Can anybody recommend a relatively inexpensive (<$50) MIDI interface that WORKS.
I have a keyboard with the old 5 pin MIDI out connector. I am trying to use it to input notes into BIAB in my Windows 10 laptop.
I've seen ones like for example the Roland UM-ONE-MK2 $42 with 5 pin IN and OUT and USB. But I've seen at least one warning it does not work with Windows 10. I'm hoping for one that's class compliant and no hassle downloading drivers that work.
I can supply the MIDI and USB cables if you know of one that is just the box.
I use the Roland UM-ONE with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. I've never had any issue.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Thanks guys for the quick response. A few questions:
1) Was yours "plug and play" or did you have to install a driver ? I've read a few reviews where people had trouble getting the driver to install and work.
2) I assume the power is derived off the USB connection to the host PC. I've heard of some MIDI devices that don't get enough power from the host this way (although there is a workaround using a powered USB hub). I have a Dell Windows laptop a few years old. Do you all think there is a problem running it with my laptop ?
3) I got a cable several years ago that looks almost identical (never used it), but I can't find the driver. Unfortunately mine has NO identification on it of the maker- it just says "USB MIDI" on it. Do you have any idea where I might find a driver for it that might work with Windows 10 ? Judging from several different similar appearing versions from different vendors I'm wondering if the guts are a common design and a generic driver might work.
I think for $15.99 I'll take a chance on that one first...
I'm using my Roland UM-ONE with a powered hub (although it has worked previously with a 4-port un-powered hub), but the one I use now is a 10 port powered USB 3.0 Hub:
I don't recall having to install any driver. To the best of my knowledge it was 'plug-and-play'.
The Roland UM-ONE devices (I have several) have always been 100% reliable for me.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
If you plug your generic interface into your PC it should work without loading an individual driver.
Here's my experience...
If you want to simply transmit notes from a MIDI controller to a PC, the generic controller will work fine and it's really economical.
If you need to send higher volumes of more complex info, like sending SYSEX files from your PC to a synth, a more robust interface like the Roland unit is probably necessary.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
If you plug your generic interface into your PC it should work without loading an individual driver.
Here's my experience...
If you want to simply transmit notes from a MIDI controller to a PC, the generic controller will work fine and it's really economical.
If you need to send higher volumes of more complex info, like sending SYSEX files from your PC to a synth, a more robust interface like the Roland unit is probably necessary.
Good point. I've never used others, including cheaper options, so maybe they don't deliver the same results as listed in the MIDI specifications.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I'm using the focusrite Scarlett 4i4 interface. It has the 5 pin midi in and out ports on the back. My DAW computer is running W-10. It works flawlessly. And if I recall correctly, it was pretty much a plug and play installation.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Guitarhacker- at $280 it makes sense your interface works flawlessly. A little too steep for my immediate needs (I have an Audiobox USB that also works flawlessly but alas its already in use elsewhere. I just needed a less expensive cord for a remote, simple location.) But I'll keep the Focusrite in mind as I should have a better backup interface anywya. Hopefully a simple cord will get me past my immediate needs though.
Audio Track, DC Ron- That's what I was hoping, that these less expensive cables are class compliant and for a simple application like mine I won't have to fiddle with finding/installing a driver. And yes, I'm just trying to send notes to my laptop, no fancy sysex, etc. and no real concerns about latency, etc. I definitely remember (maybe it was trying to connect an iPad) people running into the host not having enough power in the USB, requiring a powered USB hub, Lightning connector, etc.. Hopefully my Dell laptop will have enough juice.
I'll let y'all know what ends up working at this low, impoverished end. It didn't help fiddling with my old cheapo cable that I'd forgotten the quirk that MIDI IN cable goes to MIDI OUT and MIDI OUT cable goes to MIDI IN. (My newbieness is showing)... Found in my junk box a M-Audio Midisport 2x2 that has a USB port- maybe that will do the trick if I can remember how it works and what its for....
Thanks for taking the time for all the prompt help and suggestions. This forum is terrific !
