4 best midi interfaces

A MIDI interface is a piece of equipment used in the realm of music production and recording, particularly in the context of electronic music and studio recording. It plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between musical instruments, such as synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, and computers or other MIDI-compatible devices. Here's what you should know about MIDI interfaces:

MIDI Basics: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a protocol used to transmit musical data between electronic instruments and computers. MIDI data includes information about note pitches, duration, velocity, modulation, and more.
MIDI Ports: MIDI interfaces typically have MIDI input and output ports. The MIDI OUT port sends MIDI data from the interface to a MIDI instrument, while the MIDI IN port receives MIDI data from an instrument or controller.
USB Connectivity: Many modern MIDI interfaces connect to computers via USB. This makes it easy to integrate MIDI instruments and controllers into digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software synthesizers.
MIDI Channels: MIDI data is organized into channels, with each channel capable of carrying information for a different instrument or sound. A typical MIDI interface provides multiple MIDI channels to support complex setups.
Latency: Low latency is crucial in MIDI interfaces, as it ensures that there's minimal delay between pressing a key or triggering a note and hearing the sound. High-quality MIDI interfaces are designed to minimize latency.
Compatibility: MIDI interfaces are compatible with a wide range of MIDI-capable devices, including keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, and MIDI controllers. They are essential for musicians who want to connect multiple instruments to a computer or other MIDI gear.
DIN and TRS Connectors: Traditional MIDI interfaces use 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI I/O. Some modern MIDI interfaces also offer TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) connectors, which are more compact and commonly used with portable MIDI gear.
MIDI Through: Many MIDI interfaces include a "MIDI Through" port, which allows you to daisy-chain multiple MIDI devices. This can be useful for connecting multiple instruments or routing MIDI signals.
MIDI Routing and Processing: Some MIDI interfaces offer additional features like MIDI routing and processing, allowing you to filter, split, or merge MIDI data to create more complex setups.
Compatibility with DAWs: MIDI interfaces work seamlessly with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and music production software. They enable you to control virtual instruments, record MIDI data, and automate parameters within your software.
Expandability: Musicians and producers can expand their MIDI setups by adding more MIDI interfaces to accommodate additional instruments and controllers.

MIDI interfaces are indispensable tools for musicians, producers, and recording engineers working with MIDI-based setups. They facilitate the integration of hardware and software, allowing for creative expression and musical production in various genres and styles. Whether you're a keyboardist, electronic music producer, or studio musician, a MIDI interface is a fundamental component of a modern music production setup.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best midi interfaces on the market

MOTU Micro Lite USB MIDI Interface

MOTU

Based on 73 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Built from the same technology found in MOTU's flagship MIDI Timepiece, the micro lite is a professional MIDI interface that provides portable, plug-and-play connectivity to any USB-equipped Macintosh or Windows computer. The micro lite provides 5 MIDI IN, 5 MIDI OUT, 80 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Macintosh and Windows software. Large front-panel LEDs illuminate to indicate MIDI activity. The micro lite takes full advantage of USB, giving you high-speed MIDI throughput, sub-millisecond timing accuracy, support for "hot-swapping" and plug-and-play expansion. Need to connect another sound module or synth? No problem. Just add another MOTU USB MIDI interface via any available USB port. And the micro lite is powered by the USB port -- no wall wart or AC plug. With its attractive yet rugged metal casing, the micro lite slides easily into a shoulder bag or briefcase for ultra-compact portability and convenient desktop operation. Removable rack attachments, as well as a custom center-joint fastener, are included and allow you to easily mount two micro lites side by side in a standard 19-inch equipment rack.

MIDI Connectivity
Expansion and Compatibility
USB-powered

User questions & answers

Question:	would this work in addition to my novation audio interfacer. at the same time thru seperate usb
Answer:	No, you can,t. It has more features (non documented) when connecting to a midi keyboard.
Question:	Will this interface work with Cubase
Answer:	garbage
Question:	Does it include the USB cable
Answer:	The adapter that I purchased did not work
Question:	Sounds like what I need...Does it work on Win
Answer:	Me too! I was contemplating this arrangement just the other day, because the Integra-7 does indeed have all the sounds from a TD-50 or TD-30 (and then some). What it's missing, though, is the ability to capture the trigger signals from v-drums, which is what the TD-50 or TD-30 give you. The thing I was looking for that the TD-30 is missing is digital audio output, which the Integra-7 has. So, this is the highest-quality but cheapest arrangement I came up with: Use the TD-30 for capturing the triggers, but use MIDI OUT to the Integra-7 for sounds. This gives you one sound module for audio, but you still have the TD-30 (or other head) which is necessary to capture the performance data and convert that into MIDI signals that drive the sound module. I hope this helps!

