How to Connect a MIDI Controller to Your Browser
Plug in your pads, open a browser, play. Web MIDI makes it that simple.
What Is Web MIDI?
Web MIDI is a browser API that lets websites communicate with MIDI devices — pad controllers, keyboards, drum machines, and more. No drivers, no plugins, no special software. Padwolf uses Web MIDI to detect MIDI controllers automatically. When you connect a controller and open Padwolf, it appears in the MIDI device selector.
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Connect your MIDI controller via USB 2. Open Padwolf in Chrome, Edge, or Opera (Web MIDI is supported in these browsers) 3. The browser may ask for permission to access MIDI devices — click Allow 4. Your controller appears in Padwolf's MIDI section at the bottom of the page 5. Select your device from the dropdown 6. Hit a pad on your controller — you should see the MIDI indicator light up 7. Play! That's it. No configuration files, no MIDI routing, no intermediate software.
Setting the Base Note
MIDI controllers send note numbers (0-127) when you hit a pad. Padwolf maps 16 consecutive notes to its 16 pads. The base note determines where the mapping starts. Default is 36 (MIDI note C2), which matches the standard MPC pad layout. If your controller uses a different starting note: 1. Hit a pad on your controller 2. Look at the MIDI indicator — it shows the note number received 3. Set the base note to that number 4. Now pad 1 on your controller triggers pad 1 in Padwolf
Browser Compatibility
Web MIDI is supported in: • Chrome (full support) • Edge (full support) • Opera (full support) Not supported in: • Firefox (disabled by default for security reasons) • Safari (not implemented) If you're on Firefox or Safari, use Chrome for MIDI functionality. Everything else in Padwolf works on all browsers.
Velocity Sensitivity
MIDI velocity (how hard you hit) is fully supported. Hit a pad hard for a loud sound, soft for a quiet one. The velocity value (0-127) is converted to a volume adjustment using the formula: 20 * log10(velocity/127) dB. This gives you expressive, dynamic playing — the same way a real MPC responds to your touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any USB MIDI controller that sends note messages. Popular options: Akai LPD8, Akai MPD218, Arturia MiniLab, Novation Launchpad, Korg nanoPAD2, Worlde EasyPad. Even MIDI keyboards work — the keys trigger pads in sequence.
1) Make sure you're using Chrome, Edge, or Opera. 2) Check that you clicked 'Allow' when the browser asked for MIDI permission. 3) Try unplugging and replugging the controller. 4) Some controllers need their own driver installed first — check the manufacturer's website.
Web MIDI primarily supports USB MIDI. Bluetooth MIDI may work on some systems (especially Mac with Chrome) but is not guaranteed. For reliable performance, use USB.