MIDI without USB – classic MIDI connections explained

You want do do MIDI without USB? Hooking up a synthesiser is easy. USB cable in – done! But what if you want to tempo sync two drum machines in a live setup? No computer! What if you bought a vintage synth on eBay? No USB! What if you want to directly control one synth from another keyboard? USB usually doesn’t do a direct connection!

In this video we explain how the classic 5 pin MIDI connection works and how you could use it with or without a USB master keyboard.

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[FistieSplinters]

Four years later, still the best video on MIDI. Thank you.

[oogabooga]

I love this guy he talks so beautifully and makes me feel like his friend

[electrikm]

I’m glad Behringer did this video for those who maybe are or are not familiar with the idea of midi compared to usb.It can be helpful for those just beginning into the world of midi.Thank you for the informational video.

[phranquepeasant]

Thank you. Finally a good and simple explanation of the purpose of MIDI Thru.

[IAskForNames]

Wow dude you're an AMAZING teacher. This is probably one of the best tutorials on ANYTHING that I've ever watched. MIDI for me is complex to understand but you made it very understandable! Thank you

[slicktar]

This is I'm Lloyd Dorsey and I forgot that I even asked the question.... and here it is 3 years later that I run across this I thought it was some type of block chain thing that I saw my

[rufo]

These videos, and the presenter, are great! Clear and consise explanations of essential concepts. :)

[dreadful_privation]

You guys are awesome for doing this. I use midi or cv primarily for sync/connections. My days of sitting on a bedroom floor with a pro-one, commodore 64, and tape deck may be long, long gone... but man.... where it has all taken us! I kinda hate that i grew up classic midi now that it makes me all old; but I love all your guys' great gear and the community available in here in the future.

Appreciate ya all doin this vid! Best!

[gadzintu]

Thanks Behringer for taking the time and making these videos!

[matsewunderlich]

I love Behringer ❤️ ... waiting for the 09 - to use it with my classic MIDI setup

[xanfus]

OMG this is exactly what I needed! I just bought my very first synth, a ms-1 and I'm super excited to get started!!!

[audioartisan]

I started by daisy-chaining synths, then worked my way up to a MIDI expander connected to an Atari 1040st. USB wasn't even thought of yet. Great to see a video teaching MIDI beginning basics to the USB generation ;)

[KWHCoaster]

Nice!


If a synth doesn't include 5-pin MIDI support, is USB-MIDI only, it is instantly scratch off my wish list.



I can play everything in my setup via a master MIDI keyboard and I have a MIDI Channel label on the face of the synths & sound modules for quick reference of the assigned channel.



P.S. Daisy chaining with MIDI THRU is convenient, but then you need to power up all gear in the chain. A MIDI THRU box (one MIDI IN, many MIDI OUT) allows you to keep some gear off when not being used. And avoid introducing latency.

[NeoTeAika]

It bothers me when synthesizers DON'T have MIDI DIN.

[glenesis]

I need DIN MIDI on everything, and I'm tired of passing up sweet gear because of that USB-only MIDI BS. Thanks Behringer for KICKING BUTT!!! MIDI Merge is a definite plus!!

[matthewjay]

The Arturia Keystep is a Godsend in that it has both USB & MIDI I/O, even in a DAW-less land in which I operate. The midiIN also acts as a THRU: I’ve an MC-303 Groovebox I use as an over glorified Master Clock that sends clock data to AND through the Keystep to my modules & volcas

[NicB-Creations]

This video: "midi without usb"
Me: "midi with usb?"

[pipe-usorganicus]

forgot a couple of things. I also use 2 Behringer stereo volume control pedals between the laptops and the power amplifiers. So I have 4 channel audio from 2 laptops and 4 keyboards and 1 pedalboard. Really fun, really shakes the house!!!
Thanks!

[gary]

My head was spinning like hell. midi in, midi out, thru thru, midi out and then midi thru and midi in. nice vid by the way THANKS!

[pryce]

I am eternally grateful. Finally everything hooked up