MIDI Interface and Sound Card

[MBusby]

Can anyone recommend a good MIDI interface that will allow my keyboard rig to grow, without killing my pocketbook $$? I currently have three keyboards, and I just purchased a new PC for digital recording. I need help on two things. Also, any experiences with the Gadget Labs Pro?

So two questions really...

1. Soundcard - does anybody have any experience with the gadgetlabs WavePro 496? I don't need to record several instruments at once...

2. Midi Interface - any recommendations here?

3. Is there anything else I am missing to start recording? I'm getting Cakewalk...

Thanks a lot!!!

 

[Dingo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MBusby:
CSo two questions really...

1. Soundcard - does anybody have any experience with the gadgetlabs WavePro 496? I don't need to record several instruments at once...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope, 'coz they're not shipping yet! ;-)

But if it's anything like the 824, which on paper it seems it is, then it should be a pretty nice beast. Of course, you can get a Midiman Delta44 for $90 less (street). Does everything the 496 does except no MIDI interface (but I doubt the single MIDI in, out and thru on the 496 would be adequate for your needs anyway).

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>2. Midi Interface - any recommendations here?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't have any recommendations here. I've got a Midiman MidiSport2x2, but that's only 2 ins and 2 outs, so I doubt that would be adequate for your needs.

How many ins and outs do you need/want?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>3. Is there anything else I am missing to start recording? I'm getting Cakewalk...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey, that's three questions! ;-)

If you're just recording synth stuff (which is all I'm doing), then that's plenty adequate. What are you planning on doing with the stuff? Go to CD? Do you have a CD burner?

--Dingo

 

[MBusby]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'm getting ready to configure my new PC - I ordered a CD burner. I will be doing mostly MIDI recording via my keyboard rig, in addition to vocals and some guitar on occasion - but mainly keyboards and vocals.

I'll check out the Delta. I've called Gadget Labs a couple of times and I really like their support and service - so I'll have to decide. Is that $90 less then the 496 or the 824?

I used to have a Mac, and I have an old MOTU Midi Express - but I don't think I can use it with my PC.

You're right - 3 questions!!

 

[Dingo]

That's $90 less than the 496 (check out www.bayviewproaudio.com - they have the Delta44 for $259 - it's no longer advertised, but they'll still sell it for that - and the Delta66 - a Delta44 plus digital IO - advertised for $299).

I've said my spiel on the Midiman Delta cards versus the Gadget Labs wave cards on this BBS pretty recently, ad nauseum probably, so won't I go into the details again. But, in summary, I was leaning strongly towards to 496, but ended up getting the Delta44 because it was cheaper and those I've talked to who had reviewed both (well, the 824 not the 496, and the Delta66 not the Delta44, but close enough) reckonned that there wasn't much between them, sound-wise, but most seemed to slightly favor the Delta cards. I've not regretted my decision one bit.

That said, I doubt you'd regret going with a Gadget Labs card either.

--Dingo

 

[MBusby]

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely consider the Delta! Is is stupid to get a card without Digital I'O?

 

[Dingo]

I don't think so, but digital is not important to me at the moment and isn't likely to be in the near future.

If you want it later, you can always add it via a dedicated card like the Delta DIO.

But, of course, it's cheaper to buy a Delta 66 than a Delta 44 + Delta DIO, so if you think you're ever likely to need it it's better to get it now... perhaps.

--Dingo