Questions about Audio Interfaces and Midi I/O's

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egaliseur

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So, I've just started banging away at Ableton on my MacBook, and want to look into obtaining an audio interface for recording vox/guitar, and to utilize the sound card of course. In addition, I have an old yet lovely Yamaha electric piano with a Midi in/out. I'm very attracted to the TC Desktop Kompact 6 (but am open to other suggestions from more experienced soundsmiths), because of the sleek interface, built in reverb, and purported quality. However, it doesn't have a Midi I/O.

Is there a huge advantage to running your midi through your interface? Can I simply buy a USB to Midi cable and hook up my piano to my laptop no problem, or do I need an attachment? Is it possible to have the audio interface plugged in and working whilst the other port has my piano controlling MIDI (that is to say, would they interfere with each other)?
 
You don't need to use MIDI ports on an audio interface. You can just connect the keyboard to the computer; it won't interfere with an audio interface, and vice versa.
 
SeaGtGruff said:
You don't need to use MIDI ports on an audio interface. You can just connect the keyboard to the computer; it won't interfere with an audio interface, and vice versa.
Click to expand...

WTGR, OP said it was an OLD keyboard so I doubt it has a USB port and so cannot see how it can connect to a computer?

I have read in the past of problems with those inline cable MIDI devices and in any case, more dangly stuff to lug/get in the way.

It will come as no surprise to Hon' Memebers here that I shall suggest the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6.
It has of course MIDI ports* but also two extra line inputs so you can record the kbd audio as well as the MIDI data. 4 audio track recording. The AI also has THE best, most stable drivers I have come across in 10 years of dabbling and the lowest latency you will get this side of RME gear. The latter is very important for MIDI work. Also comes with a Cubase freebie. Not perhaps the easiest DAW to learn but nowt better for MIDI.

*Vitally you have a MIDI INPUT! The move to MIDI over USB is all very well but leaves nowhere to plug in another MIDI device such as a drum machine.

TC Electronics gear has always had a good rep for sound quality but I doubt if it is any better than the KA6.

Dave.
 
Oooer! Just seen that TC unit is FireWire!
FW is of course usually fine with macs but is an obsolescent connection protocol these days. I very much doubt the next Apple OS incarnation will have driver support (have you checked you have it now?!!)

The TC unit looks very good but FANCY not putting MIDI on it! Especially when it too comes with Cubase who practically INVENTED the fekking thing!

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
WTGR, OP said it was an OLD keyboard so I doubt it has a USB port and so cannot see how it can connect to a computer?

I have read in the past of problems with those inline cable MIDI devices and in any case, more dangly stuff to lug/get in the way.
Click to expand...

Right, an older keyboard without a USB port would need a USB-MIDI adapter for connecting directly to the computer. The OP had asked if he could just buy one of those rather than needing to get an audio interface that has MIDI ports, so that's what I was responding to.

But you're absolutely right about issues with those, particularly with the cheap ones-- the ones the keyboard manufacturers themselves make are of higher quality (but also cost a bit more)-- so if the idea is to save money by getting a cheap USB-MIDI adapter and an audio interface that doesn't have MIDI ports, it would be smarter to just spend a bit more money on an audio interface that has MIDI ports.
 
SeaGtGruff said:
Right, an older keyboard without a USB port would need a USB-MIDI adapter for connecting directly to the computer. The OP had asked if he could just buy one of those rather than needing to get an audio interface that has MIDI ports, so that's what I was responding to.

But you're absolutely right about issues with those, particularly with the cheap ones-- the ones the keyboard manufacturers themselves make are of higher quality (but also cost a bit more)-- so if the idea is to save money by getting a cheap USB-MIDI adapter and an audio interface that doesn't have MIDI ports, it would be smarter to just spend a bit more money on an audio interface that has MIDI ports.
Click to expand...

Yes,sorry, sounded snottier than intended when in print!

As for economy? If the OP is really strapped I doubt he would beat the Alesis i02 at $100ish and if THEY can put MIDI ports on a quite respectable AI at that price why can't all the others?

And sorry again, I am a bit anal about "dangly bits"! I KNOW for instance that the RME Babyface is a terrific interface but just could not abide one (mind you, if anyone is giving one away I could be swayed?)


Dave.
 
Lots of excellent responses!

For the record, I have a pretty new MacBook Pro 13 inch retina, which of course has two thunderbolt ports and no firewire. I'm not sure if it's worth investing in an interface that is thunderbolt compatible but people are pretty hype about TB's speed.

There seems to be a lot of love for the Komplete 6. Does anyone know how nicely all those plugins play with Ableton?

EDIT: also dang, all these interfaces come with software on CD, and these newfangled computers don't even have disk drives. What gives? :P
 
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