MIDI Interfaces in 2023

[humpo72]

I still have a few hardware synths I like to hook into my setup. until recently I was running an intel iMac with a midi sport 2x2 interface. this was no longer supported by m-audio and I had to turn to the internet for some 3rd party drivers.

I now have a new M2 pro Mac mini, and rather than try and faff about with dodgy drivers from GitHub, I thought I would get something new but not quite sure what.

I only need a couple more ins and out so a 2x2 would be perfect. what are my options that is compatible with the latest apple OS and chips??

was looking at this but not sure if it will work out the box.
https://miditech.de/en/portfolio/midiface-2x2/

anyone using a MIDI interface on Apple silicon running Ventura with no issues? what Are you using?

thanks

[cryophonik]

Have you looked at the iConnectivity interfaces? I believe they are all compatible with the latest Macs/OS. I have a MIO that I use for one specific purpose and it works great with my MPB (Monterey OS). My main MIDI interface for my hardware synths is my trusty old MOTU MIDI Express XT, which works great with my iMac (Big Sur OS), and MOTU says it is compatible with Ventura.

[humpo72]

Have you looked at the iConnectivity interfaces? I believe they are all compatible with the latest Macs/OS. I have a MIO that I use for one specific purpose and it works great with my MPB (Monterey OS). My main MIDI interface for my hardware synths is my trusty old MOTU MIDI Express XT, which works great with my iMac (Big Sur OS), and MOTU says it is compatible with Ventura.

I will check those out now. thanks for the advice.

[vitocorleone123]

Would a Midronome work when it ships? MIDI clock…

Otherwise a Kenton or Erica Synths? Last but not least the aforementioned iconnect.

[Digivolt]

Nektar midiflex, can either be 2 in/2 out 1 in/3 out or 4 out

[humpo72]

Nektar midiflex, can either be 2 in/2 out 1 in/3 out or 4 out

this looks like it will suit my needs perfectly. I also like the fact that all the ports are round the back of the device. thanks

[lfm]

The thing to look out for might be if using many of the same model
- I was pleased with EMU 2x2 so thought I get another
- but that could windows not do so ports got the same name
- so EMU made a driver to use, even if unit itself is class compliant
- but that had issues and if you pulled the usb cable computer froze, dead froze, hardware reset only way
- and EMU, non-existing support, stay away

But have iConnectivity MIO2 and the Nektar also, they have all been good, single units anyway
- so not sure about class compliant same model if that is an issue in windows itself

MIO are cool in the way that you can configure to filter certain messages and such. And some virtual midi cables too.

But again, I would not get a second of any without checking if that it is supported first with multiple. And my EMU have been perfect, alone.

[cryophonik]

The Nektar looks like a pretty nice little unit for cheap. The website says that it’s expandable by simply adding additional units, but it’s unclear how this is accomplished. Does it include software for routing the ins/outs?

[humpo72]

The Nektar looks like a pretty nice little unit for cheap. The website says that it’s expandable by simply adding additional units, but it’s unclear how this is accomplished. Does it include software for routing the ins/outs?

not sure, the website says

Expand your ports with multiple units: We know that it’s never enough – if you need more ports, simply connect another MIDIFLEX 4 for more ports! For instance with 3 MIDIFLEX 4, you could build a system with 4 MIDI Ins and 8 MIDI Outs!

would it be a USB daisy chain as they say using 3 would give you a total of 12 ports.? I can't find a copy of the user guide anywhere. Anyhow, I think the 2 ins and outs would be sufficient for me. I already have a pair on the back of my 8i6 which would be enough for the hardware I want to connect. if I get one, I will let you know what the user guide says

[T-CM11]

Maybe it's just as "expandable" as any other USB Midi interface; buy (any) other one, connect to a USB port, voila: more ports!