Other devices and hardware, such as legacy instruments, require an interface to allow you to use them in your DAW. Many modern controllers and instruments have a built-in MIDI interface, meaning you can plug them to your laptop via USB. You also see 2.5mm jack connections from time to time. MIDI is usually connected via a round 5-pin connector, often with both in & out functionality. This could be anything from a MIDI keyboard to an electronic drum kit. It’s most commonly used to control synthesizers and DAW instruments via a controller.

The aim was to provide a universal language that would allow instruments to communicate with each other. MIDI’s digital signal carries information on pitch, velocity, vibrato, panning and much more – and because it’s universal, it’s compatible with pretty much any brand or platform. MIDI was pioneered by synth legend Dave Smith and Roland founder Ikutaro Kakehashi in the early ‘80s, alongside representatives from Yamaha, Korg and Kawai. USB, MIDI, an audio cable connections among computer, synthesizer, and mixer. MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Enables MIDI networks via Ethernet and Wi-Fi Classic 5-pin MIDI in / out with very low latency values USB-host for connecting USB-MIDI controllers, USB-MIDI. MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Usb 3 midi interface