3

I have a Korg EX-8000 synth I bought at a thrift store, but no midi keyboard and would like to know how to hook up to my computer so I can test to see if it works. I just ordered a MIDI to USB cable. What else am I going to need so I can test the unit on my computer? Or can it even be done with the Korg EX-8000 w/o keyboard on a computer?

Thanks to the board so much for any help/advice.

Improve this question
  • 1
    There are free editor programs for the EX-8000, e.g. this one: ctrlr.org/korg-dw-8000 (you need to download the ctrlr programme itself and the "panel" for the DW-8000, which is the keyboard version of the EX-8000; see the documentation). – Your Uncle Bob Jul 21 '19 at 20:06
5

If you'd like to just check that it works and you are happy using something simpler than a sequencer, you could use a virtual MIDI keyboard - that runs on your computer and will allow you to play notes out of your MIDI interface using your computer. An example is http://vmpk.sourceforge.net/.

Improve this answer
  • 1
    Yes, for just seeing if it works, that seems an excellent choice. – Laurence Payne Jul 21 '19 at 23:41
  • That's what I was thinking. To hook up unit to computer via midi-usb cord and to see if, once connected, I can play sounds from the Korg on the computer and test all different sounds that unit produces using a 'virtual MIDI keyboard.' That's assuming the unit actually puts out midi signal for program to detect. Thanks to all for reply. Have to wait for midi-usb cable to arrive in a few days to attempt. – Rafael Jul 22 '19 at 1:48
  • @Rafael Your Uncle Bob's suggestion of using an editor is also good, as is Laurence Payne's plan of using a sequencer; it's good to have a plan B in case it's the software, rather than hardware, that's the problem. Interesting purchase - hope it works! – topo Reinstate Monica Jul 22 '19 at 8:47
3

You need a program on your computer that outputs MIDI data (in much the same way as a keyboard would). These programs are commonly called 'sequencers'. Here's a free one

Whoops! That's an audio-only program. Try this for MIDI.

Or if you're happy working with notation try this

Improve this answer
  • Thanks for the quick reply. Wouldn't I need a program with a keyboard so I can test the outputs of the Korg by playing the keyboard on the computer and changing settings on Korg for different sounds? I downloaded the Audacity program per your recommendation. Just have to figure out how to use, as I am quite ignorant when it comes to this sort of thing. Thank you very much for the reply and your time and any additional help/suggestion greatly appreciated, – Rafael Jul 21 '19 at 17:35
  • 1
    I don’t think musescore will send MIDI data out to an external sound module, it only takes it in from a keyboard. Finale and Sibelius will do it, though. – Todd Wilcox Jul 21 '19 at 17:49
  • 1
    Also audacity doesn’t do MIDI at all, only audio. So while the answer is good, the specific recommended software won’t help. – Todd Wilcox Jul 21 '19 at 20:20
  • Sorry, I gave you a bum steer with Audacity - thats just for audio, See amended reply - older versions of Tracktion have gone free. @Todd Wilcox, MuseScore definitely will use any available MIDI output. I've just tried and successfully routed it to both a Kurzweil PC3 keyboard and a Korg X5DR module – Laurence Payne Jul 21 '19 at 21:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.