USB-midi

[Lv]

I currently use M-Audio Midisport USB/Midi converters and they work great.

However as you all know they work great but is pretty pricey.

I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

E.G
Just for luck I tried some Chinese ones at about $5 each but they dont
work.
"http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-MIDI-Keyboard-Interface-Converter-Cable-Adapter-JT1-/300975187565?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item461384e66d"
They show up as "Audio Device" in the midi inputs, and they create TWO
"Audio Device" entries in the Midid Outputs namely "Audio Device" and
"Audio Device (2)" I use XP Pro.

Although they are recognized by XP, and a driver is assigned
successfully, they unfortunately fail to connect with any of my midi
hardware, while my M-Audio does perfectly.

Anyone know of any cost-effective converters that actually work ?

Thanks.

[p***@lebirne.com]

Hi LV


Do you want to use them on one PC, all at the same time?
What di you want to use them for? There might be other possibilities.


---In ***@yahoogroups.com, <***@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I currently use M-Audio Midisport USB/Midi converters and they work great.

However as you all know they work great but is pretty pricey.

I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

E.G
Just for luck I tried some Chinese ones at about $5 each but they dont
work.
"http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-MIDI-Keyboard-Interface-Converter-Cable-Adapter-JT1-/300975187565?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item461384e66d" http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-MIDI-Keyboard-Interface-Converter-Cable-Adapter-JT1-/300975187565?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item461384e66d"
They show up as "Audio Device" in the midi inputs, and they create TWO
"Audio Device" entries in the Midid Outputs namely "Audio Device" and
"Audio Device (2)" I use XP Pro.

Although they are recognized by XP, and a driver is assigned
successfully, they unfortunately fail to connect with any of my midi
hardware, while my M-Audio does perfectly.

Anyone know of any cost-effective converters that actually work ?

Thanks.

[Lv]

I forgot to mention that latency is not a problem. It is only to do
settings on midi enabled devices as I use Maudio for sound.
I have a couple of devices that need midi setup but does not need midi
for sound.

YES, all at the same time. I dont want to switch around.

Post by p***@lebirne.com
Hi LV
Do you want to use them on one PC, all at the same time?
What di you want to use them for? There might be other possibilities.

[p***@lebirne.com]

You probably want to get something like this, if each of the connected device needs to be on a separate MIDI port: http://www.motu.com/products/midi/lite


Otherwise, chain your MIDI devices, coming from your Midisport Uno: Connect your first device with MIDI IN, from MIDI THRU or OUT you go to the next device's IN, from there the THRU to the next IN and so on.


Does this help?


---In ***@yahoogroups.com, <***@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I forgot to mention that latency is not a problem. It is only to do
settings on midi enabled devices as I use Maudio for sound.
I have a couple of devices that need midi setup but does not need midi
for sound.

YES, all at the same time. I dont want to switch around.

Post by p***@lebirne.com
Hi LV
Do you want to use them on one PC, all at the same time?
What di you want to use them for? There might be other possibilities.

[Lv]

I tried that, but daisy chaining interferes with the higher bandwidth
midi devices.
Therefore I want them all separate running into tow 5 port PCI USB card.

Post by p***@lebirne.com
You probably want to get something like this, if each of the connected
http://www.motu.com/products/midi/lite
Connect your first device with MIDI IN, from MIDI THRU or OUT you go to
the next device's IN, from there the THRU to the next IN and so on.
Does this help?

[Eanna Butler]

A midi merger will do the trick if each of your devices transmit on
separate midi channels..

Something like this:
http://www.midisolutions.com/prodqmr.htm

I have a philip rees 2m and a jl cooper nexus plus and they work great..

EBu

Post by Lv
**
I tried that, but daisy chaining interferes with the higher bandwidth
midi devices.
Therefore I want them all separate running into tow 5 port PCI USB card.

Post by p***@lebirne.com
You probably want to get something like this, if each of the connected
http://www.motu.com/products/midi/lite
Connect your first device with MIDI IN, from MIDI THRU or OUT you go to
the next device's IN, from there the THRU to the next IN and so on.
Does this help?

[Lv]

Thanks this may be an option if all else fails.

