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 !

All the best,
Bob