To control your hardware synth using your Orba or INSTRUMENT 1 you’ll need a MIDI USB host. We have two options for this:

  • Using a third party MIDI USB host like Kenton
  • Using your computer and DAW as a MIDI USB host


To use your computer as the MIDI USB host, you'll need:

  • Your Orba or INSTRUMENT 1
  • Your synthesizer
  • An interface
  • A computer
  • A DAW (like Logic Pro X) 




Here is the step by step guide to get your computer set up as a MIDI USB host


1. Make sure your Orba is connected to your computer via Bluetooth. You can also connect Orba via USB instead if you'd like. If you're using an INSTRUMENT 1, you can connect to your computer with the provided USB cable

2. To connect Orba to your computer, we'll need to open the Orba App. Click on the Orba icon in the top right corner, select Bluetooth LE MIDI, find your Orba on the device list, and select Connect. 


3. It's time to set up the MIDI host in your DAW! In this case, we'll be using Logic Pro X. First, you'll need to add a new channel by clicking the plus icon.

 



4. Next, select External MIDI

5. You'll see the option to select what synth your Orba (or INSTRUMENT 1) controls. Select your hardware synthesizer, set your MIDI channel to 1, and then click Create




Congratulations! You've successfully set up your USB MIDI host. 







To use a third party MIDI USB host, you'll need the following: 

  • A MIDI host (like the Kenton)
  • The USB cable that was provided with your instrument 
  • Your Orba or INSTRUMENT 1
  • Your synthesizer 
  • A 5 Pin MIDI cable (like this one)



Here is the step by step on how to set up your third party MIDI USB host


1. To start, use the USB cable to plug your Orba (or INSTRUMENT 1) into the input of the MIDI host device






2. Next, use the 5-pin MIDI cable to plug your synth into the output of the MIDI host device




Depending on the synthesizer you should be ready to play! However, some synthesizers may require further configuration. 



Please feel free to drop us a line in our support portal if you have any questions or need further assistance setting up your MIDI USB host.