About Audio Interfaces' I/O s...

[blaiavia]

So, lately I've been planning on buying an audio interface. I thought I knew what they do, but I discovered I'm not sure what some of the parameters are used for.

So this is about I/Os...

Why do I need a MIDI I/O and a Digital I/O in my audio interface?

What if my audio interface DOESN'T have a MIDI nor Digital I/O? Will I be able to transfer MIDI data with my keyboard what so ever?

Any help will be greatly appreciated,

Cheers!

blaiavia

By the way, I'm not really sure if this is the right forum to post this thread. If it isn't, please excuse me...

[SODDI]

How are you inputting MIDI into your computer right now?

Audio and MIDI are separate signal paths into your computer. Many audio interfaces provide MIDI ports simply for ease of use, to make the box look more desirable or to make the audio interface look like a bargain. Sometimes those audio interface MIDI ports work well, sometimes they don't (my Echo Audiofire2, for example).

Some audio interfaces provide different inputs apart from the standard 1/4 inch audio inputs and outputs so that you can transfer audio data from different devices without leaving the digital domain. A simple rule of thumb is that if you don't need it, don't buy it.

Or do buy it, if the box is a bargain. Having an available S/PDIF port isn't going to do anything to your processes if you're not using it.

[thecontrolcentre]

Midi is useful for connecting outboard gear that doesn't have USB. S/PDIF is used to connect DAT, CD or Minidisc recorders to your computer.