Post by Eanna Butler
A midi merger will do the trick if each of your devices transmit on
separate midi channels..
http://www.midisolutions.com/prodqmr.htm
I have a philip rees 2m and a jl cooper nexus plus and they work great..
EBu

[Andras Szalay]

I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075 through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on my designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or other devices too. I will update this page time to time with questio
ns whatever I recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.
See that on my web page:

www.panda-audio.com

Andras Szalay

[Jeff]

Awesome Andras! Thank you

Sent from my iPhone

Post by Andras Szalay
I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075 through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on my designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or other devices too. I will update this page time to time with quest

ions whatever I recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.

Post by Andras Szalay
www.panda-audio.com
Andras Szalay
------------------------------------

[Ian Cone]

Very cool, Thanks



On Wednesday, October 23, 2013 6:03 PM, Jeff <***@yahoo.com> wrote:

 
Awesome Andras! Thank you

Sent from my iPhone

I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075 through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on my designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or other devices too. I will update this page time to time with questions whatever I recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.
www.panda-audio.com
Andras Szalay
------------------------------------

[Paul Cunningham]

fantastic! -pc

I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075 through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on my designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or other devices too. I will update this page time to time with questions whatever I recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.
www.panda-audio.com
Andras Szalay

[Andrzej Pająk]

Thanx Andreas ;)
Andrzej

Post by Paul Cunningham
**
fantastic! -pc
I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I
developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075
through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play
today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who
had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their
devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want
to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an
FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding
of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on my
designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or other
devices too. I will update this page time to time with questions whatever I
recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.
www.panda-audio.com
Andras Szalay

[Bob Hansmann]

Thank you very much, Andras,
You have done more to help users than probably anyone, and it is much
appreciated.

All warmest wishes and thoughts,
Bobby

[Leigh Smith]

Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap. That will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
mailto:***@leighsmith.com
http://www.leighsmith.com

[a***@ymail.com]

Midiman/m audio Midisport 8x8 or motu midi express 128 each have 8 ins and 8 outs. They are great, I have multiples of both. But they are certainly closer to the $200 than the desired $50, even second hand. In fact I think the only way is second hand now, they both appear to be discontinued with no equivalent replacements.

I don't know how old your computer is but there are plenty of old multiple output midi interfaces on eBay that are serial only (no USB) that go for penuts. Not an option for most modern computers though as they don't have the ports any more. You may get issues with drivers too if you're on 64 bit but that depends on the device.

Post by Leigh Smith
Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap. That will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
http://www.leighsmith.com

[Lv]

Yes it will be better to avoid cable tangle, but it will be far inferior
performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
I have 10 USB ports available on two pcix cards on an IBM 8 core
e-server with 16G memory. Machine is not the problem.

My original question and idea is to see what the most affordable
workable replacement for Midisport 1x1 would be.

Seemingly no-one tried the cheap alternatives to M audio ?

My first option really is to use cheaper versions of M-audio, and I
thought some would have tried the $5 and $10 versions for sale on ebay.
Feedback would have narrowed down which works and which not.

I have the money to buy the midisport, but it is silly to waste if a
cheaper alternative does the job, and that is why I ask.

Post by Leigh Smith
Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a
MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap. That
will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
http://www.leighsmith.com

[Eanna Butler]

Post by Lv
but it will be far inferior

performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.

Not true. A cheap interface with cheap components and poor driver support
will be inferior to a single quality multi-port USB interface.

You have a well-spec'ed PC - why skimp on your midi interface?

The Midi spec bandwidth is far narrower than what USB offers. I.e. you can
comfortably accommodate 8 Midi ins and outs on a single USB device.

Furthermore, that number of USB devices on the PCI bus will undoubtedly
result in IRQ Sharing and possibly DMA address space sharing. Adding USB
host controllers to Windows is not a good recipe for a performant audio
system.

Steinberg has made 64-bit drivers for it's Midex range. So, a Midex8 is
another option.

Post by Lv
**
Yes it will be better to avoid cable tangle, but it will be far inferior
performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
I have 10 USB ports available on two pcix cards on an IBM 8 core
e-server with 16G memory. Machine is not the problem.
My original question and idea is to see what the most affordable
workable replacement for Midisport 1x1 would be.
Seemingly no-one tried the cheap alternatives to M audio ?
My first option really is to use cheaper versions of M-audio, and I
thought some would have tried the $5 and $10 versions for sale on ebay.
Feedback would have narrowed down which works and which not.
I have the money to buy the midisport, but it is silly to waste if a
cheaper alternative does the job, and that is why I ask.

