Connect Your Drums to Mac
Follow these steps to connect your electronic drums to your Mac, select your module in Beatlii, and configure sound for low-latency playing.
USB is recommended for the most stable and responsive connection. You can also connect via Bluetooth MIDI if your module supports it.
Before You Start (Quick Checklist)
Beatlii installed on your Mac
Power on your drum module
A USB-MIDI/data cable (charging-only cables won’t work)
Cable/adapter:
Mac with USB-C ports → USB-C → USB-B cable, or USB-C → USB-A adapter + USB-A → USB-B cable
Mac with USB-A ports → USB-A → USB-B cable
Keep cables short and plug directly into your Mac (avoid hubs)
Update macOS to the latest version
Connect With USB (Recommended)
1) Plug In Your Module
Connect the USB-B end to your drum module
Connect the other end to your Mac (USB-C or USB-A depending on model)
2) Confirm Your Mac Sees the Kit
Open System Information (hold Option → click Apple menu → System Information)
Under USB (or Thunderbolt, depending on your port), check that your module appears
3) If No Device Is Found
Try another USB-MIDI/data cable (some are charge-only)
Try a different adapter or port
Unplug/re-plug the cable
If your module has multiple USB modes (e.g., Roland “Vendor” vs “Generic”), switch to Generic USB-MIDI
Ensure the connection is MIDI, not audio. Beatlii requires a MIDI connection to recognize your electronic drum kit (audio connections alone won’t work)
4) Select Your Kit in Beatlii
Open Beatlii → follow the device flow → Electronic Drum Kit
If your model isn’t auto-detected, open Drum Module Presets, pick your model (or a similar one from the same brand), and connect
Connect Over Bluetooth (Wireless)
Bluetooth is convenient but adds some latency compared to USB. Only use if your module supports Bluetooth MIDI.
Pairing Steps
Put your drum module in Bluetooth pairing mode (see the module’s manual)
On your Mac, open Audio MIDI Setup → Window → Show MIDI Studio → Bluetooth
Select your module and click Connect
Open Beatlii and choose Continue with Bluetooth, then pick your module
Tip: Stay within 1–2 meters for the best Bluetooth stability.
Important Note
Some kits (like Alesis Nitro Pro/Max) don’t support Bluetooth MIDI and must connect via USB.
Compatible drum kits with Bluetooth MIDI (click here)
Set Up Your Sound (Low Latency)
USB provides the lowest latency, use it when possible
macOS uses Core Audio, which is optimized by default
In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, adjust buffer size and latency compensation until it feels responsive
Avoid Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Use wired ones. Bluetooth audio adds extra latency
Missing Module (Presets)
Try another module from the same brand (many share the same MIDI mapping)
If that works, you can play immediately
Otherwise, create a Custom MIDI Setup in Beatlii
If your module isn’t listed, email the brand & model to support@beatlii.com and we’ll work on adding it
MIDI Mapping (If Hits Trigger Wrong Sounds)
If toms trigger cymbals (or similar issues), you may need to adjust the MIDI mapping
First, try a factory reset on your drum module
If needed, create a Custom MIDI Setup in Beatlii:
Hit each pad on your kit
Assign it to the correct sound in Beatlii
Save your setup for next time
Still Having Trouble?
Restart your drum module and your Mac
Make sure macOS is up to date
Double-check cables/adapters and confirm the module is powered on
Try a different USB port and avoid USB hubs
Check for firmware updates on your drum module (manufacturer’s site)
Contact us at support@beatlii.com for further help
Connect Your Drums to Mac
Follow these steps to connect your electronic drums to your Mac, select your module in Beatlii, and configure sound for low-latency playing.
USB is recommended for the most stable and responsive connection. You can also connect via Bluetooth MIDI if your module supports it.
Before You Start (Quick Checklist)
Beatlii installed on your Mac
Power on your drum module
A USB-MIDI/data cable (charging-only cables won’t work)
Cable/adapter:
Mac with USB-C ports → USB-C → USB-B cable, or USB-C → USB-A adapter + USB-A → USB-B cable
Mac with USB-A ports → USB-A → USB-B cable
Keep cables short and plug directly into your Mac (avoid hubs)
Update macOS to the latest version
Connect With USB (Recommended)
1) Plug In Your Module
Connect the USB-B end to your drum module
Connect the other end to your Mac (USB-C or USB-A depending on model)
2) Confirm Your Mac Sees the Kit
Open System Information (hold Option → click Apple menu → System Information)
Under USB (or Thunderbolt, depending on your port), check that your module appears
3) If No Device Is Found
Try another USB-MIDI/data cable (some are charge-only)
Try a different adapter or port
Unplug/re-plug the cable
If your module has multiple USB modes (e.g., Roland “Vendor” vs “Generic”), switch to Generic USB-MIDI
Ensure the connection is MIDI, not audio. Beatlii requires a MIDI connection to recognize your electronic drum kit (audio connections alone won’t work)
4) Select Your Kit in Beatlii
Open Beatlii → follow the device flow → Electronic Drum Kit
If your model isn’t auto-detected, open Drum Module Presets, pick your model (or a similar one from the same brand), and connect
Connect Over Bluetooth (Wireless)
Bluetooth is convenient but adds some latency compared to USB. Only use if your module supports Bluetooth MIDI.
