How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools

Connecting your MIDI keyboard to Pro Tools will allow you to record, play, and edit your music sessions using Pro Tools software. After connecting your keyboard to Pro Tools via USB, you must modify the MIDI Settings in Pro Tools so your...
Part 1 of 2:

Connecting a MIDI Keyboard

  1. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 1How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 1
    Connect the MIDI keyboard to your computer using a USB / MIDI adapter.
  2. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 2How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 2
    Verify that your keyboard is powered on and ready for use.
  3. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 3How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 3
    Launch Pro Tools on your Windows or Mac computer.
  4. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 4How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 4
    Click on 'Setup' at the top of your Pro Tools session and select 'Peripherals.' The Peripherals window will display on-screen.
  5. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 5How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 5
    Click on the tab labeled 'MIDI Controllers.'
  6. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 6How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 6
    Click on the 'Type' dropdown menu and select 'HUI.' HUI stands for Human User Interface, and is a type of MIDI mapping protocol you'll be using in Pro Tools with your MIDI keyboard.
  7. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 7How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 7
    Select the name of your keyboard from the 'Receive From' and 'Send To' dropdown menus.
  8. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 8How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 8
    Click on 'OK.' Your MIDI keyboard will now be connected to and recognized by Pro Tools.[1]
Part 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

  1. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 9How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 9
    Log in to your computer using an administrator account if Pro Tools fails to recognize your keyboard after setup. In some cases, MIDI settings may not initialize properly unless you're logged in as an administrator during setup.
  2. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 10How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 10
    Check to see whether your keyboard is listed under Setup > MIDI > Input Devices if you're experiencing connection problems. If your keyboard is not displayed under 'Input Devices,' there may be a problem with the keyboard itself. Contact the keyboard's manufacturer to find out which additional steps, if any, must be taken to make the keyboard compatible with Pro Tools.
  3. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 11How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 11
    Try installing the latest drivers for your keyboard if you continue to experience connection problems in Pro Tools. In some cases, your computer may not recognize your keyboard if there are outdated or no drivers installed.[2]
    1. Visit the keyboard manufacturer's website to find and install the latest drivers for your keyboard on your Windows or Mac computer.
  4. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 12How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 12
    Try closing and relaunching Pro Tools if keyboard setup is complete and there is no sound. Closing and reopening Pro Tools can help refresh software settings and force the program to recognize your keyboard's input and output.
  5. How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 13How to Connect a MIDI Keyboard to Pro Tools Picture 13
    Try using another USB / MIDI adapter if connection problems persist. In some cases, a faulty USB cable or adapter can cause connection issues between your keyboard and Pro Tools.
4 ★ | 9 Vote