Recommendations for a USB midi interface - again :-)

[Scoot]

Having finally givin up on trying to get my serial midi interface to work under OSX, I was looking into getting a USB interface.

So far the Edirol UM-1S (1in/1out), UM-1E (1in/1out), UM-2 (2in/2out), Midiman midisport (1in/1out), midisport (2in/2out) and the MOTU fastlane (2in/2out) look like contenders. Are there any others out there? The Tascam US-122 and US-224 look nice but probably a little expensive.
US-428 far too expensive.

Any experiences with any of the above?

Anyone seen a US-122 yet?


Cheers Scoot.

[sseaton]

I use the midiman 1x1 and it works great. However, I am using my interface for midi in (in to the computer) only. I am using the built in DLS/soundfont plugin and soundfonts for my sounds. So far, so good.

[cornutt]

Having finally givin up on trying to get my serial midi interface to work under OSX, I was looking into getting a USB interface.

Sigh... I think I'm about at that point myself. Is the MOTU Micro Express USB out of your price range? 4x6 and a heck of a lot more flexible than the FastLane. Of course, if you're using mostly soft synths it's probably capability that you don't need. If I was looking for something other than MOTU I'd probably go with one of the Edirol units.

My setup has gotten to the point where I think this is my excuse to go buy a MTP AV...

[Scoot]

It's going to first come down to what is available in the local market here in NZ as I need one fairly quickly.

Then probably at least a 2in/2out would be better than a 1in/1out as I have 2 midi devices and enough cables so I don't have to keep switching.

The least desireable looks to be the MOTU as both "in" lights are on one side and the "outs" are on the other. The other brands look very similar to my old opcode.

[Scoot]

Got a midisport 2x2 today.
Seems ideal.

Boy talk about easy setup. Just install the driver and connect the virtual cables from the synth to the interface in audio/midi setup and metro spots it straight away.

I imagine the driver has been updated since Jerm sent its big brother back or perhaps Jaguar is much better for such devices than earlier versions.

[cornutt]

I finally ordered a MOTU MIDI Express XT USB last night. It's basically the same thing as my old Micro Express, except 8x8 and with the USB interface. (I finally decided I couldn't justify the extra $200 for the MTP AV; it has lots of neat sync stuff but most of it is stuff I probably won't use.) I'll do a review when it comes in and I've had a bit of time to play with it.