Which MIDI interface / Mic?

I've just bought a keyboard which has MIDI In and Out terminals, but no USB. Do I just need a MIDI interface, MIDI cable and USB cable to connect it to my mac? Sorry I'm a beginner! Which interface can you recommend? And do I have to buy a seperate one for my electric guitar? I'd like to buy from a reliable company, nothing too cheap or too expensive if that makes sense?! Anything from £50 to £200?
Thanks very much,
Matt
P.S. Can you recommend any good microphones to record live instruments?

Matt,
There are several solutions to your problem. You can buy a basic USB to Midi
I/O USB cable for a very reasonable device. A single in/single out Midi/USB interface (I have a MIDIman USB Uno) can cost as little as 40 USD (sorry I don't have the pound conversion).
If you are looking for something to plug both both guitars and keyboards in, then a digital audio interface is what you want. I highly recommend the digidesign product line, I have always had great experience with them. Their entry-level "Mbox" goes for about $549 new or you can find older versions for sale on e-bay for as little as $250. Mbox's do not have direct MIDI inputs however, so you will have to use either the s/pdif or a 1/4" line out from you keyboard. The Digi002 Rack is the next step up from the Mbox with more inputs and a devoted MIDI input line, however, it runs for about $1200. The advantage of Digidesign products is that they all come with the Pro Tools Recording software for your computer. Of course there are many other brands and models to consider, so make sure to shop around and see what fits your exact needs.
As to your request about mics, I highly recommend either the Shure SM58 ($110) dynamic mic or the Shure Beta 87A ($250) condensor mic for recording. They are both great mics!
Hope this helps!
MacBook Pro   Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

Similar Messages

  • Which MIDI interface?

    I've just bought a keyboard which has MIDI In and Out terminals, but no USB. Do I just need a MIDI interface, MIDI cable and USB cable to connect it to my mac? Sorry I'm a beginner! Which interface can you recommend? And do I have to buy a seperate one for my electric guitar? I'd like to buy from a reliable company, nothing too cheap or too expensive if that makes sense?! Anything from £50 to £200?
    Thanks very much,
    Matt
    P.S. Can you recommend any good microphones to record live instruments?

    I had a quick root around on the net and spotted this device - M Audio Fast Track Pro. Seems like it might be just what you are looking for. Prices seem to be around £150-175. I am inclined to trust it. I have used M-Audio stuff quite a bit and found it all fine. There are pretty much identical pieces of kit by other manufacturers, so to an extent it is all much of a muchness. If you only really need the 1 MIDI i/o then it seems perfect!. It will do your audio inputs and outputs and MIDI all in one box which you can power from the USB socket on your computer. Here is a list of features from the Digital Village website. I can also vouch for the AKG C1000, but there are a whole bunch of other new low cost condenser mics around right now. Go condenser rather than dynamic for recording instruments. (C1000 is a condenser mic and requires phantom power (or a battery) and said phantom can be supplied by the Fast Track Pro).
    M-Audio Fast Track Pro.
    6kHz audio interface
    2 front panel mic/instrument preamp inputs (Neutrik XLR/ 1/4” TRS) with:
    gain controls
    signal/peak lights
    pads for each input
    insert jack (1/4” TRS) for outboard processors
    2 balanced outputs (1/4” TRS)
    4 unbalanced outputs (RCA)
    S/PDIF coaxial I/O with w/ 2-channel PCM
    S/PDIF out also supports pass-through of AC-3/DTS surround-encoded content
    1 x 1 MIDI I/O with activity LEDs
    headphone output (1/4” TRS) with level control
    headphone A/B source switch for DJ-style cueing
    input/playback mix control for hardware direct monitoring
    mono switch for input/playback direct monitoring
    master output level control
    near zero-latency hardware direct monitoring
    low-latency ASIO software monitoring
    USB connection to computer
    powered via USB or optional AC power adapter
    Kensington lock port
    Mac and PC compatible; class compliant with Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher

  • Which is the best MIDI interface to use with Logic 7 ?

