How to Connect Yamaha Reface CP to Komplete Kontrol A49 via MIDI – Step-by-Step

The Yamaha Reface CP is a compact electric piano synth packed with vintage sounds and great playability.
If you want to control it via MIDI — for example, using a Komplete Kontrol A49 — you might be wondering:

“Why isn’t it making any sound, even though it’s connected?”

This guide will walk you step-by-step through activating the MIDI input on the Reface CP, how to connect it to your NI A49, and what additional gear you’ll need to make it work.

TL;DR – What You Need

Yamaha Reface CP
NI Komplete Kontrol A49 MIDI keyboard
A computer with USB, or a USB-to-MIDI Host box
Optional: DAW or MIDI routing software

MIDI Input on the Reface CP – How It Works

The Yamaha Reface CP is “plug and play”. That means:

✅ The MIDI input is always active – no settings need to be changed.
✅ It listens on MIDI channel 1 by default.
🔌 You can send MIDI either via USB or 3.5mm DIN MIDI input (using the included adapter cable).

Important: It won’t make any sound unless it receives MIDI notes or keys are pressed.

Problem: A49 Has No DIN MIDI Out

The NI Komplete Kontrol A49 sends MIDI only via USB.
The Reface CP does not support USB host mode — meaning it cannot communicate directly with USB-only controllers like the A49.

Solution: You Need a Middle Device

You’ll need either:

A computer that receives USB MIDI from the A49 and passes it to the Reface CP via a MIDI interface. OR
A USB-to-MIDI host box that converts USB MIDI to standard DIN MIDI.

Step-by-Step Guide (Using a Computer)

🔌 Setup with Computer

1. Connect Devices

A49 via USB to your computer
Reface CP:
Connect the 3.5mm MIDI IN (adapter included) to a MIDI interface OUT
OR connect Reface CP via USB (only if you want to use it as MIDI output to your DAW)

2. Route MIDI from A49 to Reface CP

Use MIDI routing software such as:

MIDI-OX (Windows)
MIDI Patchbay (macOS)
Your DAW (Ableton, Logic, Cubase, etc.)

Route: A49 (USB) → MIDI routing software → MIDI interface OUT → Reface CP (MIDI IN)

Make sure your A49 is sending on MIDI channel 1 – this is the default in “Template 1”.

3. Power on the Reface CP and play

If everything is connected correctly, the Reface CP should immediately respond to notes from your A49 keyboard.

Alternative: Standalone Setup (No Computer)

🔌 Setup Using USB MIDI Host Box

If you want to use your setup without a computer, you’ll need a USB MIDI host.

Popular options:

Kentron USB MIDI Host
CME WIDI Uhost
iConnectivity mioXM

1. Connect Devices

A49 USB → USB MIDI Host
USB MIDI Host DIN Out → Reface CP MIDI IN (use the included 3.5mm adapter)

2. Make Sure the Channel Matches

By default, both A49 and Reface CP use MIDI channel 1, so this should work out of the box.

Final Thoughts

The Yamaha Reface CP is always listening for MIDI input — no menu diving needed.
The Komplete Kontrol A49, however, only sends MIDI via USB, so you’ll need:

Either a computer with MIDI interface, or
A USB MIDI host for standalone use.
for me this one from Amazon works like a charm – about 56€ – Digital Life Stand Alone Midi USB Host

Once connected properly, you can enjoy the lush vintage sounds of the Reface CP using the expressive keybed of your Komplete Kontrol A49 — perfect for the studio or the stage.

Happy playing! 🎹