Connect Your Drums to Windows

Follow these steps to connect your electronic drums to your Windows PC, 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 Windows PC

  • Power on your drum module

  • A USB-MIDI/data cable (charging-only cables won’t work)

  • Cable/adapter:

    • PC with USB-C ports → USB-C → USB-B cable, or USB-C → USB-A adapter + USB-A → USB-B cable

    • PC with USB-A ports → USB-A → USB-B cable

  • Install the latest drivers/firmware for your drum module (from the manufacturer’s site) if required

  • Update Windows 10/11 to the latest version

Connect With USB (Recommended)

1) Install Drivers (If Needed)
  • Some modules are class-compliant and work out of the box

  • Others need specific Windows drivers, download the latest from the manufacturer and install before plugging in

2) Plug In Your Module
  • Connect the USB-B end to your drum module

  • Connect the other end to your PC (USB-A or USB-C depending on port type)

3) Confirm Windows Detects Your Kit
  • Open Device Manager (Start → type Device Manager)

  • Expand Sound, video and game controllers

  • Check your module is listed without a warning icon

  • If it appears as Unknown device, reinstall the driver and restart your PC

4) 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)

5) 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 more latency than USB. Use it only if your module supports Bluetooth MIDI.

Pairing Steps
  1. Put your drum module in Bluetooth pairing mode

  2. On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth → select your module

  3. If Beatlii doesn’t see it, install a BLE-MIDI driver (e.g., KORG BLE-MIDI) or use a helper app like BLE MIDI Connect from the Microsoft Store

  4. In Beatlii, choose Continue with Bluetooth, then select your module

Tip: Stay within 1–2 meters during pairing for a stronger connection.

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

  • Use an ASIO driver whenever possible, this gives the lowest latency

    • If you have an audio interface, install its ASIO driver

    • Without an interface, use a free driver like FlexASIO or ASIO4ALL

  • In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, select your ASIO device, adjust buffer size and latency compensation until it feels responsive

  • If ASIO isn’t available, enable Exclusive Mode in Windows audio settings to lower latency (note: only one app can play sound at a time)

  • Avoid Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Use wired ones. Bluetooth audio adds extra latency

  • Choose your Audio Setup Preference. In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, you can decide whether the drum sound and app sound come from your device or from your module.

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 PC

  • Make sure Windows 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 for your drum module (manufacturer’s site)

  • Contact us at support@beatlii.com for further help

Connect Your Drums to Windows

Follow these steps to connect your electronic drums to your Windows PC, 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 Windows PC

  • Power on your drum module

  • A USB-MIDI/data cable (charging-only cables won’t work)

  • Cable/adapter:

    • PC with USB-C ports → USB-C → USB-B cable, or USB-C → USB-A adapter + USB-A → USB-B cable

    • PC with USB-A ports → USB-A → USB-B cable

  • Install the latest drivers/firmware for your drum module (from the manufacturer’s site) if required

  • Update Windows 10/11 to the latest version

Connect With USB (Recommended)

1) Install Drivers (If Needed)
  • Some modules are class-compliant and work out of the box

  • Others need specific Windows drivers, download the latest from the manufacturer and install before plugging in

2) Plug In Your Module
  • Connect the USB-B end to your drum module

  • Connect the other end to your PC (USB-A or USB-C depending on port type)

3) Confirm Windows Detects Your Kit
  • Open Device Manager (Start → type Device Manager)

  • Expand Sound, video and game controllers

  • Check your module is listed without a warning icon

  • If it appears as Unknown device, reinstall the driver and restart your PC

4) 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)

5) 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 more latency than USB. Use it only if your module supports Bluetooth MIDI.

Pairing Steps
  1. Put your drum module in Bluetooth pairing mode

  2. On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth → select your module

  3. If Beatlii doesn’t see it, install a BLE-MIDI driver (e.g., KORG BLE-MIDI) or use a helper app like BLE MIDI Connect from the Microsoft Store

  4. In Beatlii, choose Continue with Bluetooth, then select your module

Tip: Stay within 1–2 meters during pairing for a stronger connection.

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

  • Use an ASIO driver whenever possible, this gives the lowest latency

    • If you have an audio interface, install its ASIO driver

    • Without an interface, use a free driver like FlexASIO or ASIO4ALL

  • In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, select your ASIO device, adjust buffer size and latency compensation until it feels responsive

  • If ASIO isn’t available, enable Exclusive Mode in Windows audio settings to lower latency (note: only one app can play sound at a time)

  • Avoid Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Use wired ones. Bluetooth audio adds extra latency

  • Choose your Audio Setup Preference. In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, you can decide whether the drum sound and app sound come from your device or from your module.

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 PC

  • Make sure Windows 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 for your drum module (manufacturer’s site)

  • Contact us at support@beatlii.com for further help

Connect Your Drums to Windows

Follow these steps to connect your electronic drums to your Windows PC, 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 Windows PC

  • Power on your drum module

  • A USB-MIDI/data cable (charging-only cables won’t work)

  • Cable/adapter:

    • PC with USB-C ports → USB-C → USB-B cable, or USB-C → USB-A adapter + USB-A → USB-B cable

    • PC with USB-A ports → USB-A → USB-B cable

  • Install the latest drivers/firmware for your drum module (from the manufacturer’s site) if required

  • Update Windows 10/11 to the latest version

Connect With USB (Recommended)

1) Install Drivers (If Needed)
  • Some modules are class-compliant and work out of the box

  • Others need specific Windows drivers, download the latest from the manufacturer and install before plugging in

2) Plug In Your Module
  • Connect the USB-B end to your drum module

  • Connect the other end to your PC (USB-A or USB-C depending on port type)

3) Confirm Windows Detects Your Kit
  • Open Device Manager (Start → type Device Manager)

  • Expand Sound, video and game controllers

  • Check your module is listed without a warning icon

  • If it appears as Unknown device, reinstall the driver and restart your PC

4) 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)

5) 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 more latency than USB. Use it only if your module supports Bluetooth MIDI.

Pairing Steps
  1. Put your drum module in Bluetooth pairing mode

  2. On Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth → select your module

  3. If Beatlii doesn’t see it, install a BLE-MIDI driver (e.g., KORG BLE-MIDI) or use a helper app like BLE MIDI Connect from the Microsoft Store

  4. In Beatlii, choose Continue with Bluetooth, then select your module

Tip: Stay within 1–2 meters during pairing for a stronger connection.

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

  • Use an ASIO driver whenever possible, this gives the lowest latency

    • If you have an audio interface, install its ASIO driver

    • Without an interface, use a free driver like FlexASIO or ASIO4ALL

  • In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, select your ASIO device, adjust buffer size and latency compensation until it feels responsive

  • If ASIO isn’t available, enable Exclusive Mode in Windows audio settings to lower latency (note: only one app can play sound at a time)

  • Avoid Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Use wired ones. Bluetooth audio adds extra latency

  • Choose your Audio Setup Preference. In Beatlii’s Audio Settings, you can decide whether the drum sound and app sound come from your device or from your module.

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 PC

  • Make sure Windows 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 for 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