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Discussion: Midi InterfacesReported This is a featured thread

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epaulsen5
epaulsen5
Midi Interfaces
Dec 23 2008, 4:10 PM EST | Post edited: Dec 23 2008, 4:10 PM EST
Without knowing which midi interface he is using, I can't be sure of the problem. However, I do know that not all midi interfaces are created equal. A quick google turned up this comment:

http://www.yamaha-keyboard-guide.com/yamaha-p70-midi-interface-problem.html

"After trying the Yamaha UX16 and Edirol interfaces with my Yamaha P-70 keyboard controller, I was very frustrated and couldn't seem to get my laptop to recognize the controller. I finally found the answer. I ordered the E-MU 1x1 interface from Guitar Center ($29.95) and it works perfectly connected via USB into my MacBook Pro for use with GarageBand and Logic. Now my Yamaha P-70 works great with all the MAC sounds and JamPacks. Don't bother with the Edirol or UX16 as the E-MU is the USB answer!"

For $30 it sounds like an easy thing to check.
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Eric Do you find this valuable?    
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TomHartwig
1. RE: Midi Interfaces
Dec 23 2008, 5:10 PM EST | Post edited: Dec 23 2008, 5:10 PM EST
I believe that Garage Band does not offer a midi output. Add-on accessories might work - here's one called midiO.

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/23227

Tom Do you find this valuable?    

stephenjazz
2. RE: Midi Interfaces
Dec 23 2008, 5:19 PM EST | Post edited: Dec 23 2008, 5:19 PM EST
The E-MU USB-MIDI interface is a solid deal for the price, and virtually trouble-free. Next, the MIDI options of the Mac need to be set; go to the Utilities folder and find the MIDI utility. Setting this up properly is all the Mac needs; no drivers need to be loaded. Now, make sure the In/Out cords are in their proper sockets.

For native Mac applications, there is Garage Band and Sibelius (my preference).

A Minneapolis company, CodeWeavers (http://www.codeweavers.com; the site may be overloaded for the holiday), produces an emulator, Crossover, that allows Intel-based Macs run Windows programs *without installing Windows*. Therefore there isn't a noticeable slow-down (at least I haven't seen one). Using Crossover, I have run Cakewalk on my Macbook Pro. Hymnsoft *should* also work. I say "should" because Cakewalk (and certainly Hymnsoft) hasn't actually been thoroughly tested for compatibility. I found editing notes in the music file problematic because a necessary font isn't found. But playback has been flawless, although I am playing to a sound system directly, not a MIDI device Do you find this valuable?    

stephenjazz
3. RE: Midi Interfaces
Dec 23 2008, 5:22 PM EST | Post edited: Dec 23 2008, 5:22 PM EST
Additionally, if you do volume control from the keyboard of the Macbook, remember to hold the shift key down while pressing the volume control keys, so you don't get the beeps that provide audible feedback of the volume changes. Alternatively, turn off the audible feedback in the Sound "control panel". Do you find this valuable?    

davebuechler
4. RE: Midi Interfaces
Dec 23 2008, 6:54 PM EST | Post edited: Dec 23 2008, 6:54 PM EST
i have the M-Audio Midisport USB-MIDI 1x1 interface and have been able to record from a synthsizer keyboard. In order to play midi files to the synthsizer, i installed a free MIDI player program called MightyMIDI.dmg. it plays both piano files and organ files fine. I have not yet connected this setup to our organ at church so perhaps it will work there. We also have a Yamaha Cavlnova piano with a direct USB interface at church and i have recorded to Garage Band from it, but cannot play back to it yet. I will post my status again after I have a chance to try the MIDI connection to the organ. Thanks for the information so far. Dave Do you find this valuable?