connect Korg Volca Keys with MIDI keyboard

beybika · Post by **beybika** » Thu Dec 27, 2018 11:36 pm

Hi everyone,

I would like to connect my Korg Volca Keys to Novation Launchkey 49 mk2, wich only has USB type B output.
I have already made some research, but I still have no idea how to do that, since I have found out that the converter cable "MIDI to USB B" does not exist. Can I even make this work without using DAW on my computer as a bridge between the two devices? Do you have any recommendations, please?
Thank you!

Koekepan · Post by **Koekepan** » Fri Dec 28, 2018 12:54 am

There are some tools that will do this. You should be able to google for USB to MIDI converter and come up with a few.

slug · Post by **slug** » Fri Dec 28, 2018 9:32 pm

A MIDI keyboard without MIDI plug output? What stupidity is that?

LM · Post by LM » Fri Dec 28, 2018 10:52 pm

slug wrote:A MIDI keyboard without MIDI plug output? What stupidity is that?

I know, right? Seems like most mid/entry level MIDI keyboards these days only have virtual USB MIDI ports. I remember when even cheap Casio keyboards used to have real MIDI ports.

jeftones · Post by **jeftones** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 9:42 pm

lower/middle tier midi devices have been losing din midi connection for a long time now. I assume most manufacturers are just expecting their midi controllers to be used with a computer. There are a few devices that will play midi host and allow you to route your midi through them into the volca. if you run a search for kenton midi to usb host, iconnect midi, or retrokits rk-005 you will find a place to purchase these type of devices.

megamarkd · Post by **megamarkd** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 1:16 am

jeftones wrote:lower/middle tier midi devices have been losing din midi connection for a long time now. I assume most manufacturers are just expecting their midi controllers to be used with a computer. There are a few devices that will play midi host and allow you to route your midi through them into the volca. if you run a search for kenton midi to usb host, iconnect midi, or retrokits rk-005 you will find a place to purchase these type of devices.

It's true, but it's also a bit crap. Oh well.
I had to bite the bullet and get a USB MIDI host some time ago and after going through all the options available and comparing the costs I settled on an iConnectivity MIO4. It does cost a little more than a simple host, but it's also only a few bucks more than a simple host and will have you sorted for future expansion of you rig. The company are a great bunch of people who are really into their product and are super keen to help out their customers. I can't say enough good things about them and their products.