    Hi folks :o)
    Firstly, thanks all for any advice you can give. I'm a pro user, but right in the middle of a major upgrade (G4/OS9/CubaseVST32 >> G5/OSX/CubaseSX3/Logic7) & feel a huge learning curve coming on!
    The situation is this:
    I have a Steinberg Midex 8 midi interface, plus a MOTU MTPav in the cupboard. The Midex took place of the MTPav because it had much better midi timing under OS9 with Cubase... The Midex8 drivers for OSX, however, are still beta & a pile of rubbish. (It keeps losing communication with the G5.) I'm fed up with how bad Steinberg have been sorting (not!) these problems out (not to mention the fact that Cubase SX3 can't recognise my 'studio' created in Audio Midi Setup either.. arghh!), so I'm considering jumping ship & going entirely to Logic in one hit, plus whichever is the best midi-interface for this software & OSX.
    As food for thought, I'm currently thinking of tracking down a 'Unitor 8', having made the (perhaps wrong) assumption that it'd work 'best' with Logic seeing as it was made by Emagic. BUT, despite a lengthy search in Logic 7's manuals & this forum, I can't find any mention of Emagic's 'Active Midi Transmission' protocol & whether or not Logic 7 supports it; AMT is the only reason I'd buy the Unitor. (I've got all the other bases covered with the MTPav.) I'm also concerned about the long-term support issues regarding drivers for the Unitor 8 & OSX; ****, I'm having enough problems with Steinberg & their Midex 8 (which is still a current product in theory!) without throwing Emagic & a midi interface that's no longer manufactured into the pot...
    So..... What do you folks feel is the best midi interface to use with Logic 7 as regards tight midi timing & system reliability? Can anyone out there with a big midi setup categorically say "I've got one (or more) of these MIDI interfaces, it works beautifully under OSX & Logic 7, & the MIDI timing is rock-solid, even when put under heavy midi 'duress' " ??
    Many thanks again in advance for any feedback!
    Your new Logic Pro virgin ;o)
    Jason

    Thanks for your reply folks. It's good to hear a number of you are having good results with your MTPav - I guess I'll pull mine out of the cupboard in that case!
    As an aside, it's been interesting to note how difficult it's been to get a clear answer from companies (be it shops or Apple) as to whether or not Logic 7 supports 'Active Midi Transmission' on the old Unitor 8 MkII..... (The reference manual has one mention of it in the index, yet points to a page that doesn't say anything about AMT at all!)
    If anyone here DOES have a clear answer about AMT with Logic 7, I'd be very interested to hear about it... thanks.
    Kind regards,
    JC

  • Which Audio Interface Please?

    Hi,
    Looking to buy a audio interface real soon but confused as to which one to purchase from the following list:
    a) Edirol FA-66
    b) Presonus Firebox
    c) Focusrite Saffire LE
    Would really appreciate people's opinions on the above - pros/cons, ease of use, sound quality, working with MBP with Logic Studio.
    Thanks.

    Am I correct in that the DX 7 is a full professional synth- I think it will have audio outputs. In that case you would be able to run it into your duet (I think) and of course it could output as MIDI as well.
    Does the DX 7 output into an amplifier if you wanted it to- for stage use? If so, then the output of that will go into the audio inputs of the Duet I imagine quite nicely. If it plays through a little speaker on the instrument itself then you should get that sound into your DAW through the Duet.
    The M-Audio is only a MIDI interface: it won't do anything other than that. So you would be able to use your DX 7 as a controller for sending out MIDI data, through the M-Audio, which will then be the data that makes your software synthesizers, either built into Logic or third party, sound. You would be using the DX 7 only as a MIDI controller at this point, which is less than it was designed to do overall but MIDI is MIDI- with one peculiarity I discovered: apparently the DX 7 only allowed for a velocity of 90 out of 127 as it's peak. Velocity is roughly how hard something is hit in MIDI relating to how loudly it sounds. (This is an over simplification, but should make the concept clear.)
    This will likely not be a big deal, and may not actually be true with your specific machine, I'm just telling you.
    As far as guitar, you could just plug it in to the Duet and use the amp modeling software in Logic (only so-so) or a third party thing like Amplitube. You may need some pre-amplification for it- I use a Presonus Tube Pre. (I should mention that I don't have a Duet- I'm going by the tons of good reviews I've read on it here.) You can also use the Duet with microphones obviously, and mic the cabinet or the acoustic guitar as well.
    My overall point is that while you may have to deal with a weak point in your chain, the quality of your A/D converters will be something you can never overcome- I mean, everything happens there. That is why I'm telling you go get something good if you can at the moment and be done with it. MIDI doesn't matter because it isn't sound, it's just data that tells things how to make sound somewhere else, so it doesn't degrade. Audio degrades everywhere, but having a good A/D converter will give you a good chance to have something good sounding.

