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.
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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?)
Actually DC it is helpful, serving to maybe confirm my suspicion that my cable is on the fritz.
When I just plug the USB into the laptop, the red light indeed goes on, but only for a second and then goes dark. I think all these cheapo cables must be very similar, so I'm thinking the fact my red light goes off must indicate some malfunction in the cable itself.
And you found I think the EXACT cable I am dealing with since the logo looks exactly the same. I think I even remember the packaging !
Hmmm. Just checked the Sanoxy cable on Amazon you cited and found this:
"The MIDI Cable can support WIN10, but must use in USB 2.0 port, ("NOT FOR USB 3.0 PORTS)"
My Dell laptop is USB 3.0- that would explain why the cable isn't working and the red light goes off.
So, at long last, the cable is good and mystery solved. Just requires USB 2.0.
Just got around to reading the reviews on Amazon for the Sanoxy cable. 40 of 400 "Does not work". No such thing as a free or under $10 lunch. What do you expect ?
"The MIDI Cable can support WIN10, but must use in USB 2.0 port, ("NOT FOR USB 3.0 PORTS)"
My Dell laptop is USB 3.0- that would explain why the cable isn't working and the red light goes off.
So, at long last, the cable is good and mystery solved. Just requires USB 2.0.
That's interesting, because (most) USB-3 computer ports also have USB-1.0 / 2.0 connections (there are two sets of power/data pins so that a USB-2.0 plug will use the USB-2.0 pins in the USB-3.0 socket. But maybe there are some USB-3.0 only connectors.
From Wikipedia: Front view of a Standard-A USB 3.0 connector, showing its front row of four pins for the USB 1.x/2.0 backward compatibility, and a second row of five pins for the later (but out-of-date) USB 3.0 connectivity (the latest is 3.2). The plastic insert is in the USB 3.0 standard blue color, Pantone 300C.
So I always believed that USB 2 could work in a USB 3 socket. Maybe not?
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 also think a USB 2 cable would work, certainly physically, in a USB 3 socket but you just wouldn't get the signal/speed benefits of USB 3 throughput.
And several users of the cheap Sanoxy cable report using it okay with USB 3.
But if this is true, then WHY would Sanoxy, in the Amazon ad, per my previous post, CLEARLY state: "The MIDI Cable can support WIN10, but must use in USB 2.0 port, ("NOT FOR USB 3.0 PORTS)"
Now I have misgivings about ordering on Amazon the FORE $19 cable that has 4,500 orders and a 4.4 star rating but only refers to USB 2.0 (even though some users report using it with USB 3). I guess I'll order it and return if it doesn't work...
Frankly, I believe that it will work with a USB-3 port. This is because your USB-3 port on your PC is highly likely to have USB-2 pins built in. I have yet to see one that hasn't.
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
There are a couple of things that maybe going on. Many older laptop USB ports are lucky if they provide enough power for an external keyboard or mouse. Also USB power lines normally are protected with motherboard fuses that might be weak or popped.
According to the laptop specifications +++ HERE +++ most of the USB ports differ from each other.
Quote
Two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, One USB 3.1 Gen 1 with PowerShare and One USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) with Thunderbolt
At the very least I would try using the Powershare USB port.
I'll try finding and using the Powershare USB port on my Dell Latitude USB port. Do I understand correctly it might provide more power as-is without tweaking anything, maybe sufficient for my MIDI interface cable ?
Is it possible to use a powered USB hub to provide more power ? I know they are used when trying to connect external drives, etc. to iOS devices that don't have sufficient USB power, requiring a Lightning adapter and powered hub.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a less expensive USB MIDI interface box that works with Windows 10 and a laptop ? I don't need audio, and my AudioBox USB 2 port is too expensive for my current needs.
If you don't have a powered USB Hub, then choose the USB port that is closest to the power input point on the laptop. This usually means the shortest distance from the internal power supply to the USB port, and therefore the least chance of a voltage drop.
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
Will do. Will be interesting to see if the closest one is also the one Jim suggested that has "Powershare" in my Dell.
From what I'm reading I'm out of luck with my alternative of using my old M-Audio Midisport 2x2 interface with USB. Its got to be 15 years old. Apparently it is almost impossible to get a Windows 10 driver that works with it.
