Reddit mentions: The best midi cables

We found 31 Reddit comments discussing the best midi cables. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 2 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

🎓 Reddit experts on midi cables

The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where midi cables are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
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Top Reddit comments about MIDI Cables:

u/IndianaJoenz · 3 pointsr/Learnmusic

1: That's just a controller. It doesn't have sounds of its own. I would suggest considering something that does have sounds of its own (such as a synthesizer, a piano, or something more like a normal student keyboard like this) so that you aren't tethered to a computer+software any time you want to practice. That said, you can still get by with a controller only and your laptop. Whatever you get, you probably do want Midi so you can use it with your software. (Unless it's a real 88-key piano, which is probably the best for learning IMO). For the "portable keyboards" with midi support, like the one I linked, Yamaha and Casio make some pretty good ones. A little pricier than the one you linked, unfortunately. 32 keys might feel a kind of limiting, but maybe not. You can probably find a 61-key one with MIDI on craigslist pretty cheap. (Yamaha PSR series is pretty good, nice sounds)

2: Learning some music theory is definitely a helpful tool, and that generally means studying an instrument. It's pretty much essential for collaborating with other musicians, since you'll need to speak "the language of music." (Keys, chords, etc.) One thing I've always enjoyed for learning is going to guitar chord sites (like ultimate-guitar.com), looking up some songs I know, and playing the chords on piano. If you don't know how to play a chord, look it up. You'll start noticing patterns (how to play a major chord, minor chord, 7th, maj7, etc). That combined with practicing scales can take you pretty far, and give you some tools to explore when writing songs. /r/musictheory seems to be a good community for resources, too.

3: Piano is so fun. I played other instruments before picking up piano, but learning piano has improved my understanding of other instruments (and theory in general) dramatically. So I think you definitely have the right idea looking at keyboard instruments.

4: If you do get a MIDI controller that doesn't have built-in sounds.. I noticed that the one you linked doesn't have any pitch bend or modulation wheel. I'd consider getting one that does. Pretty handy when working with synths (including the ones in your DAW). Another nice thing to have is pads for banging out drum beats. Much more intuitive than using the keyboard. Neither are essential, but they're fun, and something to consider. M-Audio Axiom series is a good one with both of these features. Oxygen series, too.

5: Interestingly, Keystation 49 II is the same price on Amazon as the Keystation MIni 32 you linked. Out of the two, I would definitely go for the 49. More keys, and real pitch bend+modulation wheels. (The pitch bend buttons on the mini look kind of lame IMO.) Unless the more portable size is just super important to you.

6: If the keyboard you get has traditional (round) MIDI I/O ports but no USB port, then you'll need a MIDI interface for your computer. They're cheap, and you don't need anything fancy. Something like this is fine. You can also get an audio interface that has MIDI built-in. If you go with an audio interface, you should do more research, as a good audio interface (unlike an expensive midi adapter) does make a big difference in the sound that gets recorded. But that's probably farther down the line if right now you're just trying to learn and get better at composition. At that point you'll be looking at good monitor speakers and/or monitor headphones, too.

No hard and fast rules, here. Just a few things to consider.

u/tilldrop · 23 pointsr/Reaper

I teach music production as a side job and from what I have learned, the hardest (in terms of most confusing, not time consuming) yet most important part of getting into music production, is to fully understand the DAW itself.

So don't give up, there are tons of others who have been in your situation.

Personally, I usually approach two things: signal flow and user interface. You'll want to fully understand what gets send where and how to find that place in your software.

You'll want to have a basic understanding of what MIDI data is and what the difference between MIDI, an analog audio signal and a digital audio signal is.

Oversimplifying a little bit MIDI is a data protocol that sends information - usually information like notes being played, at what velocity etc. or controller data (MIDI CC). This data is not to be confused with an audio signal. The Akai keyboard for example uses the MIDI protocol to communicate with Reaper.

