How many ports do I really need?

[Yadi]

I am still shopping audio cards such as aardvark pro 2496 and ego sys wamirack24. Without debating the best sound cards, can anyone tell me if I could benefit from the additional midi ports provided on the wamirack24? I believe it is 4 ins/outs of midi for the wamirack vs 1 in/out on the aardvark.

I plan to midi my keyboard Alesis QS8.1 (1) and drum kit Roland TD-5 (1). Couldn't I just utilize the midi thru on the keyboard, putting my drums at the end of the chain? To do this, wouldn't I have to setup each device to send/receive on certain channels?

If so, what is the benefit of all those midi ports?

Thanks in advance!

Yadi

[drstawl]

Each port gives you 16 channels. If you want more channels than that you need more ports. Even if you're only using 5 or six parts at a time, if you layer some parts those 16 channels get used up in a hurry.
Also remember that a dedicated MIDI interface with 2in/2out is less than $100.

[Yadi]

thanks drstawl, being a newbie I was completely overlooking the number of "parts"...which could easily be many. Thanks again.

[c7sus]

Another thing to keep in mind is that daisychaining MIDI and computers is less than optimal. I had address problems until I got all the devices on their own port. When I get more MIDI gear, I'm gonna get more ports, too.

[Yadi]

I agree with that...I don't think my roland td-5 has any options whatsover...it just comunicates on a particular channel and thats it. The QS8.1 should be able to set to different channels. Nonetheless....I'd rather not worry about it at all.