Which MIDI Interface to Purchase?

May 20, 2008 5:10 PM

I'm looking to buy a MIDI interface, and I'd like your opinion.

I've had my eye on the MOTU MIDI Express 128 for a while, and I've got the money burning a hole in my pocket. I went to Guitar Center (I know, I know) to see what they had in stock and play with their toys for a while. While talking to the sales guy, he mentioned that the MIDI Express was unreliable and that I should check out M-Audio's Midisport 4x4.

Now, I'm fairly certain that he said that because he didn't have the MOTU model in stock, but I have no personal experience with either model. The Express 128 has 8 ins and 8 outs which would be really nice to have. The Midisport is $100 cheaper but only has 4 ins and 4 outs.

So, do you have personal experience with a MIDI interface (of any brand) you've particularly liked? Have you used either the Express 128 or the Midisport?

posted by lekvar to media & arts (8 comments total)

MOTU makes solid hardware and has excellent support. I'm not sure what issues that salesman is talking about, did he describe them to you? M-Audio's interface's have a reputation for not have very tight timing (although most won't notice it.) I've used MOTU and Midisports, I've never had problems with either brands.

But do you really need 8 in and 9 out? really? If you got the gear or are planning on buying the gear, I would have no problem getting a MOTU interface.
posted by bigmusic at 6:09 PM on May 20, 2008

I have a Midisport 2x2 and a FireWire 410. My experiences with these two M-Audio products have been so bad that I would not recommend them to anyone. Flimsy construction, shoddy drivers, and misleading marketing materials.

I've been evaluating MOTU products at work (neuroscience research). They've been responsive to tech support questions, forward with product limitations and seem to be pretty good at keeping drivers up-to-date. At this point, for me, it's anything but M-Audio.

Also, I've had a lot of frustrating experiences with not having enough inputs. So don't buy less than you need. I've produced a few full albums, one received a post (and good reviews) here on Metafilter. Some of it would have gone a lot better/faster had I had better/non-shoddy equipment.
posted by fake at 6:14 PM on May 20, 2008

But do you really need 8 in and 9 out? really?

Need? No, not right now. I've got three MIDI devices right now, but I've got my eye on a couple others.

"...once you get locked into a serious drug gear collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can."
posted by lekvar at 6:18 PM on May 20, 2008

This is my experience with audio products (not midi, but probably applies)
MOTU: very good hardware, good support, long-term investment. It may be a bit more expensive but in 2-3-4-5 years you'll thank yourself.
M-Audio: overpriced, plastic stuff. Yes, they have stuff like nice midi controllers combined with soundcards and digital keyboards all packed into a tiny stylish small plastic case, but really, if you're slightly serious, don't go for the look.
Again: Go with MOTU.
posted by ddaavviidd at 7:44 PM on May 20, 2008

mentioned that the MIDI Express was unreliable and that I should check out M-Audio's Midisport 4x4.

This would really surprise me. I don't have direct experience with either of the products you're mentioning, but I have owned products from both companies, and I've generally been more impressed with MOTU's stuff. They've been focused on making pro gear from the start. I have a MTP II -- a predecessor of the Express 128 by something like 15 years -- and it's been a great piece of machinery.

If you want to double check that MOTU didn't hiccup on the MIDI Express, you could ask on Unicornation or MOTU-Mac ... certainly a bit biased towards MOTU products but you'll get people who'll tell you straight if something's a lemon.
posted by weston at 8:36 PM on May 20, 2008

I have a M-Audio Firewire 1814 and a M-Audio Midisport 4x4. Have not had any problems and they do exactly what I need them to do.
posted by eightball at 9:17 PM on May 20, 2008

I've got a MOTU MIDI Express 128 I'm using with Macbook, using all of the outputs at the same time, transmitting MIDI clock etc. without any hiccups. Ages ago I had an older Midisport (2x2 or something) that I had problems with, but I can't say anything about the newer models.

You don't mention what you would be using it with though, so I'd do my research instead of trusting a salesperson, the aforementioned Unicornation is probably the best place for this.
posted by phax at 5:51 AM on May 21, 2008

All opinions are equally valid, so Best Answer to all!
posted by lekvar at 12:08 PM on May 21, 2008