Now since MIDI does not contain any audio, but you want to make music, there is something needed to make an audio signal out of the MIDI data you can play on the Akai keyboard. For this, you can use any soft- or hardware synth, sampler etc. These programs/hardware will use the incomming MIDI data to trigger oscillators or play a sample - usually at a certain pitch, depending on the MIDI note's data.

It looks like you already figured some of this out, but didn't quite understand how it worked. Now, the software synthesizers work exactly how you imagined: They are loaded into Reaper as Plugins (usually in VST-format, but can be JS, AU, or other). For this to work, you'll have to tell Reaper where to find them. So I suggest you install them into a common folder and tell Reaper where to find that. (Options->Preferences->Plugins->VST->Add folder via "Open", than "Rescan".)

The octapad can output both, MIDI and audio. Now it really depends on what you want to get from it. Do you want to sounds from the octapad? Or do you just want to use it as a controller to trigger some sampler plugin in Reaper? Depending on that, you'll either need a MIDI to USB interface or a audio to USB interface. There are also interfaces that do both, audio and MIDI. And also interfaces with more fancy features like

  • multiple inputs (audio for synth/mics/guitar or MIDI),
  • (multiple) outputs (to attach speakers to)
  • zero-latency monitoring
  • phantom power for condenser mics
  • better pre-amps for less noise when recording
  • etc.

    Your computer probably even has an audio interface built in without you ever having thought about that. It'll probably not have many features, will not support phantom power, will have not gain adjustment for incoming signals etc, but it could work with your octapad if it has a line-in.

    I'm happy to help, but your questions are very vague. Just try to tinker. Experiment, create basic rhythms, work with audio and with MIDI, explore ever feature of Reaper, bit after bit, and you'll soon feel much more comfortable. Getting comfortable is the most important step, since you'll want Reaper to be your laboratory, your tools, an empty canvas. At that point, you'll be able to truly focus on the music. So take your time :)
u/nadnerb811 · 3 pointsr/edmproduction

Get the cheapest keyboard you can, imo. I think the money would be better spent on monitors (speakers) or headphones, depending on whether you have any already. If you have decent listening devices already, then don't splurge for sure and just use what you have. By decent I basically mean not the earbuds that came with your phone, or speakers that can relatively play everything in the frequency range from ~50 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

The DAW (Digital Audio Workstation.... i.e. FL Studio, LMMS, Ableton, or whatever you choose) is going to be where the real heavy lifting is done. The keyboard will basically be a controller for using the software. You could make the same stuff without it, albeit you would have to draw the notes in.

So, my opinion would be to go as absolutely cheap as possible. I have one of these and I just plug it into my roommate's ~$100 keyboard he got from Costco when I feel like it. Basically, my advice is to get the USB-to-MIDI converter and find a keyboard with MIDI outputs on the back.

You said you play piano? On, like, a real piano? If it is electronic you might just be able to use what you already have. Look on the back and see if it has a MIDI OUT port.

u/KeyboardKonan · 2 pointsr/WeAreTheMusicMakers

Ah - okay, I read your original question a little closer and yeah you could get a MIDI -> USB cable to run your Volca directly into the computer. But the latency may still be a thing.


Its definitely cheaper than getting a new Audio Interface to get the cable - but at the same time I personally would want a one box solution.


And an 80s sci-fi movie prop? Dang, that exposes my aesthetic preferences, lol.

u/djdementia · 2 pointsr/WeAreTheMusicMakers

You need quite a bit of help getting started, take your time to read the manuals. Providing a link to your keyboard would help greatly.

  • Modern MIDI devices almost always come with USB and not MIDI interfaces. Typically you plug your keyboard in USB directly to the computer
  • Vintage MIDI devices require a round circular 5 pin DIN connector
  • The Audio Interface that you bought doesn't have one of these 5 pin DIN connectors!
  • It's not a really big deal even if you do need to use vintage MIDI DIN. You can buy a separate USB to MIDI DIN and not use one with the audio interface - it doesn't really matter. These adapters are cheap!

