Midi controller / audio interface

hi - After years of working with Cubase on a PC, i have become a brand new mac convert and have just invested in a macbook pro with logic express.
I am looking for recommendations for getting midi in & out of the computer as well as a good audio interface. I play keyboards and will use an external midi sound module for sounds so midi latency (as near as possible to zero) is important as is audio quality and I am looking to buy a new midi controller keyboard. Am i right in thinking that the new breed of keyboards will act as the midi interface too?
Finally if there are any good "starting out" reading resources you can point me to that would be greatfully appreciated!
thanks
Alex
macbook pro   Mac OS X (10.4.9)  

Hi Alex,
Welcome to the Forum!
You already have the solution on the back of your mind,
Most midi keyboard controllers can be pluged via USB to your computer, and act as a midi interface for other modules too,
some of them also have an audio input.
As you don't state any buget, my only advice will go to the audio interface,
each one has it's own preferences, and I'm sure it's going to rain answer on that matter; go for an Firewire interface to audio (USB's weak), also take a look at your internal HD (I believe it's an 5400rpm drive) you need and external HD 7200rpm in that case for audio.
Finally, if the resources you looking are about Le, instead of reading
the best I fiound to date is Martin Sitter's videos:
http://www.macprovideo.com/browse/logic
Cheers,
Jorge

Similar Messages

  • IPad2 - Midi and Audio interfaces / Camera Kit

    iPad2 question I have Midi and Audio interfaces, specifically Edirol UM-880 for Midi and Edirol UA-5 for Audio. If I get an Apple Camera Connection Kit, will they work with my iPad2

    Check out the iRig:
    http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmidi/
    It will connect "any" MIDI device to an iPad/iPhone.
    (i don't have this--yet. I'm just using a USB powered keyboard with a powered USB hub with my iPad.)

  • Looking for reccomendations for a midi keyboard/audio interface.

    I heard that I can buy a MIDI keyboard that also acts as an audio interface for Garageband (or other audio programs). I would like a keyboard with a decent octave range; weighted keys would be nice but that may be asking too much. Anyone have suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Chris
    g4 tower   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  

    There are few combined keyboard interfaces about: M-Audio make a couple:
    http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.list&ID=audiointerfacekb
    but I don't think they are at all a good deal. For the money you would do much better to buy an M-Audio Keystation 49e or 69es and a separate audio interface such as Edirol's cheapest one, the UA-1EX or possibly their more expensive but more highly featured UA-4FX: or the Tascam US 122L.

  • Recommendations for intel compatible midi and audio interfaces?

    Right now I'm looking for recommendations on a small and cheap midi interface that already has Universal drivers.
    Also, what audio interfaces are people using with intel macs? Who has drivers ready besides MOTU?

    I've got an m-audio firewire 410, which is supposed to be a compatable interface, but the midi doesn't seem to work at all and the headphone cue only works when you monitor the aux sends.
    -Know that even if you get one of the compatible interfaces, you may have to wait for a driver update before it functions at 100%.
    MacBook Pro   Mac OS X (10.4.5)   Intel Core Duo 2.0 GHz | 2.0 GB ram

  • New-MIDI and Audio Interface

    I am new to garageband but not new to the mac. I used to use Cakewalk on the PC for my sequencing about 15 years ago. I have a 12 powerbook 1.5. For MIDI I was looking at the MOTU FastLan. What about Audio? Can I use the line in on my laptop or do I need some kind of USB or Firewire interface?
    As the interface is USB fast enough or do we need firewire?

    If you are cash-strapped, you can use the line in on the Powerbook; however, you may need a preamp to boost the signal into the PB. I can use my electric guitar straight in, but a mic wouldn't work. I agree that you should probably just get a MIDI/Audio interface from the start, especially if you don't have any preamps of mixers laying around that can boost a signal. The consensus around here seems to be that Firewire works better overall and stresses that CPU less than USB. Lot's of people swear by the Tascam US-122 (USB) though. I'm saving for the M-Audio Firewire Audiophile or the Firewire Solo.

  • Which audio interface?

    What is the best low to mid range audio interface with spdif & phantom power? I only need a couple of inputs. It will be used with Garage Band for now.
    Also, I used to use an Apple G4 with Digital Peformer 3 (yep, 3), Motu, and a Yamaha O1V. I've been out of music and just want to play with my onboard GB that came with my new iMac. How does this new set up compare these days? Thanks!

