How to Configure USB MIDI Devices on Linux

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 dmesg for 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 lsusb and aconnect.
  • 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.

How to Configure USB MIDI Devices on Linux

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