MIDI Keyboard query :S

[Noir-Addict]

I have a <a href="http://www.casio.com/products/archive/Musical_Instruments/Standard/CTK-551/">casio keyboard.</a>
And have had it for a while (a bout 4 years).
But in the past couple of years i have gotten really involved in using Garageband and record daily on it.

I have just realised that my keyboard has a MIDI in and out.
My friend (a garageband user also) has an M-audio MIDI keyboard that links with Garageband and allows him to record software instruments on this little keyboard of his.

I was wondering what i would have to buy to be able to this with my keyboard?

Thanks if you can help.

[bartelby]

I have just realised that my keyboard has a MIDI in and out.
My friend (a garageband user also) has an M-audio MIDI keyboard that links with Garageband and allows him to record software instruments on this little keyboard of his.

I was wondering what i would have to buy to be able to this with my keyboard?

Thanks if you can help.


You need a USB MIDI interface.
M-Audio make some pretty cheap ones, the Midiman 2x2 is good.

[calculus]

You need a USB MIDI interface.
M-Audio make some pretty cheap ones, the Midiman 2x2 is good.

What does this add? I just plug my keyboard straight in via a USB cable, am I missing the possibility of additional functionality?

[iMeowbot]

What does this add? I just plug my keyboard straight in via a USB cable, am I missing the possibility of additional functionality?
Standard MIDI uses a different wire protocol (and different cabling), your keyboard happens to have the adapter built in. It's no difference to you unless you have more MIDI-capable toys.

[bartelby]

What does this add? I just plug my keyboard straight in via a USB cable, am I missing the possibility of additional functionality?

You'd plug the MIDI out of the keyboard into the interface then connect to the computer via USB.
You'll be able to play the software instruments in GarageBand using the keyboard. The Casio send velocity info via MIDI which is good!

[calculus]

Standard MIDI uses a different wire protocol (and different cabling), your keyboard happens to have the adapter built in. It's no difference to you unless you have more MIDI-capable toys.

Thanks for the information.