when do you need a midi interface?

[47ronin]

I want to use a cheap midi controller to play stuff with Reason. Do I need a special interface or just a cable? I want to actually play the sounds in real time using a sequencer, plus trigger the drums through Reason...is this possible and what equipment do i need? Also lets say i want to run the Reason sounds through a sansamp or my memory man...is this possible and what equipment would i need?

thanks in advance,

47ronin

 

[AlChuck]

Yes, a MIDI interface is the means by which you can connect a computer and an external MIDI device like a keyboard or other controller, etc. You don't talk about your computer at all but it obviously must have some sound hardware of some kind if you are using Reason. Chances are you already have a MIDI interface (one that doubles as a game port); if so, you might only need the special thingie that adapts the gameport D-connector to MIDI connectors...

 

[bongolation]

Yes, a MIDI interface is the means by which you can connect a computer and an external MIDI device like a keyboard or other controller, etc. You don't talk about your computer at all but it obviously must have some sound hardware of some kind if you are using Reason. Chances are you already have a MIDI interface (one that doubles as a game port); if so, you might only need the special thingie that adapts the gameport D-connector to MIDI connectors...

Very interesting! I was just asking this same question the other day and didn't get far with it - some guy mentioned that he was doing a MIDI interface through his gameport and I wanted to know how. I didn't get any answers.

I went to GC and dug through all the cables and didn't see any that had the round MIDI on one end and the oblong gameport on the other, so I was confused.

Thanks for any help on this. I just want to do a temporary MIDI link to my J-Station to play with the software through my cheapo generic soundcard. I'm building (however slowly!) a full new DAW and I don't want to have to buy a new soundcard before then just as an interim measure.

 

[Carter]

THE GC DOES CARRY MIDI INTERFACES FOR YOUR GAME PORT, ASK A SALES PERSON, THEY ARE ABOUT 25.00. BUT I RECOMMEND GETTING A GOOD SOUNDCARD

CARTER

 

[AlChuck]

Creative Labs sells them for $19.99 at their website. (Most soundcards that have this kind of adapter use the same cable/adapter scheme so it should be compatible). You can find them elsewhere, probably at Radio Shack or Frys or somesuch similar places... I just looked at some places on the web with no success...