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What Platform does it support?
Although some interfaces work
on different platforms (Macintosh, Windows, etc.),
some do not. It is important to have a MIDI interface
that is compatible with your computer system. An
additional problem on the Windows side is that the
different versions of Windows (Windows 95, Windows
98, Windows NT) are not entirely compatible with
each other. Most manufacturers keep a list of supported
platforms on their website and also usually have
a list of the most current "drivers" (small
pieces of software that allow the interface to operate)
available for download.
How Many Ports does it have?
The more ports on your MIDI
interface, the more gear you can connect directly
(without daisy chaining them together). This simplifies
your MIDI setup and usually (but not always) can
also allow for utilizing more than 16 channels on
1 MIDI interface (see below).
How many Channels does it support?
Since there are only 16 MIDI
channels, that means you can only play back 16 different
parts at the same time over 1 MIDI cable. However,
most new MIDI interfaces allow for the playback
of more than that by playing 16 different MIDI channels
on each port of the interface. Not every MIDI interface
does this, so check
How does it connect to your
computer?
Depending on the type of computer
you have, there are several different ways of connecting
to it.
For PC users, there are many
different options. The cheapest and easiest is usually
to connect a cable to the Joystick port on your
Sound Card. This will give you 1 MIDI in and 1 MIDI
out. For larger setups some MIDI interfaces connect
to the serial or parallel port or even have their
own PCI card.
For older (Beige) Mac users,
there is really only one way to connect MIDI, the
Serial Port (aka Printer Port or Modem/Communications
Port).
However the latest (and coolest)
innovation for both the PC and the Mac is the USB
port. USB has many advantages over any other connection
since it is "Hot Swapable," meaning that
you can plug and unplug USB devices without turning
off your computer. Also, you will be able to connect
more than one USB interface to a computer at the
same time. Additionally, most MIDI interfaces are
cross-platform, meaning that you can connect them
to both the Mac or a PC with the appropriate driver
software.
What other features does it
have?
Some MIDI interfaces also
include synchronization abilities such as SMPTE
and Word Clock.
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