Setting up USB MIDI devices on Linux is straightforward if you follow the correct steps. Whether you’re using a MIDI keyboard, controller, or pad, this guide will help you get everything running smoothly.
1. Connect Your USB MIDI Device
- Plug the USB MIDI device into an available USB port.
- Confirm the device powers on (some devices may require external power).
2. Verify Device Recognition
Open a terminal and type:
lsusb
This command lists all USB devices connected. Look for your MIDI device in the output.
Next, check if the MIDI device is recognized by ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture):
aconnect -i
aconnect -o
This shows input and output MIDI devices. If your device appears, Linux recognizes it.
3. Install Required Packages
Ensure ALSA utilities are installed:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install alsa-utils
For graphical tools, consider installing QjackCtl and aconnectgui:
sudo apt install qjackctl aconnectgui
4. Configure ALSA MIDI Connections
ALSA handles MIDI routing. To list MIDI connections:
aconnect -l
To connect a MIDI device to a software synthesizer:
aconnect <client>:<port> <client>:<port>
Example:
aconnect 20:0 128:0
Where 20:0 is your MIDI controller, and 128:0 is the software synth.
5. Using JACK for Advanced Routing
Install JACK:
sudo apt install jackd
Start JACK:
qjackctl
In QjackCtl:
- Open “Connect” window.
- Go to the “MIDI” tab.
- Drag connections between devices and software.
6. Test Your MIDI Device
Use a software synth like FluidSynth:
sudo apt install fluidsynth
Run FluidSynth:
fluidsynth -a alsa -m alsa_seq /path/to/soundfont.sf2
Play your MIDI device. You should hear sound if configured correctly.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Device not recognized: Try different USB ports or cables. Check
dmesgfor kernel messages:dmesg | grep -i midi - No sound: Confirm software synth volume isn’t muted. Verify ALSA connections.
- Latency issues: Adjust JACK settings in QjackCtl for lower buffer sizes.
8. Automating MIDI Connections at Boot
Create a script:
nano ~/connect_midi.sh
Add connection commands:
#!/bin/bash
aconnect 20:0 128:0
Make it executable:
chmod +x ~/connect_midi.sh
Add to startup applications in your desktop environment settings.
9. Using MIDI in DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations)
For software like Ardour or LMMS:
- Open the MIDI settings/preferences.
- Select your USB MIDI device as input.
- Arm a track to record and test MIDI input.
10. Additional Tools for MIDI on Linux
- ALSA MIDI Bridge: Connect ALSA to JACK.
- MIDI Monitor: Debug MIDI messages:
sudo apt install kmidimon - VMPK (Virtual MIDI Piano Keyboard): Test without physical hardware:
sudo apt install vmpk
Summary
- Connect the device and verify with
lsusbandaconnect. - Install ALSA utilities and optional GUI tools.
- Use ALSA or JACK for routing.
- Test with software like FluidSynth or DAWs.
- Automate connections with scripts.
Following these steps ensures your USB MIDI devices work efficiently on Linux.