Post by Leigh Smith
Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a
MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap. That
will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the

converters

Post by Leigh Smith

Post by Lv
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
http://www.leighsmith.com

[Lv]

This is a typical misconception except for the "poor driver support"
issue, which I agree with and which is a problem with the chinese stuff.

Definitely false:
Cheaper in electronics does not mean worse performance. If that is the
case you should be using a 8086AT computer Circa 1982,
In fact you would be skimping if you do not try the newer more advanced
components devices that could cost less.

Actually, I never ran into any IRQ issues anymore since departing from
Windows98. The real problem hogging down multiple USB and other IO ports
is the fact that people are silly enough to use motherboards with
built in sound cards that cannot be disabled in bios. Always use an
external soundcard. I use a dedicated Presonus Firebox for that purpose.

In my case I use two 5port USB pcix cards on a PCIX bus. Interrupt
sharing is no issue and I never had any latency problems due to shared
irq's UNLESS I had an onboard soundcard. The onboard cards uses the same
pcix bus and hogs it down ot a standstill. Once you disabled your
internal soundcard in bios, everything on the pcix bus works like white
lightning.
The onboard controllers on decent PCIx IO cards does a great job and I
never get PC hangups due to a USB device freezing memory. Since the
cards are DMA they have dedicated address space, while the built in
ports throws a lot of strange antics as they usually have buggy controllers.

Anyway I will buy 6 or so different brands and decide for myself. I just
thought that people here would have done that, so it could save me the
effort.

Thanks

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
but it will be far inferior

performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
Not true. A cheap interface with cheap components and poor driver
support will be inferior to a single quality multi-port USB interface.
You have a well-spec'ed PC - why skimp on your midi interface?
The Midi spec bandwidth is far narrower than what USB offers. I.e. you
can comfortably accommodate 8 Midi ins and outs on a single USB device.
Furthermore, that number of USB devices on the PCI bus will undoubtedly
result in IRQ Sharing and possibly DMA address space sharing. Adding USB
host controllers to Windows is not a good recipe for a performant audio
system.
Steinberg has made 64-bit drivers for it's Midex range. So, a Midex8 is
another option.
__
Yes it will be better to avoid cable tangle, but it will be far inferior
performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
I have 10 USB ports available on two pcix cards on an IBM 8 core
e-server with 16G memory. Machine is not the problem.
My original question and idea is to see what the most affordable
workable replacement for Midisport 1x1 would be.
Seemingly no-one tried the cheap alternatives to M audio ?
My first option really is to use cheaper versions of M-audio, and I
thought some would have tried the $5 and $10 versions for sale on ebay.
Feedback would have narrowed down which works and which not.
I have the money to buy the midisport, but it is silly to waste if a
cheaper alternative does the job, and that is why I ask.

Post by Lv
Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a
MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap.

That

Post by Lv
will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less

expensive.

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the

converters

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
http://www.leighsmith.com

--
EBu

[Eanna Butler]

Cheaper in electronics does not mean worse performance. If that is the
case you should be using a 8086AT computer Circa 1982,

That's an unusual argument! Don't get your point. Not sure why you thought
I might think that an 8086 would be a good idea?!

Post by Lv
In fact you would be skimping if you do not try the newer more advanced

components devices that could cost less.

I'm not saying to use old stuff - I'm suggesting that you use
well-designed, well-produced hardware with more rigorous Quality Control
and better-written, more mature drivers that have been honed from having
been in active service by musicians for a few years.

Post by Lv
The real problem hogging down multiple USB and other IO ports

is the fact that people are silly enough to use motherboards with
built in sound cards that cannot be disabled in bios. Always use an
external soundcard. I use a dedicated Presonus Firebox for that purpose.

There are plenty of other components that can be connected to a motherboard
that can cause latencies, including things like Wifi cards and poor
Firewire drivers, and some Windows services and other motherboard
technologies (such as Power Management).
Adding many connected Midi<->USB interfaces will cause the PCI bus IRQs to
share. A well-written driver shaing its IRQ with another well-written
driver will not be a problem, as this is allowed in the PCI specs. However,
a well-written driver sharing its IRQ with a poorly-written driver will
suffer. I imagine that is what you experienced with the onboard audio card
on your mobo. I do hope that one of your cheap USB devices doesn't cause
DPC Latencies for your Presonus Firebox! Me, I wouldn't bother taking the
risk.

