Q: How can I check if my MIDI Keyboard / Interface is communicating with my Windows PC properly?

A: MIDI-OX is a free, all-purpose MIDI utility program that you can use to test the MIDI Input and/or output of your device.  Download and install MIDI-OX 7.0 from www.midiox.com and follow the steps below to test the MIDI input and/or output of your device.


Testing MIDI Input

If you have an M-Audio or Evolution USB MIDI keyboard/controller, or an external MIDI keyboard/controller connected to an M-Audio MIDI interface, these steps will allow you to test the MIDI input of your device.  Before proceeding, ensure that your MIDI device is connected to the computer and that the appropriate drivers are installed.

1. Launch MIDI-OX.

2. Go to the Options Menu and select MIDI Devices.
 
3. Select the MIDI Inputs on your device you would like to test.



Note: In this example, USB Axiom 25 In1 refers to the MIDI data being generated by the keys and controllers of the Axiom.  USB Axiom 25 In2 refers to the MIDI IN connection on the back of the Axiom, which would be used to connect external MIDI hardware.  Please refer to your device's documentation for an explanation of the available MIDI ports.

4. Click OK.

5. Pressing keys on your MIDI keyboard should register Note On and Note Off messages in the Monitor Window.



Turning knobs, moving the control wheels (pitch bend or modulation), moving sliders, or pressing buttons should all register MIDI events in the Monitor Window.



If MIDI-OX registered the MIDI events from your device, it is installed and working properly.

Note: The data display defults to hexadecimal values; to see standard numbers displayed go to the Options Menu>Data Display and click to remove the checks for Monitor Input: Hex.


Testing MIDI Output

If you have external synthesizers or sound modules, these steps will allow you to test the MIDI output of your device by sending MIDI note messages from MIDI-OX to your external device.  Before proceeding, ensure that your MIDI devices are connected and that the appropriate drivers are installed.

1. Launch MIDI-OX.

2. Go to the Options Menu and click MIDI Devices.

3. Select the MIDI Output on your device you would like to test.



Note: The Axiom, along with most other M-Audio USB keyboards/controllers, features a MIDI Out from USB function.  In order for MIDI-OX to send MIDI notes to your external gear, MIDI Out from USB must be enabled.  Please refer to your device's documentation for enabling MIDI Out from USB (if available).

4. Click OK.

5. Click the Keyboard button, or select Keyboard from the Actions Menu to enable the playing of notes from the computer keyboard.



6. Press the keys Z, X, C, and V on your computer's keyboard to send the MIDI Notes C3, D3, E3, and F3 to your external synthesizer or sound module.



While playing notes from the computer's keyboard you should hear sound through the speakers or headphones connected to your external synthesizer or sound module.  This confirms that your device is installed and working properly.

Note: The data display defults to hexadecimal values; to see standard numbers displayed go to the Options Menu>Data Display and click to remove the checks for Monitor Output: Hex.


If you are unable to successfully test the MIDI input and/or output of your M-Audio device, please contact M-Audio Support for further assistance with troubleshooting your issue.