Using Arduino MIDI shields/library

notes

To connect the Sparkfun MIDI shield, all you need connect is rx, tx, gnd, and 5v

Here is documentation for MIDI library:

http://arduinomidilib.sourceforge.net/a00001.html

Midi thru is enabled by default and can be disabled by MIDI.turnThruOff()

There were problems running MIDI library on an arduino UNO with the USB cable hooked up.  So I’m not sure what interaction is happening with the Serial comm stuff in that case, but everything works fine with external power source.

(Update) tried running the shield with minimal connection as above and had no problem using USB power connection.

MIDI out via USB

cable converter:

 http://shiftmore.blogspot.com/2010/01/quick-and-dirty-arduino-midi-over-usb.html

Midi In via USB Host shield (for MIDI devices that normally hook into a computer via USB)

http://www.circuitsathome.com/mcu/interfacing-midi-devices-with-arduino-using-usb-host-shield

http://www.circuitsathome.com/products-page/arduino-shields/usb-host-shield-2-0-for-arduino/