Post by Lv
Since the cards are DMA they have dedicated address space,

You can still get address space sharing with DMA. Check msinfo32.exe and
see what's sharing there, both DMA and IRQ...

Hey, I have no problem being wong! And I do hope you find it worthwhile to
save a few dollars in your quest.
Like everything in life, the old adage - You get what you pay for - hasn't
gone away.
My thoughts are not based on misconceptions. I have experienced first-hand
everything I have spoken of.


All the best, Eanna

Post by Lv
This is a typical misconception except for the "poor driver support"
issue, which I agree with and which is a problem with the chinese stuff.
Cheaper in electronics does not mean worse performance. If that is the
case you should be using a 8086AT computer Circa 1982,
In fact you would be skimping if you do not try the newer more advanced
components devices that could cost less.
Actually, I never ran into any IRQ issues anymore since departing from
Windows98. The real problem hogging down multiple USB and other IO ports
is the fact that people are silly enough to use motherboards with
built in sound cards that cannot be disabled in bios. Always use an
external soundcard. I use a dedicated Presonus Firebox for that purpose.
In my case I use two 5port USB pcix cards on a PCIX bus. Interrupt
sharing is no issue and I never had any latency problems due to shared
irq's UNLESS I had an onboard soundcard. The onboard cards uses the same
pcix bus and hogs it down ot a standstill. Once you disabled your
internal soundcard in bios, everything on the pcix bus works like white
lightning.
The onboard controllers on decent PCIx IO cards does a great job and I
never get PC hangups due to a USB device freezing memory. Since the
cards are DMA they have dedicated address space, while the built in
ports throws a lot of strange antics as they usually have buggy controllers.
Anyway I will buy 6 or so different brands and decide for myself. I just
thought that people here would have done that, so it could save me the
effort.
Thanks

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
but it will be far inferior

performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
Not true. A cheap interface with cheap components and poor driver
support will be inferior to a single quality multi-port USB interface.
You have a well-spec'ed PC - why skimp on your midi interface?
The Midi spec bandwidth is far narrower than what USB offers. I.e. you
can comfortably accommodate 8 Midi ins and outs on a single USB device.
Furthermore, that number of USB devices on the PCI bus will undoubtedly
result in IRQ Sharing and possibly DMA address space sharing. Adding USB
host controllers to Windows is not a good recipe for a performant audio
system.
Steinberg has made 64-bit drivers for it's Midex range. So, a Midex8 is
another option.
__
Yes it will be better to avoid cable tangle, but it will be far inferior
performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
I have 10 USB ports available on two pcix cards on an IBM 8 core
e-server with 16G memory. Machine is not the problem.
My original question and idea is to see what the most affordable
workable replacement for Midisport 1x1 would be.
Seemingly no-one tried the cheap alternatives to M audio ?
My first option really is to use cheaper versions of M-audio, and I
thought some would have tried the $5 and $10 versions for sale on

ebay.

Post by Lv
Feedback would have narrowed down which works and which not.
I have the money to buy the midisport, but it is silly to waste if a
cheaper alternative does the job, and that is why I ask.

Post by Lv
Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a
MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap.

That

Post by Lv
will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering

if

Post by Lv

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less

expensive.

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the

converters

Post by Lv

Post by Lv
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
http://www.leighsmith.com

--
EBu

------------------------------------
--to unsubscribe send a blank message to

[a***@ymail.com]

I think most people would consider a cheaper alternative wouldn't do the job which is why you've not been getting the replies you are after. Any cheap midi interface I have tried has been terrible, which is why I don't buy cheap any more. It's a false economy in my mind to buy something cheap that ends up breaking, because then I have to buy a replacement-it would have been cheaper to buy 1 good thing than 2 bad things.

