What do I do if my keyboard isn't being detected by my computer?

If your keyboard isn't being recognized by Playground Sessions on your computer, here are some troubleshoots to fix the most common causes. 

TURN YOUR KEYBOARD ON
First things first, double check your keyboard to make sure that it's not only plugged into your device, but that it's also powered on.

CONFIGURE MIDI KEYBOARD
While the keyboard is connected to your device and powered on, launch Playground Sessions and click on Edit in the top menu, then click on Configure MIDI Keyboard from the dropdown menu.

In the next window, click on the dropdown menu and select the name of your keyboard as the Keyboard Model. If you don't see your keyboard as an option, but see the name of your cable, go ahead and select that instead. Then, click Next and finish the configuration.

RESTART YOUR COMPUTER
If your computer has been on for a while, it's possible that it's not working properly and just needs a quick restart. Restart your computer, then check and see if your keyboard is being recognized by Playground.

REVERSE THE CABLES
If you're using a MIDI to USB cable to connect your keyboard to your device, there's a good chance that the cables connecting into your keyboard need to be reversed. For example, if you have the IN cable plugged into the IN port, and the OUT cable plugged into the OUT port, switch them so that the IN cable is now in the OUT port, and the OUT cable is now in the IN port. Some keyboards require an exact match (IN and IN), while others require a reverse match (IN and OUT).

DOWNLOAD THE DRIVER
If you're connecting your keyboard to a computer or laptop, you may need to download and install the keyboard's "driver" before the keyboard will be recognized. Drivers are often required when connecting an external device to a computer (printer, keyboard, external hard drive, etc.). To find your keyboard's driver, go to your preferred search engine (for example, "Google") and search your keyboard's model, and the word "driver". For example, if using a Yamaha P-115 keyboard, you would search "Yamaha P-115 driver".

Updated Yamaha MIDI drivers can be found at Yamaha Pro Audio directly.

ENABLE MIDI SETTING ON YOUR KEYBOARD
Some hi-tech keyboards come with the ability to adjust their settings. If you have a keyboard that allows for setting adjustments, check to see if your keyboard has a "MIDI" setting that can be configured. If so, make sure the MIDI setting is enabled.

GET A NEW CABLE
Sometimes, the issue is the cable itself. If you're using an old or used cable, try replacing it with a newer version.

If you're still experiencing keyboard connection issues after trying these troubleshoots, send us an email at support@playgroundsessions.com and we'll help get to the bottom of what's causing the problem.