    You would probably benefit greatly from taking a class before you get too far. Go to Coursera and sign up to audit this Music Prodcution class. It will cover all the basic ins and outs of how to get started with computer music production.
u/amaraNT2oo2 · 9 pointsr/synthesizers

I'd recommend avoiding the cheap, no-name ones like this. Sometimes they just don't work at all, or sometimes they'll work for certain things (note-on) but not others (SysEx dumps, sequencer data, etc.). I actually had one that I connected to one of my synths, and it sent a bunch of garbled MIDI data that caused me to lose some patches.

If you can afford it, I'd recommend something like the $35 iConnectivity mio. I've had 3 different iConnectivity interfaces, and all have been rock solid and dependable. This doesn't require any drivers, whereas I think the equivalent cables by Yamaha, Roland, M-Audio do.

u/jayfehr · 1 pointr/ipad

Yes, I've done exactly as your describing and it works well. You have to have a powered ethernet hub though.

Here's what I've had connected, including the required cables:

Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (required)

AUKEY 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with 10 / 100 / 1000 Gigabit Ethernet

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

FCB1010

midi usb cable

powered usb hub (you can't just use the hub w/ ethernet above because it's not powered, if you find a powered one that should work, but that was not how I had mine setup)

I believe I've had some other things plugged in here or there, but this setup listed definitely works. It's not simple and clean, but it works.

u/bijobini · 2 pointsr/synthesizers

What gear are you connecting the iPad to? But like u/slujj-vohaul said, you need the Camera Conection Kit and either connect directly to the USB port of your synths or use something like this.

u/tripngroove · 1 pointr/synthesizers

A midi thru box just takes incoming midi and splits it to many outputs... so if you already have a midi adapter like this that plugs in to your camera connection kit, the answer is yes.

The iConnect midi is essentially combining the camera kit and midi adapter into one product.

u/mr_somebody · 1 pointr/ipadmusic

VicTsing USB IN-OUT MIDI Cable Converter PC to Music Keyboard Adapter Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACGMOA6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_NnU1wb9K42S5P

It's the first one that comes up pretty much.

u/mage2k · 0 pointsr/WeAreTheMusicMakers

You can't just plug a USB cable into it and have MIDI work. You need something like this.

u/eduardog3000 · 1 pointr/piano

I see a pretty big range in prices for MIDI to USB cables, would there be a problem with getting a cheap one like this?

u/soph0nax · 1 pointr/midi

Your computer most likely has a USB port. Get a USB MIDI interface for your keyboard. MIDI Out from the keyboard into MIDI In on the USB MIDI Interface. Or if your interface has a MIDI input, just use that.

Here's an $8 one from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Cable-Converter-Keyboard-Adapter/dp/B00ACGMOA6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464819807&sr=8-1&keywords=USB+MIdi+interface

u/SrgntBallistic · 2 pointsr/Rockband

I used this USB to midi adapter with a rapsberry pi https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACGMOA6/

GoesDTX502 -> USB-B -> Raspberry Pi -> USB/Midi Adapter Out -> Midi Adapter Pro

u/Nyxyxylyth · 0 pointsr/Rockband

I don't know where you're looking, but there are plenty of decent cables for a lot less.
https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Cable-Converter-Keyboard-Adapter/dp/B00ACGMOA6

u/TheGeminiMaverick · 1 pointr/FL_Studio

You could try this solution. I used this years ago to connect a Yamaha EZ30 to FL Studio.

VicTsing USB IN-OUT MIDI Cable Converter PC to Music Keyboard Adapter Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACGMOA6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2s5fAbTBCCB89

u/lanka2571 · 1 pointr/synthesizers

Look at the link below. I’m thinking about getting this for my beatstep. It plugs into the midi out 3.5 jack and turns it into a traditional 5 pin midi cable interface. Not sure it would work for a volca drum out to the midi in on your Roland, but maybe?

