The A-88 can be connected to a computer so it can be integrated with music software applications. There are two ways to make this connection:
- Direct USB connection. This will use a standard USB cable connected to the square "USB COMPUTER" port on the back of the A-88 and then to a standard USB port on your computer.
or
- Connection using a MIDI interface. This will use the MIDI Out port on the back panel of the A-88, which will connect to the interface, and the interface will then connect to a standard USB port on your computer. This is useful it you already have a MIDI or Audio/MIDI interface connected to your system, or if there is not a USB driver available for your computer.
The functionality and operation of the A-88 and your computer-based application(s) will be the same no matter which type of connection you are using - the only difference is how the MIDI signals are routed.
Connecting your A-88 to a computer using the direct USB connection
- On the A-88, press FUNCTION so it is lit.
- Press the key labelled "ADV."
- Press the "+" button so it is lit.
- Download and install the A-88 USB driver for your computer and connect the USB cable.
You can download the latest drivers from our website: https://www.roland.com/global/products/a-88/downloads/.
* Make sure you download the driver that corresponds to the type of computer you have (Mac or Windows-based) and the version of operating system you are using. Once downloaded, you will need to run the setup application to install the driver into your system. This may include re-starting your computer. - Confirm that the USB driver is installed correctly and that the computer is communicating correctly with the A-88.
- On a Macintosh, look in the Audio MIDI Setup utility and confirm that the A-88 is listed in the MIDI Studio windows.
- On a PC, open the Device Manager and confirm that the A-88 is listed under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
- Activate or enable the A-88 in your music software.
You will need to consult with the documentation for your specific application for this, but usually there is a preferences menu where you will need to enable the A-88 so it can be used by your software. This will allow you to transfer MIDI between the A-88 and your computer.
Connecting your A-88 to a computer using a separate MIDI or Audio/MIDI interface
- Download and install the USB driver for your the interface (if necessary).
- Confirm that the USB driver is installed correctly and that the computer is communicating correctly with the interface.
- On a Macintosh, look in the Audio MIDI Setup utility and confirm that the interface is listed in both the Audio and MIDI Studio windows if it is a Audio and MIDI interface, or only in the MIDI Studio window if it is a MIDI interface.
- On a PC, open the Device Manager and confirm that the interface is listed under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
- Activate or enable the interface in your music software. You will need to consult with the documentation for your specific application for this.
- Connect the MIDI OUT port on the A-88 to the MIDI IN port on the interface.