MIDI guide for electronic drums

MIDI transmits which pad you played, how hard you hit it, and when it happened; it does not carry the drum sound.

Connect the module to the browser

Use USB-MIDI or a compatible MIDI interface and grant permission when the browser asks. Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers usually provide the most complete support.

Select the correct input and play every pad to check which note number the module sends.

Map every kit piece

General MIDI defines common notes for kick, snare, hi-hat, toms, and cymbals, but some modules let you change them. Configure each piece according to the messages you actually receive.

Kick commonly uses note 35 or 36.
Snare is usually 38 or 40.
Closed hi-hat is frequently 42.
Crash and ride can vary between modules.

Understand MIDI versus audio

MIDI records editable performance events. To preserve the module’s own sound, record its audio output separately.

Drums Engine can use MIDI to enter notes in the editor and can send metronome events to a MIDI output.