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First

Focusrite

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The simplest model in the range, the third-generation Scarlett Solo provides singer-songwriters with a reassuringly easy recording process. Equipped with high performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters, Scarlett S the same professional sound quality throughout the third-generation range. Its features include a single upgraded third-generation Scarlett mic preamp: with a switchable air setting to reproduce the air effect of Focusrite's original ISA mic preamp, giving your vocal recordings a brighter and more Open sound. The high impedance, high-headroom instrument input allows you to record guitar or bass without any clipping or unwanted distortion, while gain Halo metering makes it easy for you to set the input level. And Scarlett Solo's balanced outputs are hum-free when connecting studio monitors with balanced inputs, so you’ll always have pristine audio playback. Scarlett Solo is designed to stand up to days on the road and connects straight to your Mac or PC via USB cable, with no external power required. It comes with all the software tools you need to get started, including two comprehensive digital audio workstations: Ableton Live Lite and pro Tools first Focusrite creative pack. Intuitive enough for beginners yet advanced enough to inspire real creativity with great-sounding effects. Focusrite has partnered with Splice to give 3rd Gen. Interface owners a free month Splice sounds subscription when setting a new Splice account. Splice sounds offers millions of high-quality, royalty-free one-shots, loops, and presets, with new releases daily from your favorite producers, sound designers, and artists. Creators use Splice to make all kinds of music, including chart-topping pop, Grammy-winning albums, underground mixtapes, and cinematic scores. As with all Focusrite products, you’ll also benefit from a two-year, award-winning customer support, and membership of their plug-in Collective offering free software downloads and generous discounts. Interested in what headphones are compatible with Scarlett? Search 'Headphones' on the Focusrite help centre for more information.

One of the best performing mic preamps the Scarlett range has ever seen, now with switchable air Mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound. One high-headroom instrument input to plug in your guitar or bass. Two hum-free balanced outputs provide clean audio playback.
High-performance converters enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.
Quick start tool to get up and running easier than ever.
Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 3-month Splice subscription, and your choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument, all available via download upon purchase and registration
LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE Klevgrand DAW Cassette upon registration and download.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the headphone jack on this for monitoring your inputs, or does your PC audio come through it aswell
Answer:	Hi, You can monitor your inputs and listen to playback from your computer simultaneously, which allows you to create overdubs with next to zero latency. You can either choose to monitor the inputs using the Direct Monitor switch, or you can use the Input Monitor feature in your DAW. If using the Direct Monitor feature the input signal will be passed directly to the line and headphone outputs, whereas if you use the Input Monitor feature in your DAW, you will be hearing the audio you're recording back from your DAW. In either case, you can still hear any other audio playing back from your DAW at the same time as recording. Best regards, Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support
Question:	What type of usb cable does this come with? is it a type-c to type-c or a type-c to type-a
Answer:	Hi, This comes with a type-c to type-a cable. If you have type-c ports, you will need to purchase a type-c to type-c USB cable separately. Best regards, Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support
Question:	Does the XLR input only record audio to the left side
Answer:	Hi, When recording a single microphone, you should ensure that you create a mono audio track in your DAW instead of a stereo audio track. When you record onto a mono audio track, the output from that track will be heard on both sides of your headphones or speakers (ensuring the output is set to stereo), however, if you record onto a stereo track, the audio will just be recorded onto the left side of a stereo file and you will ony hear it on the left of your headphones/speakers. This is explained in more detail here: https://support.focusrite.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206849779?flash_digest=62885ef974b4eb116f3b3ea2c9b9c38ddb871473 Best regards, Laurence Clarke // Focusrite Technical Support
Question:	can this power 250 ohm headphones
Answer:	I have a 650 , 300 ohm and it's enough to play it at okay volume but not enough to power it completed I'm looking at an Amp to pair this with

Product features

The perfect audio interface for a singer-songwriter

You’ve found the simplest USB audio interface we make. If you want to start creating studio quality recordings with your guitar, the 3rd Generation Scarlett Solo provides an easy way in.