Post by Lv
Yes it will be better to avoid cable tangle, but it will be far inferior
performance wise compared to dedicated usb lines for each device.
I have 10 USB ports available on two pcix cards on an IBM 8 core
e-server with 16G memory. Machine is not the problem.
My original question and idea is to see what the most affordable
workable replacement for Midisport 1x1 would be.
Seemingly no-one tried the cheap alternatives to M audio ?
My first option really is to use cheaper versions of M-audio, and I
thought some would have tried the $5 and $10 versions for sale on ebay.
Feedback would have narrowed down which works and which not.
I have the money to buy the midisport, but it is silly to waste if a
cheaper alternative does the job, and that is why I ask.

Post by Leigh Smith
Wouldn't you be better with a single multiport USB box either a
MIDISPORT 4x4 or 8x8? You can get them S/H on Ebay fairly cheap. That
will save dealing with multiple USB ports and MIDI drivers.

Post by Lv
I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

Leigh
--
Leigh M. Smith
http://www.leighsmith.com

[PlanetEleven]

Thanks, Andras.

- Lenny

Post by Andras Szalay
I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I
developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075
through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play
today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who
had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their
devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want
to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an
FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding
of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on
my designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or
other devices too. I will update this page time to time with questions
whatever I recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.
www.panda-audio.com
Andras Szalay

[d***@hotmail.com]

USB to MIDI is no longer a new technology. I don't think the general rule about cheap always applies. Once a technology is refined to the point where it is on a single chip and can sell for $5-$10 dollars, you may be better off with that single-chip, cheap version. It may beat the expensive version from a company that built it the "old way" and hasn't changed anything inside in 10 years (and their driver engineer left the company years ago, etc, etc.).


I don't have a complex set up, but a few years ago I was trying to pass large chunks of sysex to a device and the cheap $10 usb to MIDI worked when the M-audio delta 10 didn't and the Yamaha ux-96 didn't. The technology in the m-audio and the Yamaha was old but the new interface had the wisdom of decades integrated into the chip.


I'm afraid I can't tell you which of the cheap usb/midi interfaces might work for you,
but I like to disagree with people from time to time. :-)


I also, used to have many usb issues that went away when I moved to Windows 7.

I'm not sure if that is an option in your case, but I wonder if the cheap interface you tried will
actually work under win 7?


Dave

[Lv]

Exactly!.

Midi conversion chips are now less than a dollar in bulk actually and if
they are implemented through DSP it is even less. Asic e.g. cost a lot
to set up but once done, the chip costs cents.

In the electronics business cheaper does not mean less intelligent, the
opposite of other industries. If it did then you should all be buying
186 processors now and forget about 18nm and below technology.

I try to stick to XP as everything else works there now.
I am never happy to move to a latest greatest windows version as you
always lose a few legacy devices you then have to replace.

But, I understand that people wont at least try the cheap alternatives.

What I will do is buy about $60 worth of all the different brands of sub
$10 adapters and then try them and use those that work.

Thanks for the help.

Post by d***@hotmail.com
USB to MIDI is no longer a new technology. I don't think the general
rule about cheap always applies.
Once a technology is refined to the point where it is on a single chip
and can sell for $5-$10 dollars, you may be better off with that
single-chip, cheap version. It may beat the expensive version from a
company that built it the "old way" and hasn't changed anything inside
in 10 years (and their driver engineer left the company years ago, etc,
etc.).
I don't have a complex set up, but a few years ago I was trying to pass
large chunks of sysex to a device and the cheap $10 usb to MIDI worked
when the M-audio delta 10 didn't and the Yamaha ux-96 didn't. The
technology in the m-audio and the Yamaha was old but the new interface
had the wisdom of decades integrated into the chip.
I'm afraid I can't tell you which of the cheap usb/midi interfaces might work for you,
but I like to disagree with people from time to time. :-)
I also, used to have many usb issues that went away when I moved to Windows 7.
I'm not sure if that is an option in your case, but I wonder if the
cheap interface you tried will
actually work under win 7?
Dave

[s***@yahoo.com]

I get excellent 100% working with everything (including Sysex) with these

USB to MIDI adapter cable MeritLine $11



http://www.meritline.com/usb-midi-interface-link-cable-adapter---p-85182.aspx http://www.meritline.com/usb-midi-interface-link-cable-adapter---p-85182.aspx

USB MIDI Interface Link Cable Adapter for Music Keyboard

Description:

