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99p Ebay USB Midi cable nightmare!

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 10:18 am
by legend4ry
So I got given a absolutely beautiful 88 key vintage Casio keyboard from a family friend.

Since its before the days of USB to take advantage of the midi outputs I needed a Midi > USB cable so I went on ebay, bought the cheapest one I could find (cause I am really skint at the moment)

It arrives; I get all happy - plug it into one of my spare USB slots - the red LED turns on! (HAPPY DAYS!) I download the manual for the keyboard, work out how to set it into Midi mode, do that.. Press some keys and ..........Nothing.


I thought "DUH, MIDI DRIVERS FOR THE CABLE, HOW STUPID AM I!?"

So I search the internet on and off for weeks trying out different tricks and tips then BAM! I remember I own a M-Audio MidAir 25; which comes with a lovely Midi Box and has a secondary driver setting for any other MIDI stufff.

But then I hid the same hurdle - to use my USB > Midi cable - it needs to be plugged into the USB to even send any signal but without the drivers, theres really no luck.


DSF - I am stuck; the cable just says on it .. usbMIDIcable - its blue with 3 LED's - no serial number or nothing so I dunno what drivers it needs.

Was a stupid purchase and have i wasted months of my time and should just get a standard midi cable or is there hope?

Re: 99p Ebay USB Midi cable nightmare!

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 4:25 pm
by komanderkin
are you on pc or mac? does your puter recognize the USB/MIDI cable as a device? what happens when you plug it in (except for the red light switching on)?

Re: 99p Ebay USB Midi cable nightmare!

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 4:38 pm
by wormcode
Can you try the midi>usb on another device to test it? The Casio might just not work with it for whatever reason (or there's some rogue setting).
I would also try Casio > MIDI THRU device > PC.

Generic drivers have always worked for me in the past.

Re: 99p Ebay USB Midi cable nightmare!

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:32 pm
by cloud capture
Possibly test it with a old midi to midi cable first. Regardless, an old 88-key Casio sounds awesome. Have fun with that.

Re: 99p Ebay USB Midi cable nightmare!

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:43 pm
by legend4ry
I finally found a generic driver ( http://www.blindskunk.com/windows7_view ... ivers.html )

Installed it, the redlight on the cable would turn off after a few seconds but now it stays on constantly; I messed about with the settings on the Casio but can't seem to get it to work.. I threw away my Midair 25 as 90% of the keys just ended up not working and I don't need knobs for automation; this is why I want this keyboard! I need loads 'o keys.

I'm pretty noobie when it comes to using old stuff so, if anyone fancies being nice heres the manual : http://www.usersmanualguide.com/manuals/casio/CPS-7.pdf

Ive had the keyboard for a good 2 years it'll be nice to finally get it in action!

Re: 99p Ebay USB Midi cable nightmare!

Posted: Mon Oct 17, 2011 7:21 pm
by RandoRando
Best of luck to you Legend4ary