MOTU MIDI Express XT USB Interface

MOTU

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Built with MOTU's award-winning MIDI interface technology, the MIDI Express XT is a professional MIDI interface and SMPTE synchronizer that provides plug-and-play connectivity to any USB-equipped Mac or Windows computer.The Express XT provides 8 MIDI IN, 9 MIDI OUT, 128 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Mac and Windows software. Sixteen convenient, one-touch presets (8 factory and 8 user programmable) give you instant front-panel access to multiple operational configurations.The included ClockWorks console software for Mac OS X and Windows provides comprehensive MIDI routing, merging and muting.As a professional-grade SMPTE time code synchronizer, the Express XT converts and stripes SMPTE in all frame formats (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 drop and non-drop, and 30). SMPTE "jam sync" with adjustable freewheeling provides glitch-free sync. The Express XT also supports MIDI Machine Control (MMC), with the ability to serve as either an MMC master or slave. The Express XT can distribute MMC transport commands to all other connected MMC devices.Connect a foot switch to the convenient front-panel pedal input and then program it to generate MIDI data when pressed. Send the data to any connected devices. For example, you could send MIDI patch changes to synths and sound modules during live performance.The MIDI Express XT takes full advantage of USB, giving you high-speed MIDI throughput, sub-millisecond timing accuracy, support for "hot-swapping" and plug-and-play expansion. Need to connect another sound module or synth? No problem. Just add another MOTU USB MIDI interface via any available USB port. And the Express XT's internal international power supply delivers reliable performance and professional operation.

USB MIDI interface for Mac and Windows Stand-alone MIDI patchbay/merger/processor SMPTE time code sync in all formats (includes new support for 23.976 fps time code) 8x8 MIDI merge matrix: connects any device to any other 16 front panel presets 8 independent MIDI IN 8 independent MIDI OUT (9 output connectors) 128 MIDI channels Supports MIDI Machine Control Pedal input for momentary foot switch 16 presets with 8 programmable, battery-backed memory MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) for sub-millisecond tim
The Express XT provides 8 MIDI IN, 9 MIDI OUT, 128 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Mac and Windows software
Sixteen convenient, one-touch presets (8 factory and 8 user programmable) give you instant front-panel access to multiple operational configurations
The included ClockWorks console software for Mac OS X and Windows provides comprehensive MIDI routing, merging and muting
As a professional-grade SMPTE time code synchronizer, the Express XT converts and stripes SMPTE in all frame formats (23

User questions & answers

Question:	Is the diff btw this and the 128 just smpte
Answer:	From the mixer to PC there are 4 channels and you can select to send M1, M2, M3, M4 or M1, M3, AUX, FX or M1, M2, L, R, where M1-M4 are mixer input mono channels 1 through 4, AUX and FX are the busses, and L/R are the main mix outputs.From PC to the mixer is less felxible. ST2 (mixer's stereo input 2) receives USB 1/2, but if you plug cable into to ST2 on the mixer USB 1/2 is disconnected and you cannot use USB 1/2. USB 3/4 always go mixer's ST3 channel.
Question:	Does this work with USB 3.0 ports
Answer:	Yes and 4. There are some limitations on what those four tracks are. The options are: 1) Ch 1, Ch2, Ch3, Ch4 2) Ch1, Ch2, Main L, Main R 3) Ch1, Ch2, Aux bus send, FX bus send It can sometimes take a bit of jiggery pokery to record exactly (and only) the bits you want.
Question:	Can this be used 'stand alone' without any computer to connect 2 din midi out devices to one midi in
Answer:	Hi Scott, yes it is. This gets 4 inputs and outputs from to from the mixer/computer.If this was helpful, please consider purchasing from us (pixelproaudio on Amazon). We can help with support after the sale as well. We have it in stock and ready to ship. - Pixel Pro Audio
Question:	Does it work with os x catalina
Answer:	He writes well! Your decency is required! Declared things do not match arrived! Declared things: 1) Remote control Zoom 12 Lieve 12 L-12 2) Headphones 3) Bag 4) four switching wires. Instead, the mixing console and SD card of 16GB of the lowest class came for 8-10 dollars! You are not the smartest and not the most cunning on this planet!!! You were obliged to ask me if your SD card suits me in exchange for the items you declared when selling! However you did not! I will never use your services again and advise your store !!!
Question:	does this work without a computer - as a standalone midi hub for din midi devices
Answer:	Very dependent on your routing but it’s negligible going in to out on the computer. A musician can easily play in time with it and not be thrown off.