100% brand new and high quality!
The USB MIDI cable makes it easy to connect any MIDI instrument to your PC and Mac via USB
Latest version with a built-in driver.
USB powered and class compliant for true plug and play just connect to a computer USB socket for automatic installation of the driver.
1 in + 1 out MIDI interface, 16 MIDI input channels and 16 MIDI output channels.
LED indicate MIDI in signal and MIDI out signal.
Compatible with Windows 98 SE/2000/XP/VISTA/Win7 Mac OS X10.1 or later.
Cable length: 5 Feet/ 1.5M
Package Includes: 1x USB MIDI Interface Link Cable Adapter for Music Keyboard


This is a USB Class Compliant MIDI Interface, and works with all operating systems that support USB Class devices. No Driver required.



Another option


ESI MIDIMATE II - USB 2.0 MIDI Interface Cable $29.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=invoice&A=details&Q=&sku=746076&is=REG http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=invoice&A=details&Q=&sku=746076&is=REG

The MIDIMATE II from ESI/Ego-Sys is a USB 2.0 MIDI interface housed in a convenient cable form. The two MIDI connectors will function in the standard configuration of MIDI In and MIDI Out, but the interface also automatically detects the incoming and outgoing MIDI signals and assigns them appropriately. This means the interface can deliver 32-channels of either input or 32-channels of output if required.

[ So this cable can act like a MIDI Input Merge box, or a MIDI Output Thru Box for iPad+CCK ]

The interface is compatible with Windows XP, Windows 7 (32-, 64-bit) and Vista (32-, 64-bit), as well as Mac OS X. The interface works instantly after being plugged in to the computer, with no driver installation required. [ i.e, Will also work with iPad / Android]
USB MIDI interface with 2 MIDI connectors, each can work as independent input or output
High-speed connection to USB 2.0 or 1.1 equipped PC or Mac computer
Bus powered - requires no external power supply
No driver needed for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X


http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8393.0



---In ***@yahoogroups.com, <***@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

I currently use M-Audio Midisport USB/Midi converters and they work great.

However as you all know they work great but is pretty pricey.

I need about 5 USB/midi converters (maybe more) and is wondering if
anyone has good experience with converters that is a bit less expensive.
I would rather spent $50 compared to $200 for M-audio for the converters
if I can help it.

E.G
Just for luck I tried some Chinese ones at about $5 each but they dont
work.
"http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-MIDI-Keyboard-Interface-Converter-Cable-Adapter-JT1-/300975187565?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item461384e66d" http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-MIDI-Keyboard-Interface-Converter-Cable-Adapter-JT1-/300975187565?pt=US_Computer_Recording_Interfaces&hash=item461384e66d"
They show up as "Audio Device" in the midi inputs, and they create TWO
"Audio Device" entries in the Midid Outputs namely "Audio Device" and
"Audio Device (2)" I use XP Pro.

Although they are recognized by XP, and a driver is assigned
successfully, they unfortunately fail to connect with any of my midi
hardware, while my M-Audio does perfectly.

Anyone know of any cost-effective converters that actually work ?

Thanks.

[Lv]

Thank you very much.
This is one I did not try yet and will order one.

I really appreciate it.

Post by s***@yahoo.com
I get excellent 100% working with everything (including Sysex) with these
USB to MIDI adapter cable MeritLine $11
http://www.meritline.com/usb-midi-interface-link-cable-adapter---p-85182.aspx
/USB MIDI Interface Link Cable Adapter for Music Keyboard

[Mark Ty-Wharton]

Very interesting reading and now I have a few questions but I will ask on
the group

Post by Andras Szalay
I spent most of the last thirty years designing guitar synthesizers. I
developed several generations of devices from the Shadow GTM-6 / SH-075
through the Blue Chip Music / Terratec Axon until the Fishman Triple Play
today. Over this period I answered thousands of questions from users who
had some difficulties to understand certain features or behavior of their
devices. Now, as I have here a web page of my company, Panda-Audio, I want
to take the opportunity to summarize this information in the form of an
FAQ. I hope I can help users of guitar synthesizers a better understanding
of their devices with this information. While these answers are based on my
designs, I believe most of the information here is true for Roland or other
devices too. I will update this page time to time with questions whatever I
recall from my memories, or whatever new questions arise.
www.panda-audio.com
Andras Szalay

--
*mark ty wharton
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