    I have no idea about the "best", but I have one of these:
    http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Firewire-US35030-Audio-Interface/dp/B0006A9M3K
    It has two inputs, a 1/4" and an XLR. It has phantom power and S/PDIF in/out. It's about $200.
    It has worked great for me both in GarageBand and now in Logic Pro 9.
    Any Mac you get today will be at least 4 times, if not 10 times, faster than the last G4 you used. iMac works fine for GarageBand projects.
    Message was edited by: Rob Ross - added info about G4 speed comparison to current products

  • USB 3.0 audio interface and MIDI controller

    I´ve got the Macbook Pro Retina (2012) with only USB 3.0 ports. Today, i learned that no audio interface beneeth xxxx$ is compatible with this standard, and will only work with USB 2.0. I´ve also got Thunderbolt ports, but those audio interfaces are just as expencive and far out of my league. Same goes for MIDI controllers.
    Is there any way to come around this problem? There seems to be a lack of information regarding this issue around the internet. I want to buy the Balance audio interface for Propellerheads Reason, but I get the feeling it´s not going to work (at least thats what the guy at the local store told me).
    USB 2.0 hubs are also not going to work, as far as I know. Any ideas?

    Okay everyone,
    As I wasn't able to solve the problem myself, I decided to replace my old interface for a brand new one. The problem clearly was the age of the old interface.
    In a particular music store I was allowed to test four individual USB audio interfaces that worked perfectly on both 10.9 and W7.
    For those interested, I now use a Roland Quad-Capture (UA-55) which has great preamps!

  • For guitar, vocals, keyboard/drumpad controller, what is the best audio interface to use/record quality sound in Logic, Mainstage, Garageband, etc. (lowbudget)?

    So many to choose from. im really just trying to record clean sounding electric guitar tracks now vocals in the future and keyboard/drumpad controller near future..(irrelevant but thought i should mention im in the market for a keyboard and drumpad controller combo hopefully will be usb or something) but i need a quality audio interface to use with Logic Pro 9 and all the stuff that comes with it (mainstage, etc) and also Garageband. I have heard so many different reviews about this or that but all in all i dont think i can afford an apogee except maybe the apogee One but it at 249 or whatever i feel like i could get alot more bang for my buck. Ive heard alot of good things about m-audio gear but i heard mixed reviews as well. If someone can just tell me what is the best interface in the 100-200$ range for the needs ive listed above...Any responses or advice greatly apprecitated.
    Thanks
    -J

    hi mm
    there are so many different sound cards out there these days it seems - ill just say that one that i got alot of use out of was the tascam 122 (http://www.tascam.com/Products/US-122.html)
    it has 2 decent phantom powered XLR inputs, some midi stuff, a place to plug a guitar into and some nice big knobs.
    the next level would be something with more ins (8 or 10) and probably firewire, and also around $400 i think.
    oh, and your computer should be more than sufficient to handle what you want to do.
    G4PB1.5GHZ12INCH125RAM Mac OS X (10.4.6)

  • Small Studio Setup w/Audio Interface & USB MPK 88 Controller

    We have Logic Pro 9. We have an MPK88 Controller. We want to get an Audio Interface for live mic recording (and whatever other ideas may come along). A Presonus Fire studio Mobile has been recommended.  So, before we buy anything else, I would like to know if when all were here, would we plug the controller into the USB of the Mac or into the MIDI of the Presonus?  Which would be best?  Also we want to replace very old huge speakers. M-Audio Bx5 product has been recommended.  I am thinking that these would be run via the interface - yes?  As you can see, this is new territory for me and once it's setup then the composer in the family can take over and be a very happy fella.  Thanks for your ideas about connecting these things together.

    I use the RME Babyface. It is superb for all my home studio needs.
    CLICK TO VIEW MORE INFO ON RME BABYFACE >
    There is of course the new Apogee Duet 2 also. I had the Duet 1, which was great. Although I think the RME Babyface has the edge on the Duet 2.
    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE APOGEE DUET 2 >
    I run my Novation 49SL MKII via USB straight to my iMAC, no need to go the midi route through the audio interface.
    CLICK FOR MORE INFO ON NOVATION 49SL MKII >
    I have the KRK RP6 monitors, which again are superb, they connect to the outs on the audio interface via the balanced outputs.
    CLICK TO VIEW MORE INFO ON SPEAKERS >
    I also use a RODE NT2A condensore mic connected to the babyface via one of its inputs with phantom v48 selected.
    CLICK TO VIEW MORE INFO ON MIC >
    I also use a real guitar that i also connect to the babyface and have the Inst mode turned on for that.
    Everything works perfectly with Logic Studio.
    I would highly recomend the RME Babyface for home studio and mobile studios although it only hase a few inputs as standard, it can be expanded on...In combination with an ADAT converter, like RME ADI-8 QS or OctaMic II, the Babyface provides an incredible amount of 10 analog input and 12 output channels. But!, if you need more inputs straight out of the box, then the Presonus Fire studio Mobile might be the correct choice for you, although I can not vouch for its quality on build or sound.
    Hope that helps a little.