So, again, I'm soliciting suggestions for an inexpensive externally powered 2 port USB interface box that supports Win 10. As previously noted I have an AudioBox MIDI/audio interface that is very good for my main studio setup, but expensive and includes audio/mic ins which I have no need for with the mobile laptop setup I'm building.
Also USB power lines normally are protected with motherboard fuses that might be weak or popped.
They're usually protected with a current sensor and an electronic switch, so generally shouldn't fail, just disconnect temporarily. Of course shouldn't != will not.
When plugging in a USB device, one of the parts of the discussion between the device and the host/hub is the amount of power that the device wants. If the host/hub cannot supply enough power, it can and probably will decline the connection.
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 .
From what I'm reading I'm out of luck with my alternative of using my old M-Audio Midisport 2x2 interface with USB. Its got to be 15 years old. Apparently it is almost impossible to get a Windows 10 driver that works with it. ............................................... Bob
Just checked my Dell laptop, and sure enough it has the two "Powershare" USB ports, and they are right by where the power cable connects.
BTW, strapping on my big boy pants and am going to spring for a USB interface box and be done with fiddling with MIDI USB cables, drivers, compatability with Win 10, etc. - Focusrite, Yamaha, or Prosonus Audiobox probably. And I forgot my iRig Pro supports not only iOS but PC, so I'll play with that today.
My tip of the day is if you haven't checked out Shopgoodwill.com online or Marketplace for music gear, do so. Incredible deals on used and sometimes almost brand new stuff. I've seen lots of Audioboxes for $25 for example, and have gotten violins, keyboards, etc. for next to nothing. My deal here in Austin, with so many musicians here (and disgruntled parents), is that there are lots of items online and in the bidding I don't have to factor in shipping costs, so I'm already $50 or so up on other bidders. Tip <OFF>.
Jumpin' on it today ! Not very optimistic but we shall see. I was reading about the Win 10 driver for the "Anniversary Edition" of the Midisport which came out in 2005 or thereabouts and spotty reports of success. I think mine is prior to that so not sure the Anniversary driver would help, and any prior driver I find might not support Win 10. We shall see. Thanks for the link !
Frankly, I believe that it will work with a USB-3 port. This is because your USB-3 port on your PC is highly likely to have USB-2 pins built in. I have yet to see one that hasn't.
You haven't seen enough, then.
Being a member of the USBIF, I can assure you that USB 3 is a hot mess rivaled only by USB-C which is only a port and not a protocol. Many cables and PC's ports do not support backward compatibility to USB 2/1.1.
It's a big enough issue that you can buy USB Printer cables in all configurations. These support USB 2/1.1 only and are recommended by Yamaha and others for their audio/MIDI interfaces.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
Maybe the O/P can tell us if their USB port supports USB 2.0.
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
Being a member of the USBIF, I can assure you that USB 3 is a hot mess rivaled only by USB-C which is only a port and not a protocol. Many cables and PC's ports do not support backward compatibility to USB 2/1.1.
Indeed.
FWIW, I think the whole of USB is an awful mess. It started as a cheap-and-cheerful trick to avoid some issues with V24/RS232 ports and has added fiddle opon fiddle and trick upom trick as it's grown.
Also FWIW, the numbers, i.e. 1.0 1.1 2.0 3.0 3.1 3.2 and 4 refer primarily to the protocols. Then on top of some of those there are also speed specificiers,. The letters A, B, mini-A, mini-B, mini-AB, micro-A, micro-B, micro-AB, the super-speeds, C and whatever else refer to the connectors. And some now incorporate Thunderbolt, PCIe and DisplayPort.
And, of course, not everyone implements the protocols properly. I've wasted quite some time getting around that particular problem.
Hmm ... I think that turned into a rant. Sorry.
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 .
Hi Mario, Today I'm trying your Win 10 driver for my M-Audio Midisport 2x2 interface and am in need of some help installing it. I downloaded the driver and ran the unzip and install. It appeared to install okay on my Win 10 Dell laptop. I do not have the Midisport plugged in anywhere (and I assumed the driver would show up in BIAB without the Midisport plugged in). I go into BIAB Options>MIDI/Audio Drivers Setup but I don't see the driver in it.
