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Perfect! If you just want to use VMPK to send MIDI to LMMS, and you're okay with LMMS not detecting it directly (without JACK), you can try the simpler ALSA MIDI setup — no need for a2jmidid or JACK unless LMMS can't see VMPK.

Simple VMPK + LMMS Setup (No JACK)

  1. Install VMPK

sudo apt update sudo apt install vmpk

  1. Launch VMPK

vmpk &

Go to Edit > MIDI Connections in VMPK.

Under MIDI Output, select something like:

ALSA: MIDI Through or

ALSA: default (the exact name may vary)

  1. Open LMMS

Go to Edit > Settings > MIDI.

Under Input, enable ALSA raw MIDI support.

Look for a device like VMPK Output or MIDI Through Port.

  1. Link Instrument in LMMS

Load an instrument plugin (like TripleOscillator).

Click the MIDI input icon on the instrument.

Select VMPK or the correct input port.

Now, when you play notes in VMPK, they should sound in LMMS.

Optional: Record Notes

LMMS can’t directly record live input into Piano Roll with VMPK unless you're in MIDI record mode:

Enable “Enable MIDI recording” in LMMS toolbar.

Arm the track.

Press record and play notes on VMPK.

Let me know if VMPK doesn’t show up in LMMS — that might require using a2jmidid, but for many setups, ALSA MIDI alone is enough. Want help checking that in your setup?