loopMIDI 1.0.16.27

loopMIDI: Lightweight Virtual MIDI Cable for Windows

loopMIDI is a compact utility from Tobias Erichsen that creates virtual loopback MIDI-ports on Windows. Designed for Windows 7, 8 and 10 (32- and 64-bit), it provides a simple way to route MIDI between applications or between software and hardware when apps expect hardware MIDI ports.

Core capabilities

• Create multiple virtual ports: Add any number of named MIDI ports on demand to map different signal paths for instruments, sequencers and controllers.
• User-scoped ports: Ports are unique to each user session and exist only while loopMIDI is running, preventing system-wide persistence and reducing configuration conflicts.
• Tray-based workflow: Closing the configuration window minimizes loopMIDI to the system tray; right-click the tray icon to configure ports, toggle the app or enable autostart at logon.
• VirtualMIDI driver: loopMIDI relies on the tested virtualMIDI driver to instantiate ports, ensuring compatibility with most Windows MIDI-aware applications.
• Loopback routing: Route MIDI back into the same application for testing, monitoring or complex routing scenarios without additional hardware.

Installation and startup

Installation is straightforward and supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Once installed, create ports from the simple configuration window and leave the app running to keep ports available. Enabling autostart makes the virtual ports available automatically when you log on.

Performance and reliability

• Low overhead: loopMIDI is lightweight and runs quietly in the background, suitable for live performance and studio work.
• Stable routing: Because ports are implemented by the virtualMIDI driver, routing is stable across a wide range of host and client applications.
• Session-limited ports: Ports are removed when you log off or quit loopMIDI, which helps avoid stale virtual devices but requires the app to run for persistent setups.

Who benefits most

loopMIDI is ideal for musicians, producers, software developers and audio engineers who need reliable inter-application MIDI routing on Windows. It’s especially useful when testing MIDI-enabled software, connecting DAWs to standalone synths, or creating custom MIDI signal chains without physical cables.

Tips for best use

1. Enable autostart if you want ports ready at login for permanent setups in a studio environment.
2. Name ports clearly to avoid confusion when multiple virtual devices are present in MIDI host lists.
3. Keep loopMIDI running in the tray during live sets or long recording sessions to prevent ports from disappearing.