what midi interface is best for my budget?

[bball_1523]

I need a midi interface so I can hook up a midi controller keyboard with my future pc. I have a very tight budget right now ($1500) for all my custom PC parts, audio interfaces, etc.

I have absolutely no experience or knowledge about midi interfaces or controllers, but I want to learn and I want to start somewhere as a beginner.

What midi interface device would you guys recommend I purchase? I am purchasing an M-audio delta 44 soundcard w/breakout box, but it doesn't have midi features. Are there any pci midi soundcards that are like the delta 44 w/breakout box because I don't wanna look behind my pc and plug in my guitar or keyboard lol.

Also how do the usb external midi interfaces sound? Are they efficient with no latency problems?

[TimOBrien]

"..how do the usb external midi interfaces sound?"

They don't have a "sound". They transmit 1s and 0s.

Been using a Midiman USB 2x2 for several years now with zeros problems in all my DAWs.

[bball_1523]

Originally Posted by TimOBrien

"..how do the usb external midi interfaces sound?"

They don't have a "sound". They transmit 1s and 0s.

Been using a Midiman USB 2x2 for several years now with zeros problems in all my DAWs.

by sound I meant, if there were any latencies, skips, clarity of sound, etc.

do you use any midi controller keyboards? If so, how do they work?

[bigwillz24]

Ive used a midi controller keyboard called a M-audio Keystation....

Ive used a midi controller/audio interface called a Tascam US-428 I also have a M-Audio Ozone....

I can use my Triton as a Midi Controller....

I can use my MPC as a Midi Controller....

They all work well and they all use Midi...

Maybe I don't understand your question.

[ssscientist]

Originally Posted by bball_1523

Also how do the usb external midi interfaces sound? Are they efficient with no latency problems?

I use and recommend this. It would be a good match for the delta 44 giving you 4 channels of audio in and out and 16 channels of midi in and out. Use the supplied ASIO drivers and latency will not be a problem - midi and USB go well together.