thinking of getting one, just get one with midi on the back. 

Posted
33 minutes ago, dave_bass5 said:

Do you have an audio interface? Some of those have MIDI ports. If not, and you are thinking of getting one, just get one with midi on the back. 

I have an audio interface  - a Yamaha AG03, which looks like a mixer.  No midi ports on the device, so I need either a specialist box such as the Sub Zero 4-way interface (https://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/SubZero-4x4-MIDI-Interface/2KOA or the cable recommended by @BigRedXand @moley6knipe, which allows just one keyboard (which is all that I have).

 

The cable looks the best option for my needs - but I am planning to upgrade my PC, to run Windows 11, and have more USB connections, and the ability to run two monitors. So, the upgrade may change things. 

Posted

If you only have one keyboard to connect and don't plan on getting anymore MIDI devices then the SubZero interface is going to be overkill for your needs.

 

I'd get the cable recommended by @moley6knipe from Amazon as you'll be able to return it without quibble if it doesn't work. 

 

Cable only solutions don have a brilliant reputation but so long as as you are only intending to send note and controller data from the keyboard to the computer it should be fine. It's only when you want to also use esoteric MIDI data like Polyphonic Aftertouch, MTC and SysEx that they tend to fall down.

 

If you just want to get MIDI data from the keyboard to the computer and don't intend to use it to have the computer playing the keyboard's sounds just connect the MIDI out socket otherwise you'll get a MIDI loop which leads to all kinds of nastiness. If you do want to have the computer controlling the piano you'll need to look for the "local off" setting on your keyboard and connect both the MIDI In and Out.

  • Thanks 1
Posted

Any old usb/midi convertor cable will do I'm pretty certain. I'm still using a £15 one from 20 years ago and it works flawlessly. Just a matter of choosing the USB device once your in cubase and record away!

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 09/01/2025 at 13:06, bass_dinger said:
On 09/01/2025 at 12:26, dave_bass5 said:

 

I have an audio interface  - a Yamaha AG03, which looks like a mixer.  No midi ports on the device,

 

Last week, the AG03 stopped working properly  - the bass guitar channel no longer produces any sound. And nor does the microphone channel (I am not sure if it has ever worked).  However, I can still use it for stereo electric piano.

 

So it looks like I need to replace the kit if I want to play bass (which I do).

 

My favoured option for a replacement is the Behringer UMC404hd ( https://www.thomann.co.uk/behringer_umc404hd.htm ). It has 4 simultaneous input channels, multiple Outputs - and MIDI In and Out. 

 

So, the UMC404hd will  do the job of both the AG03, and the MIDI-to-USB cable.  Once Thomann have them back in stock, I will invest in one.

 

R

 

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...