PreSonus AudioBox iOne 2x2 USB/iPad Audio Interface

PreSonus

Based on 755 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A great choice for mobile musicians and podcasters, the Audio Box iOne is USB bus-powered, compatible with Apple iPad, compact, ruggedly built, and works with virtually any Windows, Mac, or iPad recording software. It offers one instrument input and one mic input with high-performance Class A mic preamplifier, balanced TRS monitor outputs, and professional-quality, 24-bit/96 kHz converters. It comes with PreSonus' Studio One 3 Artist DAW software for Mac and Windows (free download after registration) and works with free Capture Duo for iPad recording software, with direct wireless transfer of your recordings to Studio One.

Bus-powered USB 2.0/iPad audio interface
1 instrument input & 1 microphone input with low-noise, high-headroom, Class A mic preamplifier & +48V phantom power
Start recordings with Capture Duo for iPad one-tap recording application, then finish songs with wireless transfer to included, easy-to-use Studio One 3 DAW software (Mac/Windows)
Software includes 30 Native Effects, 4 virtual Instruments, and over 6 GB of beats and sample content
Compatible with almost all recording software for Mac, Windows, and iPad
Studio-quality 24-bit resolution; 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sampling rate

User questions & answers

Question:	I have windows 10 and it won't even let me download it i have an ipad air i can't download it i can't download it anywhere why is this what do i do
Answer:	I would recommend contacting PreSonus. It could be a Windows 10 issue, especially if you did an upgrade. They'd be the place to start.
Question:	can this be used as a simple external sound card, im just trying to eliminate the interference caused by the graphics processing unit
Answer:	Yes it can. Often times, that's exactly what many people call them. If this was helpful, please consider purchasing from us. We can help with support after the sale as well. We have it in stock and ready to ship. - Pixel Pro Audio
Question:	Is the audiobox 2 different from the audiobox itwo
Answer:	The AudioBox iTwo is the latest release in PreSonus' AudioBox line of products. There is the older AudioBox USB, the Audiobox 22VSL, and the AudioBox iTwo (or iOne if you only want a single preamp). The main difference between this and the previous AudioBox USB is that they updated the look, and also introduced a tablet port so you can connect it to your iOS device to record directly to your iPad or iPhone. The AudioBox 22VSL has built in effect processing while monitoring so you can hear the effects as you are playing, it also has the highly-regarded XMAX preamps. If you find this answer helpful, please consider buying from us! - Pixel Pro Audio
Question:	Does it come with studio one artist
Answer:	It also comes with an awesome FREE Plug in suite called Studio Magic. You get this when you register your device along with the latest version of Studio One Artist

Product features

Loud and clear.

To record great-sounding music, you need outstanding preamps and digital converters. And to hear what you’re doing, you need a headphone amp that keeps up with the rest of the design. The AudioBox iTwo audio interface delivers it all! We’re famous for our award-winning microphone preamplifiers, and we’ve equipped the AudioBox iTwo with a new, sweet-sounding mic preamp that will capture your voice in all its glory. Clean, clear, 24-bit, 96 kHz digital converters and an ultra-loud, crystal-clear headphone output ensure you hear every detail.

Built to travel.

AudioBox iTwo is a mobile audio interface in the best sense of the term. It can sit on a tabletop or fit in the pocket of a backpack or laptop bag and works with standard iOS power accessories. Its metal chassis is built like a small tank—yet it weighs just 1.35 pounds (0.63 kg). Wherever your travels take you, whenever your creative muse calls, your AudioBox iTwo interface will be ready to help you compose and record your masterpiece.

Includes Studio Magic Plug-in Suite.

This suite of plug-ins adds a wealth of fresh sounds and effects to Studio One. Cherry-picked from the first names in virtual instruments and effects, each plug-in brings a different flavor of practical magic to your songs. These plug-ins aren't gimmicky one-trick ponies — these are real-deal workhorses that you'll rely on for countless mixes.

Studio One Artist makes recording a breeze

No other entry-level recording and production software is this easy to learn and use, yet is capable of creating studio-quality output. Studio One Artist lets you work quickly and stay focused on your inspiration, offers unlimited tracks and plug-ins, and delivers features not normally found in entry-level DAWs. Access powerful editing tools without wading through menus. Load and save audio clips, MIDI files, and effects by drag-and-drop. Studio One makes it easy!