Connect a USB MIDI Keyboard

MIDI keyboard controllers normally utilize USB, but some devices may still utilize a 5 pin MIDI connection. If you use 5 pin MIDI, you will need to connect the device directly to a MIDI interface, Audio Interface with MIDI inputs and outputs, or use a MIDI to USB conversion cable.

To connect a USB MIDI Keyboard to Cakewalk Sonar:

1. Connect Your MIDI Keyboard:
   • Ensure your MIDI keyboard is properly connected to your computer via USB or MIDI interface and turned on.
2. Launch Cakewalk Sonar.
3. Verify MIDI Device Settings:
   
   • Go to Edit > Preference (or press P).
   • Under MIDI > Devices, ensure your MIDI keyboard is checked under Input.
     
     
     
     
     • Note: Only check the box for Output if you're using a hardware synth and want to send a MIDI signal back to your device
   • Click Apply and then OK.
4. Create or Select a MIDI Track:
   
   • If you don't have a MIDI track, you can create one by going to Insert > MIDI Track.
   • If you already have a MIDI track, click to select it. 
5. Set Track Input to MIDI Keyboard:
   • In the track view, locate the input Settings for the MIDI track.
   • Click the Input dropdown menu on the track.
   • Select your MIDI keyboard from the list. It might be listed by its name or as Omni (which means it will receive from any channel on the MIDI keyboard). 
     
     

Learn how to record using virtual instruments and your USB MIDI keyboard here