Wow, tnx Mario ! Been wasting time trying to find my long lost manual. And great to hear no driver needed. This may be my fix ! God bless junk boxes...
With Windows, it’s not that no driver is needed. There’s a generic driver that can be overwritten. I like M•Audio because they have telephone support if you need it. If there are problems making something work, they’ll help troubleshoot.
There’s a 192|6 on a shelf that I bought new last year, used for testing and wrote a review. $99 plus shipping. Here’s the page with their current gear.
With Windows, it’s not that no driver is needed. There’s a generic driver that can be overwritten
I'm pretty certain Mike knows and means the following, but I'll qualify the above a little, as there's a slight ambiguity.
Strictly the generic diver isn't actually overwritten, the dedicated driver for a device is installed and used by that device in the stead of the generic driver. The generic driver remains present for any devices that expect the generic driver.
FWIW, when one plugs in a USB device, that device and the operating system have a short discussion about what kind of device, what drivers to use and so on, and the operating systems sets that up for the device. There can be different setups for different versions of the operating system.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Before I throw my old MIDI interface cable away I want to make sure its not pilot error.
3 cords on the interface: MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and USB.
I plug MIDI IN of the interface cable into MIDI OUT of my Yamaha PSR 270 MIDI keyboard. I plug MIDI OUT of the interface cable into MIDI IN of the keyboard. (Keyboard's MIDI OUT port works fine- I tested it with a Roland Sound Canvas)
I plug the interface cable USB into my laptop USB port running Wiindows 10 (Dell Latitude 5501)
When I bring up BIAB in my laptop and go to Options>MIDI/audio Driver Setup, I do not see any driver in the MIDI input column. It appears Windows doesn't recognize the interface cable plugged into it.
I also don't see any indication of MIDI coming into BIAB when I play keys on the keyboard. And none of the green, red, yellow lights on the interface ever light up either when sitting there or when I depress keyboard keys.
I assume the interface cable is class compliant and I do not need to install any driver. I can't anyway because there is absolutely NO indication on the interface cable who the manufacturer is. (It looks exactly like the other brand interface cables that have a treble cleff drawn on them).
So... what am I doing wrong ? Is there any other way to test this interface cable ? Or does it seem its toast and should go in the trash bin ? (I'm hearing taps...)
If you select Windows Device Manager (you can type Device Manager directly into the Windows search bar), do you see any devices listed with a question mark alongside the device? That would be an indication that a driver is not found for the device, or that the device is partially 'recognized' but unknown.
While watching the list, unplug the MIDI USB cable. Does any item in the list change?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I see NO devices in Device Manager with a question mark.
I unplug and plug in the MIDI USB cable into the laptop USB port and see NO change in the list. However when I unplug and plug in the cable I hear two notes and the red LED on the cable lights up briefly.
Do not worry about mistakenly suggesting I throw the cable away that may be functioning. It is a cheapo I got a few years ago and I seem to remember it worked but I never used it thereafter. Just thought I'd check it before tossing.
And next up I have an M-Audio MIDIsport 2x2 I am going to try to get working, and I have a new MIDI cable on order (FORE MIDI to USB cable, $19.99).
Just my thoughts when you said "I plug MIDI IN of the interface cable into MIDI OUT of my Yamaha PSR 270 MIDI keyboard. I plug MIDI OUT of the interface cable into MIDI IN of the keyboard. (Keyboard's MIDI OUT port works fine- I tested it with a Roland Sound Canvas)" .. you *may disabling the USB out when you connect the 5 pin MIDI Out to anything. Some devices might detect that.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
The markings on your cable are identical to the Sanoxy brand cable. They are still available on Amazon for $9.99 US. The description indicates no driver needed, and the reviews seem to back this up.
I have a similar-but-different low price cable that I just pulled out of my box of cables-I-don't-use and plugged it into my PC. When I plugged just the USB conector of the cable in, the indicator light on the cable glowed constant red. When I plugged the MIDI In connector into a controller and played it, the indicator light turned blue when I pressed a key.
Know none of this helps, but thought this MIGHT be useful...
Last edited by DC Ron; 11/04/2404:15 PM.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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