MIDI TS DIN Cable for Arturia Beatstep - MidiPlus MiniEngine & MiniEngine Pro - TS 3.5mm 1/8" - C-3.5mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BSVDLDD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_w23UDbXC4A4J1

u/sheboygan_sexpo · 3 pointsr/synthesizers

Gotcha. So in order to control the Minitaur, you need to plug a controller into the MIDI IN on it. Once you're controlling it, you just play the keyboard regularly and sound comes out the audio outputs of the Minitaur. Unfortunately, your Oxygen controller doesn't have a 5-pin MIDI out, so you can't just plug directly into the Minitaur with that, which leads to the first dilemma. You may be able to set it all up this way,

Oxygen > Computer > Garageband > Interface > Minitaur

I haven't used Garageband much, but there should be a way to configure the MIDI IN to be your Oxygen and the MIDI OUT to be the Minitaur--this would at least make it so that you send a "language" of MIDI phrases from the Oxygen through your computer, to be interpreted by the Minitaur. Between the computer and Minitaur you can use something like this adapter. I've never used one before and most people don't recommend them around here, but they might get the job done inexpensively. Ultimately, your best bet is probably an interface like the Scarlet 2i4. Relatively cheap, dead simple and it would allow you to record another instrument simultaneously to your computer with little-to-no fuss.

Or, if you're like me and hate configuring stuff in a DAW (and especially hate ending up with a ton of latency between what you play and what you hear)...

You could get a controller that has MIDI out (anything with a 5-pin MIDI OUT). Get a MIDI cable. Connect your controller to the Minitaur and have the audio output of that go to your bass amp. Then record your bass amp however you do now (if you do).

Sorry, the solution you're looking for isn't as easy as it should be. More than likely you'll have to purchase something else if you want to record the Minitaur, and probably to even play the Minitaur.

This is a ton of information, so feel free to ask about anything that's not clear.

edit: I dun goofed. The Minitaur has USB MIDI in. The majority of this information is unecessary when you can plug directly into the damn thing. Maybe next time I'll look a bit closer at the input/outputs before going into such detail >.>

u/RazorINC · 1 pointr/WeAreTheMusicMakers

If your keyboard has MIDI ports in the back then you have no need whatsoever for the Impulse 25. They keyboard you already have is a MIDI controller.

Plug the keyboard you already have into your PC. If your PC doesn't have MIDI ports on the soundcard (few do, these days) you buy a MIDI to USB adapter cable. https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Cable-Converter-Keyboard-Adapter/dp/B00ACGMOA6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1499604264&sr=8-3&keywords=midi+to+usb+adapter

Whether or not you need the Scarlett 2i4 depends on how and what you plan to record. If you are only interested in creating sounds on the keyboard, not looking to edit later, then you would need the Scarlett 2i4 to record the audio output of the keyboard you already have.

If you're not ever going to record the piano audio directly but use the DAW as your main sampler and you want to able to edit later then you don't need the 2i4 because you'll be recording the MIDI information via the MIDI port on the keyboard.

Having said that, buying the Scarlett 2i4 will give you the option to choose later, if you have no idea what the hell you want, which I am guessing is how you feel at this moment anyway. You have no clue what you're going to do about anything. Since the Scarlett 2i4 has both audio input and midi inputs then you're covered both ways for when you figure out what it is you plan on doing and how. Buying the Scarlett would eliminate the need to buy a MIDI to USB adapter because it is acting as your adapter.

Me personally, I have a very cheap, 10-15 year old Panasonic keyboard which I bought second hand for $40 because I only needed something with MIDI ports. I knew what I needed and why I needed it. My DAW is where I do all the editing and shaping of the sounds, I just need the keyboard to send the MIDI to the DAW because it's easier to write parts on a piano keyboard than it is to place notes on a piano roll in the DAW.

The Impulse 25 would be a redundant waste of money, you already have a MIDI controller.