  • Audio/midi interface compatibility with Logic Express Mac osx 10.6.5

    hi all, I'm looking for a compatible audio/midi interface to use with the latest mac os. I recently purchased a Ediroll UA25 but was unable to get it working . I installed the latest drivers from the Roland site but when plugged in it just wasn't being recognised. I sent it back and got a full refund but now I am insure if the Ediroll was faulty or if it wasn't compatible with os 10.6.5. I am now in the process of looking to purchase another interface but am looking for help from you guys.
    Thanks in advance,
    kiev

    Hi,
    just out of curiousity: did you use the UA-25 or the UA-25EX? I know the 25EX has a driver switch on it's back where you can enable a standard driver which should be compatible to OS X without an additional driver.
    However, i didn't find another interface including a compressor except for the Yamaha Audiogram 6, if you need this feature.
    If you don't need it, buy a MOTU, preferably with firewire, or a Presonus. If you want quality, maybe an Apogee Duet. I myself - due to shortage of funds - still use either my Tascam Fireone or my Alesis I/O 2. The Alesis sounds nice for it's price, but i won't buy any of these lower end interfaces anymore. You get what you pay for. I also used the Edirol UA-25EX for a time, but this was before snow leopard, so i can't really say "Yes or No", but it was definitely a very good interface compared to it's price. I won't recommend M-Audio, however, but others like it.
    Fox

  • 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)

  • What's the best Firewire Audio/ midi interface for LE

    Am looking for an interface that is clean, has 8 audio inputs combined with MIDI interface. What are the best options?

    Issueboy wrote:
    Am looking for an interface that is clean, has 8 audio inputs combined with MIDI interface. What are the best options?
    Check out the Alesis io26 -- 8 i/o's plus lightpipe for expansion -- pristine mic/line preamps, solid and portable, and very reasonable pricing
    Description & specs at: http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=96

  • FireWire Audio/MIDI interface suggestions

    Hi there,
    I'm looking to purchase a firewire external audio and MIDI interface but am having trouble finding what I need.
    I only need stereo audio in and out (much like the Apogee Duet), as well as a MIDI interface. The interfaces I've seen around seem to have 14+ channels. As I already have a mixing desk they would all go to waste.
    Basically the Duet would be ideal, only it doesn't have a MIDI interface. Does anyone know of any piece of hardware like this?
    The other option would of course be to get the Duet and a seperate MIDI interface- but I'd prefer to have them both in one box if possible.
    Thanks for any suggestions

    If that is your only problem get the Duet and buy yourself a two in two out Midi interface,
    which should set you back 40 to 50 USD.
    http://www.fullcompass.com/brand/EDI/USB.html
    http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?ID=usbmidiinterfaces&do=products.list
    http://www.zzounds.com/item--EMUXMIDI2X2
    Fr.BlayZay.

  • Which audio interface to buy?

    I have a macbook and have just bought logic express 8. I was going to get a Tascam US122L usb interface and a couple of pre-amps, but I have read horrible reviews about it especially saying it doesn't work with Leopard. I've read good things about Presonus Firepod but it's expensive at $429. Please can people reply and tell me which audio interfaces they are using succesfully with Leopard and Logic Express 8? Thanks!

    The FirePod does present with problems and is for a lot of stuff going on. Is that what you really want? I have seen the sister of the FirePod, the FireBox, for as little as $249 or, with a free headphone or mic, for $299. I am using it with great success now and I had so many problems with it those problems were not MY fault! Now, I am more confident. The FireBox is great and, should you want to keep in touch with me as a helping hand (we could help each other as well!), we could do that.
    Anyse

  • Audio/midi interface for macbook pro with OSX 10.7.4?

    I have been running Sibelius and GarageBand with my keyboard and sometimes vocals in my  imac with OSX 10.6 via an old Tascam US-122 interface. I now have a new MacBook Pro with OSX 10.7.4, and am set up to run Sibelius and Logic Pro 9, but I can't seem to find a compatible audio/midi interface. There is plenty of discussion on M-Audio's site, but as of May '12, still incompatible. Ideas? Thanks. John

    Yeah, the new MacBooks are USB3 i.e. you have to be careful which interface you use as some of them don't work yet.
    Personally I have a NI Tracktor control 2 for live work ( works with USB 3 but no midi ) and a Focusrite Saffire for recording. My Saffire however is Firewire.
    I do know that the Focusrite Saffire 6 is now working on USB 3 though. http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/saffire-6-usb  + it works with Mountain Lion.
    Sadly though it's still a backward compatible USB 2 inteface, but... if you're only recording Guitar and vox, this really won't matter to be honest.
    Also I'd recommend Focusrite over M-Audio gear any day of the week.

