Subject:OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Posted by: musicvid10

Date:8/27/2003 9:45:57 PM

New computer for my boss, he is not interested in high-end sound cards (thanks anyway) but does need a MIDI input for his keyboard.

Dillemma: The onboard AC97 has a place for a gameport adaptor cable but one wasn't included.

Solution 1: Get a USB to MIDI adaptor like the Midiman for $40-50.
Solution 2: Get a Soundblaster with gameport and/or midi for $40-100.

Interested in a low-tech, low-$ solution, not SOTA quality. What do you think?

Subject:RE: OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Reply by: MyST

Date:8/27/2003 10:03:05 PM

I have the UNO connecting my keyboard to my USB.
Before your boss gives up on the idea of buying a higher end sound card, ask him if he's ever heard of latency? Nothing like having a low end card that doesn't support ASIO drivers. Hit the key and wait for the sound. Try playing a song like that.
There's alot of excellent cards now that aren't very expensive, the Echo Mia Midi for one. No noticeable latency when playing.
I have the Mia without the midi port, which is why I also have the Uno.

M

Subject:RE: OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Reply by: MJhig

Date:8/28/2003 9:22:12 AM

The cheapest solution is to get the Gameport/joystick Port to MIDI adapter cable. I got one for $15 US at a local music store. You could check locally or on the web. Just doing a quick search;

Universal Sound Card Cable Kit


MJ

Subject:RE: OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Reply by: musicvid10

Date:8/29/2003 2:38:23 AM

I got the UNO today, haven't tried it yet, thanks for the advice!

Subject:RE: OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Reply by: MJhig

Date:8/29/2003 4:13:18 PM

Well, you spent $30 more than you needed to and gained nothing unless you didn't post relevant criteria.

The Gameport is every bit as fast as USB 1.0 if not faster. Latency is only an issue in some circumstances which is a non-issue if you are using a keyboard that has an onboard synth or using an external sound module and you monitor via the keyboard (Casio) keyboard amp or mixer.

Generally latency is only an issue if you use softsynths or stubbornly monitor through the PC. In both cases the power of the system plays a MUCH larger part in terms of latency than the interface.

I can play my SPD-20 (MIDI drum controller) connected to my crap SoundBlaster MIDI in, through the PC to SoundBlaster MIDI out to an external sound module (let's use a circa 1989 Korg MR3) and record it's audio output to my Audiophile 2496 with a final result of 4 milliseconds latency (insignificant) to Sound Forge round trip.

I have physically done this test and if you need a more specific details I'll provide them for you.

I will also run the test using the Audiophile's MIDI I/O if need be also although I can run both MIDI inputs simultaneously (remember the M-Audio SC is not a gameport) or independently via virtual or physical cable with no discernable difference.

MJ

Subject:RE: OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Reply by: Geoff_Wood

Date:8/29/2003 6:36:21 PM

Given the choice I'd go for the USB solution.

Enabling cheap hardware or mobo devices gives a possibility of hardware and 'usually generic and flaky driver' complications.

geoff

Subject:RE: OT: USB to MIDI adaptor or cheap sound card?

Reply by: musicvid10

Date:8/30/2003 1:51:50 PM

mjhig,
The motherboard has an onboard connector to attach an optional proprietary cable which has a gameport jack at the other end. I was told by the dealer that it is a special order from the m/b manufacturer and more expensive than the USB solution. They were also unable to tell me definitively if their adaptor works with MIDI, or just with game devices.

Seemed like a lot of hassle to me. Thus my post seeking advice for simpler solutions.
I am familiar with gameport>to>midi adaptor cables. I don't have a gameport to plug one in to.
Thanks for your input and other relevant information.