  • I'm having an intermittent problem with my midi controllers triggering Mainstage 3. I'm using a PreSonus Firebox audio interface. It's been working fine for months, but now when I first turn on the computer in the morning , I'm not able to trigger Ma

    I’m having an intermittent problem with my midi controllers triggering Mainstage 3.
    I’m using a PreSonus Firebox audio interface.
    It’s been working fine for months, but now when I first turn on the computer in the morning , I’m not able to trigger MainStage from the keyboard.  I tried different midi controllers, different keyboards, different midi cords, and check midi preferences.  The audio interface is working fine and is recogonized, but the midi doesn’twork.  I re-started the computer several times and then finally it miraculously starts working again.
      I’ve been having to this every day now.  Any help or ideas is very much appreciated.

    I Had the same problem with a FireStudio. Try unplugging the FireWire plug and the power plug. Wait for a few seconds, then plug both back in. The light on my FireStudio was flashing blue/red which means "not connecting." I did what I just described, and everything works again. Hope it works for you.

  • What's a good hardware set up for a solo musician? USB pedal USB keyboard audio interface MIDI interface?

    I am new to Main Stage. I have not bought any hardware interfaces yet because I don't know what will be the most flexible in the long run. I would be using the Main Stage's innate synths and keyboards, drums, an acoustic/electric guitar, bass, harmonicas and vocals. What type of hardware would you recommend? MIDI/USB keyboards? MIDI interface? Audio interface? USB pedal board controllers?
    Would guys help me with specific suggestions and pointer on how I can make a good choice based on my needs?
    much thanks!
    Fabio. 

    Then below this is the recording level slider which is all the way to the left or at 0. This is where the problem lies I think as this slider is greyed out and cannot be moved!
    for this part:
    http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#volumesliderdimmed
    (Let the page FULLY load. The link to your answer is at the top of your screen)

  • Does Logic support Audio Interface and MIDI simultaneously over USB?

    Hi -
    I'm new to this so please bear with me :-). I have a MacBook running Logic. Also have a MIDI controller hooked up via USB.
    I also have a USB Mixer that I'd like to hookup to the Mac's audio output. Currently, I have the MacBook's headphone output going into the mixer. I'd love to get the cleaner sound afforded by the USB connection. Is this possible while keeping the MIDI connection over USB?

    Thanks, Fox. You're right - I just tried it out and it worked out very well (although I'm getting I high-pitched noise through my monitor speakers only when Logic is running. The noise stops when I exit out of Logic.)
    I couldn't get myself to believe that the Mac/Logic could keep the USB data straight - MIDI on one, and audio on the other, but sure enough, it works just fine. :-)
    Thanks!

  • My midi/audio interface Edirol PCR 1  won't work with Yosemite and Roland have no driver update. Is this the end of the line for this device.

    My midi/audio interface ( Edirol PCR1) will not interface with Yosemite 10.10 and Roland have no driver update, is there any fix for the problem or is the end of the line for this device.

    Same problem here, what a shame as this has been my favorite portable keyboard for ages. Whenever I see one in a store(very rarely) I'll grab it.

  • Sending audio samples to midi controller

    i have logic pro 8 and i was wondering how to send chopped up samples of an audio file to my midi controller which is an axiom 49. for example, i wanna chop up some vocals and instrument loops from a song called dazed and confused to create a hip hop song and i ve seen it done before on youtube just wondering how to do it.

    Not sure what you mean by sending audio samples to your MIDI controller. Maybe you'd like to play or trigger these samples from your controller? One way is to cut them up (lots of ways to do this in Logic) and then assign the resultant bits of audio as samples in the EXS sample player. You can also assign these samples in Ultrabeat.
    You'll need a basic familiarity with editing in Logic, as well as some fundamental knowledge of the EXS sampler or Ultrabeat.

  • Hello, I just wanted to know when an update would be available for my mac mini server os x lion to resolve the issues regarding my m-audio fastrack pro usb audio interface (no midi messages recognized)

    Hello, I just wanted to know when an update would be available for my mac mini server os x lion to resolve the issues regarding my m-audio fastrack pro usb audio interface (no midi messages recognized)

    Have you reported your problems to Apple?
    BugReporter
    <http://bugreporter.apple.com>
    Free ADC (Apple Developer Connection) account needed for BugReporter.
    Anyone can get a free account at:
    <http://developer.apple.com/programs/register/>
    And/Or
    Mac OS X Feedback<http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html>

Maybe you are looking for