KVR Audio

Auplant · Post by **Auplant** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 2:34 pm

Hello, I recently just purchased a second hand Access Virus C and I am now searching for a decent midi/audio interface which works as midi interface as well as soundcard for connecting the Virus (as well as some more synths) to the PC. I am really confused about which cables I need and what midi/audio interface to go for.. Right now I only have the m-audio fasttrack USB audio interface , and I've been connecting my monitors to it with XLR to RCA output cables, but I think it has no midi interface so it seems useless

Can I get some recommendations on what midi/audio interface and what cables to get? I also plan to purchase a Korg TR-rack

Auplant · Post by **Auplant** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 7:16 pm

I'm looking at the Tascam us4x4 interface now

http://tascam.com/product/us-4x4/

now I'm wondering what cables I get to connect the audio output from virus to the interface;

- Do I get balanced TRS to XLR male cables to connect audio channels from the virus to the interface?
or
- Do I get balanced TRS to TRS cables to connect audio channels from the virus to the interface?

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 7:33 pm

You need some guitar leads ... 1/4 inch jack to jack.
Doesn't the Virus do audio over USB?

Auplant · Post by **Auplant** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 7:36 pm

I think the seller might be including the cables with the synth... There is no USB with the Access Virus C. You're thinking of the newer Virus TI.
My main concern now is the audio interface. I was also looking at the Tascam us 1200 but it doesn't seem to have any midi input port.. so that's perhaps for mic/guitar only?

rob_lee · Post by **rob_lee** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 7:36 pm

thecontrolcentre wrote:Doesn't the Virus do audio over USB?

Not the older models Dave just the TI's

Rob

Auplant · Post by **Auplant** » Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:17 pm

I decided to go for the Tascam us-4x4..

Cheers

grabme · Post by **grabme** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:21 am

Sounds like you will need a small mixing desk at some point or audio patchbay if you are planning on adding more synths. Most audio interfaces don't have that many inputs. I use a Behringer EURORACK PRO RX1602. If you need more midi inputs then get something like the Steinberg midex which are excellent.

T-CM11 · Post by **T-CM11** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:31 am

phace wrote: Right now I only have the m-audio fasttrack USB audio interface , and I've been connecting my monitors to it with XLR to RCA output cables, but I think it has no midi interface so it seems useless

Why does the midi interface have to be inside the audio interface?

dsan@mail.com · Post by **dsan@mail.com** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:59 am

The MIDI hook ups are clearly shown on the image you have posted. You will connect the MIDI out of the Virus to the MIDI in of the Tascam unit. To communicate both ways you will hook up the MIDI in of the Virus to the MIDI out of the Tascam. This last step is not essential unless you want to send MIDI data both ways.

However, this still does not give you sound from the Virus. You will need to hook up the audio outs of the Virus to your soundcard to hear what MIDI instrument you are playing. The MIDI ins and outs are for communicating with your DAW and other MIDI controllers. The Audio ins and outs are for hearing the sounds since MIDI itself makes no sound.

Now, if you hook up your Virus to the sound cards audio ins and outs your sound will be low volume due to a miss match of signal types. You will need to amplify the sound coming from the Virus into the sound module, or amplify your sound from the sound card.

It's all very complicated when you are not familiar. I strongly suggest find the manuals for your equipment and read how to hook things up.

The m-Audio Fast track does not have MIDI capability so you are correct, it is useless to you in this case.

The m-Audio Fast Track is for recording an instrument during live play.

HTH

Happy Musiking!
dsan

Akanishta · Post by **Akanishta** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:52 am

If you're looking to record MIDI data as well as audio with a lot of synths, a MIDI router is another option.

deastman · Post by **deastman** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 1:28 am

dsan@mail.com wrote:The MIDI hook ups are clearly shown on the image you have posted. You will connect the MIDI out of the Virus to the MIDI in of the Tascam unit. To communicate both ways you will hook up the MIDI in of the Virus to the MIDI out of the Tascam. This last step is not essential unless you want to send MIDI data both ways.

I think you have that backwards, unless we're talking about a Virus keyboard being used as a controller! The important part is MIDI out from the Tascam to MIDI in on the Virus. This will allow you to control the Virus from your computer.

What midi/audio interface to get for connecting external hardware synths?