Old 05-06-2009, 09:49 AM   #1
Earache
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 203
Default Recommendations for MIDI Interface

I've been looking for a more permanent way to hook all of my MIDI devices into the DAW for a while now. I've never had much luck with chaining MIDI devices for various reasons (lack of THRU ports, hardware bugs etc.) so I'm thinking a MIDI interface would be the answer. I've been looking at these on eBay:

- Emagic Unitor 8
- Midiman Midisport
- MOTU Midi express
- MOTU Midi Timepiece AV

Given the bad press that I've seen on this board for MOTU, I thought it would be a good idea to ask if there would be any problems getting Windows drivers for those devices. Also, any yays or nays on the other devices or an option I've overlooked would be appreciated. I'm looking for one with a USB interface and have noticed that all of the above, except the Midiman, come in both USB and nonUSB flavours.
Earache is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2009, 09:50 AM   #2
audioguytodd
Human being with feelings
 
audioguytodd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,057
Default

I have had a Midiman (M-audio) Midisport 2x2 for years. Never had any problems with it.

It works great.
__________________
Comp Specs: WIN XPSP3, Q6600, ASUSP5K, 3 GB PC6400 RAM, Focusrite Saffire, AlphaTrack, lots of plugins and hardware.
audioguytodd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2009, 05:11 AM   #3
TimOBrien
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,301
Default

Yup, I've also used a MidisportUSB 2x2 for years in 3 different DAWs with ZERO problems.
TimOBrien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2009, 05:15 AM   #4
stupeT
Human being with feelings
 
stupeT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: frankonia
Posts: 1,996
Default

If have had the Emagic Unitor 8. Good device. At that time I used it with logic, though. Later went on to the Steinberg ATM which worked fine with Cubase and now still does with reaper...
__________________
------------------------------------------
Don't read this sentence to it's end, please.
stupeT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2009, 11:51 AM   #5
Earache
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 203
Default

Much appreciated, I suspected that the Midiman would be a sound choice, too bad they discontinued the 8x8, but they do pop up on eBay quite often. I'm still interested in opinions on the MOTUs and if I should avoid them.
Earache is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2009, 02:19 PM   #6
White Tie
Pixel Pusher
 
White Tie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Blighty
Posts: 4,936
Default

I used to use a MOTU rack interface on a PC with no trouble, but I do recall its applet thing occasionally behaving strangely and the installation being a chore. Its hard to shake the feeling that MOTU only grudgingly support PCs because they lost a bet or something.
White Tie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2009, 02:24 PM   #7
winbe
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,361
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TimOBrien View Post
Yup, I've also used a MidisportUSB 2x2 for years in 3 different DAWs with ZERO problems.
I have it also. Built like a tank, and zero problems. Really one of the few things that I bought and totally forgot that it was there - I mean, it is so transparent and working without any problem of any kind that you simply forget about it. If only all the rest of the hardware was like this one !!
winbe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 12:26 AM   #8
TeeBlack
Human being with feelings
 
TeeBlack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NY
Posts: 71
Default

i also have the midisport. worked great for me and never had a problem with it.
__________________
I Make Beats!
TeeBlack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 06:14 AM   #9
Jim Roseberry
Human being with feelings
 
Jim Roseberry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,027
Default

If you're buying a MIDI interface... and you have plans to move to x64 (64Bit version of Windows), make sure the MIDI interface has x64 drivers.
Many do not...

These companies have x64 drivers:
M-Audio (MIDI Sport Anniversary Edition)
Edirol
Cakewalk by Roland


Jim Roseberry
www.studiocat.com
jim@studiocat.com
Jim Roseberry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 06:18 AM   #10
themensch
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 153
Default

Another +1 for the midisport 2x2. I've also toured with a 4x4. Rock solid little devices, and still hold my high regard despite the other failings I've witnessed with m-audio products. If only they built the rest of their gear like these....
themensch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 06:20 AM   #11
vanpet
Human being with feelings
 
vanpet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 167
Default

I use Edirol Um-3x... no problem so far.
vanpet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-08-2009, 08:42 AM   #12
Earache
Human being with feelings
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 203
Default

Thanks all, some good info here. I hadn't considered the 64bit angle, although that is a ways in my future since my audio interface won't be getting a driver upgrade either. I guess it will come down to the right deal, and if 3-4 inputs will suffice.
Earache is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:32 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.