How to connect ElevenLabs Soundboard maker to a MIDI controller

ElevenLabs SB1 Soundboard maker is designed for speed. Just type a prompt, get an AI-generated sound, and trigger it instantly. No uploads, no folders, no editing — just fast, responsive playback.

But while the browser-based interface is ideal for setup and experimentation, it’s not optimized for live performance. Clicking around with a mouse slows you down when timing matters.

That’s where MIDI controllers come in.

By pairing SB1 with a MIDI controller, you get physical, tactile control over your soundboard. Trigger cues instantly without looking at your screen. Stay in the moment, whether you’re streaming, recording, or performing live.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to connect a MIDI controller to ElevenLabs’ SB1 Soundboard — step by step.

What is a soundboard?

A soundboard maker or custom soundboard is a set of buttons, each linked to a specific audio file. When you press a button, the sound plays instantly. It’s designed for speed and ease — there's no timeline, no editing, or need to search through folders.

ElevenLabs' SP1 Soundboard builds on that idea, but adds something new. It's powered by ElevenLabs' Text-to-Sound Effects model, which means instead of having to upload your own files, you simply describe the sound you want — "thunder in a canyon," "arcade game coin pickup" — and it’s generated on the spot using AI.

It will provide four options for you to choose from. Select your favorite or hit regenerate to hear more options. Once you've found the perfect sound, just drop it into your soundboard and it's ready to play. No downloads, no libraries. Just prompts and rapid playback.

Want to check out some of the sounds you can create using the SP1 soundboard? Listen to a few examples below.

"Light rain dripping on leaves"

"Open cymbal ringing out"

Orc in a gruff voice saying: "This room is over capacity"

What are MIDI controllers?

A MIDI controller is a hardware device that sends digital instructions to other software. On its own, it doesn’t produce any sound. Instead, it tells another program — like a virtual instrument or a soundboard — what to play and when.

Controllers come in different forms: keyboards with piano-style keys, pads arranged in grids, sliders and knobs for adjusting levels. What they all have in common is tactile control. You’re not clicking with a mouse — you’re pressing something physical. For many creators, that’s a more intuitive way to interact with sound.

When paired with a soundboard, a MIDI controller becomes a hands-on tool for triggering audio in real time. Press a pad, trigger a sound. No delay, no clicking around the screen. It makes the whole setup feel faster, more responsive, and more fun to use — especially during live sessions.

Why connect your soundboard to a MIDI controller?

Using a mouse to trigger sounds works well during setup or rehearsal — but in a live setting, it can slow you down. You don't want to have to constantly click on different soundss. When timing matters, even small delays can break your flow.

A MIDI controller removes that lag. With buttons, keys, or pads at your fingertips, you can trigger sounds instantly, without looking away from what you’re doing. It makes the experience feel less like clicking buttons and more like playing an instrument.

With the SP1 Soundboard, the benefit goes even further. The soundboard lets you generate custom sounds, while the MIDI controller lets you intuitively interact with them.

How to connect ElevenLabs' SP1 Soundboard to a MIDI controller

• Sign up: Create a free or paid account with ElevenLabs to access the SP1 Soundboard.
• Open the Soundboard: Go to Soundboard SB1. Load a preset or create your own by clicking 'Edit Mode' and generating custom sound effects from text prompts.
• Plug in your MIDI controller: Connect your MIDI device (keyboard, pad controller, etc.) to your computer. Make sure your operating system recognizes it, though most modern controllers are plug-and-play.
• Install MIDI-to-keystroke software: Download a tool that converts MIDI inputs into keyboard presses or mouse events. Good options include:
• • Windows: Bome MIDI Translator Pro, MIDIKey2Key
  • macOS: Bome (Mac version), or Karabiner Elements with MIDI support
• Map MIDI keys to soundboard buttons: In your MIDI software, assign each key, pad, or button on your controller to a specific keystroke or mouse position that corresponds to a soundboard trigger. For example, map pad 1 to the “1” key, which activates the first button on the soundboard.
• Test the mapping: Press a key or pad and confirm that it triggers the correct sound in your browser. If not, adjust the key assignments or ensure your browser window is in focus.
• Save your configuration: Most MIDI software allows you to save presets. Save your mappings so you can reuse them without setting everything up again.

Final thoughts

Your creative flow is fragile. The moment you stop to click, search, or navigate, you risk losing it. That’s why pairing soundboards like SP1 with a MIDI controller feels so natural. It keeps you in the zone, letting you stay focused on what you’re making — not how you’re making it.

It’s a small change to your setup, but one that frees up attention, reduces friction, and makes the whole process more intuitive.

Ready to begin? Start by signing up for ElevenLabs' SB1 soundboard.

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