MIDI Interfaces

Now that the MIDI outputs of many soundcards are already occupied by playing back high-quality internal synth sounds and multi-channel samples, many musicians are finding that they need to invest in a more comprehensive MIDI interface to service the rest of their synths. Martin Walker provides a little background.

When it's time for your Mac to start talking MIDI to the rest of your rig, the technology, like the truth, is out there. But should you spend a few pounds, or a few hundred? Mike Collins has the information you need.

The fist release in Opcode's new studio 'X' series is designed to help you sort out your MIDI studio, whether it's based around a Mac or PC. Martin Russ finds out whether it has the right connections.

Mike Collins studio-tests a versatile new interface, which works with both Mac and PC and provides professional-level functionality at the right price.

MIDI interfaces come in many different shapes and sizes, with most slotting inside the PC. External interfaces, however, such as those made by MOTU, can offer certain advantages, as Martin Walker discovers.

PC users get a look in on the sophisticated MIDI add-on market with a multi-port, sync-generating unit from Mark of the Unicorn. Steven Helstrip catches the MIDI Express.