Skip to content
KNOBKRAFT_ORM GitHub

MIDI setup and detection

Manual contents

Connect one synth

Before you start: use a synth integration present in your installed build, power on the instrument, and connect MIDI in both directions. For a DIN interface, the computer's MIDI output goes to the synth's MIDI input; the synth's output returns to the computer's input. USB instruments may expose these ports directly. Follow the instrument's own instructions for SysEx reception, device ID, and MIDI mode.

  1. Open Setup.
  2. Activate support for the synth you want to use.
  3. Click Auto-Detect, or choose MIDI → Auto-detect synths (F1).
  4. Review the synth's Sent to device, Receive from device, and MIDI channel values.
  5. Select the synth in the Library and perform a small supported retrieval, such as an edit-buffer capture, to check that patch data returns.

Expected result: detection establishes a working bidirectional connection and updates the connection settings. A successful detection is useful evidence of MIDI communication; it does not verify every import/send function or the audio connection.

Device-dependent: detection, channel interpretation, and supported requests vary by integration. A supported synth may still need hardware settings before it responds. Use the device-specific help in Settings for the expected device ID and MIDI mode.

Enter connection details manually

  1. In Setup, locate the active synth's settings.
  2. Set Sent to device to the computer output connected to that synth.
  3. Set Receive from device to the computer input receiving that synth's replies.
  4. Set MIDI channel to the value expected by the integration and instrument.
  5. Choose MIDI → Quick check connectivity (F2) and inspect the result.

Expected result: KnobKraft uses the entered connection details. Changing this channel setting does not change the synth's own MIDI channel. Change hardware settings on the instrument when required.

Some paths only require a configured channel; bank management also checks detection. If one action works and another reports Synth not connected, recheck detection rather than assuming the action shares the same prerequisites.

Hear what you send

Patch data and MIDI notes are separate from audio. Connect the synth's audio output to headphones, a mixer, or an audio interface and monitor that signal. A visible patch selection is not proof that the instrument received it or that audio is being monitored.

If you use a separate master keyboard, configure MIDI forwarding in Setup after verifying the synth connection. First establish one dependable input/output path; then add other devices.

Check communication without guessing

Use MIDI → Log only Sysex messages while investigating patch transfers, or Log all MIDI messages while investigating notes. Read the MIDI Log tab. MIDI → Check for MIDI loops sends test messages and reports loops in the log. Record which ports and message directions appear.

The MIDI Log's Sysex entry field is an advanced sender. In this workflow, it sends to the current output set, not just the selected synth. It is not needed for routine setup; do not use an arbitrary example message as a connectivity test.

Troubleshooting