Pairing Steps
Put your drum module in Bluetooth pairing mode (see the module’s manual)
On your Mac, open Audio MIDI Setup → Window → Show MIDI Studio → Bluetooth
Select your module and click Connect
Open Beatlii and choose Continue with Bluetooth, then pick your module
Tip: Stay within 1–2 meters for the best Bluetooth stability.
Important Note
Some kits (like Alesis Nitro Pro/Max) don’t support Bluetooth MIDI and must connect via USB.
Compatible drum kits with Bluetooth MIDI (click here)
Set Up Your Sound (Low Latency)
USB provides the lowest latency, use it when possible
macOS uses Core Audio, which is optimized by default
In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, adjust buffer size and latency compensation until it feels responsive
Avoid Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Use wired ones. Bluetooth audio adds extra latency
Missing Module (Presets)
Try another module from the same brand (many share the same MIDI mapping)
If that works, you can play immediately
Otherwise, create a Custom MIDI Setup in Beatlii
If your module isn’t listed, email the brand & model to support@beatlii.com and we’ll work on adding it
MIDI Mapping (If Hits Trigger Wrong Sounds)
If toms trigger cymbals (or similar issues), you may need to adjust the MIDI mapping
First, try a factory reset on your drum module
If needed, create a Custom MIDI Setup in Beatlii:
Hit each pad on your kit
Assign it to the correct sound in Beatlii
Save your setup for next time
Still Having Trouble?
Restart your drum module and your Mac
Make sure macOS is up to date
Double-check cables/adapters and confirm the module is powered on
Try a different USB port and avoid USB hubs
Check for firmware updates on your drum module (manufacturer’s site)
Contact us at support@beatlii.com for further help
Connect Your Drums to Mac
Follow these steps to connect your electronic drums to your Mac, select your module in Beatlii, and configure sound for low-latency playing.
USB is recommended for the most stable and responsive connection. You can also connect via Bluetooth MIDI if your module supports it.
Before You Start (Quick Checklist)
Beatlii installed on your Mac
Power on your drum module
A USB-MIDI/data cable (charging-only cables won’t work)
Cable/adapter:
Mac with USB-C ports → USB-C → USB-B cable, or USB-C → USB-A adapter + USB-A → USB-B cable
Mac with USB-A ports → USB-A → USB-B cable
Keep cables short and plug directly into your Mac (avoid hubs)
Update macOS to the latest version
Connect With USB (Recommended)
1) Plug In Your Module
Connect the USB-B end to your drum module
Connect the other end to your Mac (USB-C or USB-A depending on model)
2) Confirm Your Mac Sees the Kit
Open System Information (hold Option → click Apple menu → System Information)
Under USB (or Thunderbolt, depending on your port), check that your module appears
3) If No Device Is Found
Try another USB-MIDI/data cable (some are charge-only)
Try a different adapter or port
Unplug/re-plug the cable
If your module has multiple USB modes (e.g., Roland “Vendor” vs “Generic”), switch to Generic USB-MIDI
Ensure the connection is MIDI, not audio. Beatlii requires a MIDI connection to recognize your electronic drum kit (audio connections alone won’t work)
4) Select Your Kit in Beatlii
Open Beatlii → follow the device flow → Electronic Drum Kit
If your model isn’t auto-detected, open Drum Module Presets, pick your model (or a similar one from the same brand), and connect
Connect Over Bluetooth (Wireless)
Bluetooth is convenient but adds some latency compared to USB. Only use if your module supports Bluetooth MIDI.
Pairing Steps
Put your drum module in Bluetooth pairing mode (see the module’s manual)
On your Mac, open Audio MIDI Setup → Window → Show MIDI Studio → Bluetooth
Select your module and click Connect
Open Beatlii and choose Continue with Bluetooth, then pick your module
Tip: Stay within 1–2 meters for the best Bluetooth stability.
Important Note
Some kits (like Alesis Nitro Pro/Max) don’t support Bluetooth MIDI and must connect via USB.
Compatible drum kits with Bluetooth MIDI (click here)
Set Up Your Sound (Low Latency)
USB provides the lowest latency, use it when possible
macOS uses Core Audio, which is optimized by default
In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, adjust buffer size and latency compensation until it feels responsive
Avoid Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Use wired ones. Bluetooth audio adds extra latency
Missing Module (Presets)
Try another module from the same brand (many share the same MIDI mapping)
If that works, you can play immediately
Otherwise, create a Custom MIDI Setup in Beatlii
If your module isn’t listed, email the brand & model to support@beatlii.com and we’ll work on adding it
MIDI Mapping (If Hits Trigger Wrong Sounds)
If toms trigger cymbals (or similar issues), you may need to adjust the MIDI mapping
First, try a factory reset on your drum module
If needed, create a Custom MIDI Setup in Beatlii:
Hit each pad on your kit
Assign it to the correct sound in Beatlii
Save your setup for next time
Still Having Trouble?
Restart your drum module and your Mac
Make sure macOS is up to date
Double-check cables/adapters and confirm the module is powered on
Try a different USB port and avoid USB hubs
Check for firmware updates on your drum module (manufacturer’s site)
Contact us at support@beatlii.com for further help
© 2025 We Love Drumming AB | Media Evolution, Stora Varvsgatan 6A, 211 19 Malmö, Sweden
© 2025 We Love Drumming AB | Media Evolution, Stora Varvsgatan 6A, 211 19 Malmö, Sweden
© 2025 We Love Drumming AB | Media Evolution, Stora Varvsgatan 6A, 211 19 Malmö, Sweden