  • Adding a sound module using a second midi interface

    In the arrange window, clicking and holding on an instrument icon produces a pull down menu which includes "MIDI instr" with a submenu displaying the three external midi instruments that are connected via USB and a 4X4 midi interface. We also use a 4th. midi sound module connected via a second USB cable directly to the computer. PROBLEM: The 4th. module does not appear in the submenu along with the other three instruments. It does appear as a selectable "Port" in the track information box on the far left side of the arrange window and when selected it does recieve midi data from Logic. Unfortunately, selecting it there also changes the port that one of the other three instruments is assigned to. I believe if I can get it to show in the submenu list with the other three it will solve our prolem.
    G4 powerbook   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  
      Mac OS X (10.4.5)  
      Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

    In case Jos's assistance doesn't resolve it, maybe this will: Using the example you gave
    for example: "c:\my file system"--->"first_sub_directory"--->second_sub_directory--->"HelloWorld.java"
    and assuming that you aren't using a "package ..." statement in HelloWorld.java, and also assuming that the HelloWorld.class file is in second_sub_directory , then you need to mount second_sub_directory in the Explorer. You always mount the parent of the class - or if a package is specified, the parent of the package.

  • 2 Midi Interface - how to seperate them while recording

    Hi
    I use a Firewire Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56, which has a bulit in Midi Interface.
    I also have an M-Audio USB Midisport2x2.
    I would like to record MIDI DATA from a TD-12 Modul, which is conected through the Liquid Saffire
    and also want to record MIDI DATA from a StagePiano using the M-Audio Midisport.
    How can I sperate them from each other. I get a whole mix of both.
    How can I assign Inst. Track 1 to the Liquid Saffire and
    Inst. Track 2 to the M-Audio Midisport?
    Thanks for suggestons and advices
    Martin

    on each track, in the inspector, change the port setting to represent your device
    make sure each track has a unique midi channel assignment and not set to all
    in settings>Recording. there is a check box that says "auto demix by channel if multitrack recording" make sure it is checked

  • Best USB-MIDI interface to connect Yamaha MFC10 foot controller to MacBook Air

    Hi guys,
    I would like to buy a Yamaha MFC10 MIDI foot controller. It has a number of advantages over other foot controllers. For instance: you can connect up to four additional expression pedals to the foot controller, which is something I might need in the future, so it's better to invest in this product so I am prepared for the future.
    The thing is, I want to connect this MIDI controller to a USB port on my MacBook Air. What is the best USB-MIDI interface to get in this situation?
    I love to hear your thoughts on this.
    Cheers!
    Best regards,
    Theo

    Did you set midi communications to USB? I think by default it may be set to the MIDI port on the back. You need USB.
    Press Utilities, then MIDI (F6).

  • Tascam US-122 midi interface problem

    Hi,
    A week ago I hooked up a US-122 midi interface to my iMac and it worked perfectly. Tonight for some reason, I'm not getting response from it. The USB green light is on and the iMac is detecting it. When I try to play music using iTunes, the song won't begin if the output is set to the US-122. Soon as I change the audio output setting to "Built-in output" iTunes works fine.
    I've taken out the driver and reinstalled it. Still no luck. It worked fine for a week, don't understand why it just suddenly stopped working.
    Thanks ahead for any help
    Manny

    I'm agree if most of Apple product is more compatible with those kind of devices
    But as home musician :) I'm not agree if you think that its not compatible with Windows 8.1, I would say its not compatible yet, because most of that device launched before Windows 8.1 release, some of the manufactured will be update their driver
    trough software update or via firmware update (unless that product is discontinue or don't have anymore support)
    Example for your Midi devices which TASCAM US-122 Audio/MIDI interface, even that product already discontinued and Windows 8.1 just launched last year. Most of this midi devices is plug and play, its supposed to be depend software that you are using like
    Cubase, garage band or else
    My suggestion is find the reliable audio software which support to Windows 8.1 first, and do most of audio processing outside the PC using preamp or mixer, and made the input to the PC using single input soundcard (external or internal)
    I've proofed that my Behringer mixer work with both my Windows 8.1 and MacBook via Cube base and garage band. I put all the instrument to mixer and via build in external sound card from Behringer I plug it to my PC, so I Control everything from my mixer
    Unless you want to buy high tech mixer with wireless capability it will be awesome, like presonus or else
    OS is not the limitation, you can install your Windows PC with Mac OS also you can installed your Mac with Windows OS. Update your Windows PC chipset to get the latest USB peripheral and PCI controller device list
    You should posted this question to audio forum, not here, so other professional sound engineer will assist you better. Good luck anyway
    contact Tuscam to get more info

  • Mobile usb audio/midi interface with preamps isn't working with GB

    I have a M-audio mobile usb audio/midi interface with preamps and fastTrack Pro software that i'm having trouble using with garage band.. I just got this Mac os x 10.4.10 and i'm unfamiliar with GB and how to get a audio signal to register from my mic through the mobile usb audio/midi interface to GB.
    any suggestions??

    http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/GBFAQ.html#selectinterface ??

Maybe you are looking for