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.
Any suggestions ?
Bob
You never told us the make and model of the keyboard. It matters. Some are just too old and will not work with no matter what cable you select. Don't ask me how I know!
For anyone else struggling like me on this thread to interface an old MIDI keyboard (early 2000's) to a Win 10 laptop with a simple cord, just reporting I (finally) had success with a semi-cheapo ($20) MIDI cord by FORE, Seems to be consistent with reports I'd red that a lot of those $10 cords simply don't work (one I had certainly hasn't... yet).
This is what worked right out of the box: https://www.amazon.com/FORE-Type-C-Interface-Connecting-Synthesizer/dp/B0719V8MX1?crid=1I38EKVNGQMSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nWTE511xlcob6ZdDWpSux8ZZRh_7q1_4KQ5YuOxPXLJNpdaGD0GS5j77H-TF03GSfO-vMLxFtTOwKMYXpOazRVj8fwZcXpm6S68rnCUNIy9OP9cqzeHhaXQKnbo_CTOFqriFmyVR6G6Mn6oZH25TzH1ExyLyEVdm0gUOVcT-QTvsy8cQHtH5F_ExQVU7lzflnFs11T_C8EoRBonvTnDjNPPDnqDzCU-owqsgp819P5jT0TSti8rTbS474FOdYojl4FuN6nYyAGeNIbANupbPsM5jpREhv5W_48Mzh4FvJEI.jOYG6x_uLRIZ1Qe5ABfvMoXmzpY48-uPzmLFZA7ydSQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=fore%2Bmidi%2Bcable&qid=1731010733&sprefix=fore%2Bmidi%2Bcabl%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1&th=1
Everything seems to be working fine. Plug and Play with no driver hassles, no need for power USB hub, etc. Just WORKS. And avoids spending $150 or so for an audio/USB 2x2 interface box like AudioBus, Focusrite, Behringer, etc.
I do not have the Midisport plugged in anywhere (and I assumed the driver would show up in BIAB without the Midisport plugged in). I go into BIAB Options>MIDI/Audio Drivers Setup but I don't see the driver in it.
You probably won't see the driver unless the hardware is connected. Does it appear in the Windows Device Manager?
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
Audio Track- You are correct. As soon as I connected the MidiSport MIDI in/out to the keyboard the driver showed up in BIAB/Windows 10. And happy to report everything is working perfectly now with both the MidiSport box AND the when using the FORE usb MIDI cable. So I now have TWO options for interfacing my old MIDI keyboard to my laptop. Very happy now. And many, many thanks to everybody who took part in helping me in this thread.
You may consider to open your original post and marking it as 'Resolved' (there's a button for that). This might also assist others in the future.
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
Just got around to reading the reviews on Amazon for the Sanoxy cable. 40 of 400 "Does not work". No such thing as a free or under $10 lunch. What do you expect ?
Bob
In my experience, BB often does not work well with these cheap MIDI interfaces. We recommend a brand name one, and from my testing the Roland UM-One works reliably.
Originally Posted by AudioTrack
That's interesting, because (most) USB-3 computer ports also have USB-1.0 / 2.0 connections (there are two sets of power/data pins so that a USB-2.0 plug will use the USB-2.0 pins in the USB-3.0 socket. But maybe there are some USB-3.0 only connectors.
The USB2 connection on a USB3 port usually goes through the USB3 controller/root hub rather than a dedicated USB2 controller. What happens is the USB3 controller tries to initialize a USB3 device, and if that fails it initializes USB2 - some "dumber" devices fire the USB2 connection signals immediately when powered, which happens to be while the USB3 controller isn't ready.
Originally Posted by bobcarwell
From what I'm reading I'm out of luck with my alternative of using my old M-Audio Midisport 2x2 interface with USB. Its got to be 15 years old. Apparently it is almost impossible to get a Windows 10 driver that works with it.
There are two versions of the Midisport 2x2 - one that is class compliant, and one that is not. The non-class-compliant one has drivers up to Windows 8, which some people have got working on Windows 10. Might be worth a shot.
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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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