Midi keyboard to Computer

[sanityblur]

Hey guys, I'm really interested in connecting my keyboard to the PC. I've read about some of the methods online and I saw the method, MIDI to USB. I would like to know how this works and how much is a USB to Midi cable? Thanks guys!!

 

[Cheez]

Firstly, do a search in this forum. It has been discussed many times and has been discussed again recently.

Next, you need to tell us what keyboard you are using. Does it have a USB port?

If yes, then it's simple. You just need a standard USB cable, and with the driver that comes with your keyboard, you're set.

If no, then you need a midi interface. It comes in a number of forms, the most common being the USB midi interface. M-audio has a lot of those - and reasonably cheap. Connection goes like this: keyboard midi out -> midi interface midi in -> to PC via USB. If you intend to use your PC as a sequencer to trigger your keyboard, then you'll also need to do this: midi interface midi out -> keyboard midi in.

Or, you may choose to take this chance to upgrade. If you are using a PC, you may want to consider a PCI audio card with midi interface built into it. If you are using a notebook, then you may want to consider a firewire audio interface (also with midi interface built into it).

Your options are many. Depends on your needs.

Lastly, you need to know what you are trying to achieve. Do you want to use your PC as the main sequencer and hence trigger your keyboard via midi Do you want to use your keyboard as a midi controller to trigger softsynths and softsamplers?

 

[sanityblur]

Okay man, got it, thanks for the kind reply. How much does the midi to usb wire costs? I mean the price range. Because all I got from internet search is arnd 40 - 50 US bucks.

 

[zenguan88]

you might want to go out to swee lee yamaha etc to find out more bout the cable pricing. and yes the midi to usb cable don come cheap.

 

[Cheez]

It does not come as a cable. There's no such thing as a USB/midi cable. It is a midi interface - ie you get a box-like interface with midi in and out on one side and a USB port on the other side. The USB port connects to your PC via a standard USB cable and the midi port connects to the keyboard via a standard midi cable. And you will need drivers that will come with the interface - not plug-and-play. It's simple, but not as simple as just plugging in a cable.

M-audio's midi interfaces are here: http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.list&ID=usbmidiinterfaces

Prices are reflected there. If you don't need anything more than connecting one keyboard to one PC, a 1x1 interface will suffice. Can get it from Sinamex.

 

[Quasar]

I'm in the same hunt as you.

I'm considering getting this MIDI interface:
ESI MIDI Mate 1x1 interface. http://www.esi-pro.com/listProduct.php?ctgr=11&page=1.

This is sold @ city music. They also have the ESI RoMI/O, 1 IN x 2 OUT.

Considered the M-Audio Midisport 2x2 as it is only $15 more than the midisport 1x1. Unfortunately, Sinamex don't carry the 2x2, only the 1x1.

However, I've seen lots of complaints about Midisport drivers being unreliable and causing timing problems.

Couldn't find any reviews on the ESIs so I don't know how they perform, but the Win XP drivers were updated in April 2006, so it looks like they're still supporting it!

The M-Audio drivers date back to July 2003.

 

[Cheez]

I'm using Midisport 1x1 - absolutely no problems with drivers. The date of the drivers does not matter - it has not changed for so long because of it's stability. My midisport gives me close to zero latency running 20-30 tracks of midi concurrently.

Where did you hear the complains? Most people who used the midisport in the sampling circle has no problems with it at all - me being one of them.

 

[Quasar]

Where did you hear the complains?

The price for the Roxio 1x2 is @ $80 (1x1 @ $60!) while the Midisport 1x1 is at $85.

It seems more value for money *IF* it does work.... Can't find any reviews so far though.

From what i could see, it depends on the software they're using (Sonar and Cubase, mainly).

Here are some links:

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.asp?m=709630&mpage=1&key=&#709630

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Keyboard+And+MIDI/product/Midiman/Midisport+8x8/s/10/1

http://sound-on-sound2.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=215094572&f=351097254&m=3113085767

 

[Cheez]

I can't read the 2 of the threads you posted, but the cakewalk forum is all about one person having a problem with Midisport 8x8 + everyone else's midisport working wothout problems. Perhaps there's something wrong with his midisport.

I'm using Logic and Gigastudio with my Midisport 1x1 and I have absolutely no problems. I'm very happy with it. I have owned many other midi interfaces in the past - Opccode, Emagic AMT8 etc. The midisport 1x1 is small, portable, and works well for me currently.

 

[Quasar]

I see, thanks for the feedback.

Edit: I fixed the links!

To get more examples, you can just google for "midisport 4.1.21". 4.1.21 is the latest version... What you said is true though - there are people on both sides - some that keep having problems and some that for whom it works very well.

I was mostly worried, especially considering the pre-GM standards synths that I use

So I guess in that case that you haven't heard of any one using ESI? I've never heard of the brand before, but their site looks very professional

One important thing I forgot to mention is that the guys from City Music said that the ESI uses USB 2.0 as opposed to USB 1 for the midi sport!!

 

[lowjk]

The M-Audio drivers date back to July 2003.

No problems with M-audio drivers.
But if anyone is going HK, M-audio stuff might be cheaper there.

Saw the 4x4 for about $180; Sinamex ~$245.

 

[Cheez]

USB 1.0 handles midi with no problem. The transfer rate is more than enough for midi purposes. Having USB 2.0 does not reduce midi latency or speeds up midi signal transfers.

ESI is an OK product, mainly in audio soundcards. It has been around for a while.

Using "pre-GM standard synths" makes no difference. The midi signals still comes out through the midi out port like every other midi devices; the bottle neck is still at the midi interface which is more than sufficient for USB even if it is 1.0; the signals still goes into the PC like any other midi signals. The midi routing has no difference.

Just get whatever you think works for you. It doesn't really matter. My feeling is most people have trouble is because their PC has too many nonsense in it causing conflicts etc. Once you system is dedicated to DAW usage, it is usually stable.