I needs some basics: Which Midi Interface?

[XHipHop]

My unit is just about dead...well, not really...but if i don't have the usb cable seated exactly how it wants it it won't work...very frustrating. (I'm not going to say which it was because I want to keep this unbiased from my part and hear everyone's recommendations).

So I thought maybe it's time to upgrade because I don't feel like fiddling with broken junk all the time

Anyway, I use Logic but since Apple bought Emagic I don't think their units are supported anymore...so what should one buy today if they want a great midi interface? I remember back in the day people said the Emagic ones had a special "time stamping" or something that locked in the timing better with Logic.

I think they said the same thing about the Motu ones with DP and the Steinberg ones with Cubase. I don't know if it was BS, but I was told to buy the same brand as your software (we're talking 2001).

People also told me USB isn't good enough and I should go with a PCI one if I can, but now those are mostly gone off the market.

So what's the deal right now? What would you buy if you were buying today? Any horror stories with any particular brand or success stories?

This might seem like a meaningless thread to some but when programming, my timing is everything. I want the good stuff!

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by XHipHop

This might seem like a meaningless thread to some but when programming, my timing is everything. I want the good stuff!

Ain't that the truth!!

Right now, I'm running the MOTU Midi express XT USB. Never given me any problems. Previously, I was running the MOTU MTP AV USB again, a great interface and no problems. A little more than I needed at the time but now with the studio growing, I'm thinking of picking it up again. The only time I've had trouble with USB is when using one of the old Opcode Studio 4's with the serial to USB adapter. This setup gave me all kinds of problems until I just broke down and stepped up to the MOTU USB.

The Digidesign interface looks pretty straightforward but through the grapevine I haven't heard great reviews. Doesn't mean they are true, just what I heard. My opinion, go with MOTU. Either way, GET THAT SH$T FIXED!! I know that's gotta make you want to launch the interface out the window.

[drockfresh]

Edirol UM-880 has been perfect for me. (but I haven't tested the midi latency vs. any other interfaces). The ability to patch between midi hardware is essential to me and the unit has been (knock on wood) totally reliable since day 1. I use PC so I can't comment on it's mac drivers.

[XHipHop]

Thanks for the reply stoneface. I'll get it fixed but I might as well get a backup. So far I've had an oxygen 8 stop working on me this year and now this midi interface...i'm not having much luck!

[rickrock305]

yea, i gotta go with motu as well on this. just pick one that has appropriate ins/outs for whatever you want to hook up (or planning to hook up in the future). They're solid boxes. As for latency and all that, i don't know how they fair against others, but they seem to be reliable and work fine for me all the time.

[halfguard]

ive got a motu microlite and its flawless.

[Dopamine]

I use a Opcode Studio 4 (serial) with the g-port (or Stealth port) modem hack. It has been rock solid for many years.

[XHipHop]

If someone was to open a million dollar studio today, what would they install? Just wondering.


And thanks for all the responses so far.

[Dopamine]

<<If someone was to open a million dollar studio today, what would they install?>>

The Digidesign MIDI unit

[Stoneface]

Originally Posted by Dopamine

<<If someone was to open a million dollar studio today, what would they install?>>

The Digidesign MIDI unit

That's not necessarily true. The Digidesign unit can't do half the stuff the Motu MTP AV can do and if this million dollar studio was syncing to film as well as doing music and things, the MTP AV would be a better unit. Guess it just depends on what you need it for. If you are just running synths, you don't need all the bells and whistles but if you have any sort of expansion possiblities on your mind, go with the MTP AV.

That being said, I haven't seen any of the new USB interfaces that are just crap. I think you'd be safe with any one of these units mentioned thus far, with the exception of the studio 4. (Sorry bro...bad experience) Bottomline, the "midi interface" just isn't that complicated of a unit. Pick the one with the features you want, and roll with it.

[Dor]

not sure if you made a decision but you can't go wrong with any of the multi port MOTU interfaces. I've been using the express xt for years without any issues. it just does it's thing. no frills.

Only trouble i had was when i copped my fantom-s & had to manually write the .midnam for os x because apple, roland & motu dropped the ball and never worked on the patch listing for os x's midi. I called motu & apple & each blamed the other. I have the factory patch list if anyone wants it. Hit me up.

m'out.

Dor

[Phunkeman]

How many I/o's you need? What platform you use? Go MTP AV USB.

[RobDex]

The old Opcode 8port/se still rocks for me thumbsup