Teaching tip · 1 min read

Diagnose a missing MIDI signal one step at a time

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Illustrated explanation

Stop at the first missing signal

  1. 01

    Instrument + cable

    Powered, sending MIDI, stable data connection?

  2. 02

    Browser

    Supported, with permission allowed?

  3. 03

    Local display

    Does one played note appear?

  4. 04

    Other participant

    Only investigate this after local input works.

Hearing audio does not prove that MIDI is connected.

When MIDI disappears, find the first point where the signal stops. Avoid changing several settings at once.

  1. Instrument: is it powered and configured to send MIDI?
  2. Connection: is the cable a data cable, connected to the correct port or interface?
  3. Computer: does the device connection remain stable?
  4. Browser: is MIDI supported and permission allowed?
  5. Local classroom: does one played note appear on your own display?
  6. Peer: after local input works, can the other participant see it?

If reconnecting fixes the issue, test several notes before resuming. If not, record the instrument model, browser, connection type and exact point of failure for support.

MIDI carries note messages rather than microphone audio. Hearing the instrument in the call does not prove MIDI is connected.

For browser requirements, consult the MDN Web MIDI guidance. For instrument-specific ports and drivers, use its manufacturer’s documentation.

Follow the complete signal-path guide.