Need advice: Want to start MIDI and need to buy an interface

[rharris07]

Ok - I've got a new macbook, just got logic - have all my synths just about (an sh-101 is now on its way, thanks to a tip from Z!)...but I've never set anything up on MIDI, and I don't have an interface for my laptop. Thats where I keep getting stuck at.

So - for MIDI - does anyone know of a starter guide on how I can figure out what to do? I've never used MIDI, and definitely do not understand how to set it up with this new laptop. I know its not for audio transfer, but just for on/off signals - SO with that - could I use a sequencer through logic to control the synths, and input their audio into the firewire interface for the sounds? is that how its suppose to go?

as for the interface - I've been looking at the MOTU traveler - is that a good way to go? is there a cheaper, better way? I need at least 8 to 12 inputs.

With the MIDI being controlled from the mac - it could only control one keyboard at a time right? So I could sequence one through midi, and physically play another one or two and have all that recording at the same time into the mac?

Sorry to be soooooo uninformed on this, but its my last real hurdle I feel before I can get back to actual recording.

[Z]

I've never used a Mac for sequencing and I haven't used a PC in over 12 years. I know there are inexpennsive USB MIDI interfaces, just check out Sweetwater.com, GuitarCenter.com, MusiciansFriend.com, etc.

MIDI has 16 channels which means you can control 16 different "parts", either from mono or multi-timbral instruments. However, a mutli-port MIDI interface will multiply the number of "MIDI systems" you can have. For instance, a 2 port interface will control 32 MIDI channels (2x16), 4 port = 64 channels, 8 port=128 channels.

All of your instruments are mono tiimbral (only producing one sound at a time) and each would be assigned its own MIDI channel. If you ever get a multi-timbral synth, that one synth can play several parts at a time and each part would be assigned its own MIDI channel.

To control that SH-101, you will need a MIDI to CV converter. Or, if you have a drum machine with trigger out, you can program a sequence on the 101 and sync it by sending a trigger pulse from your drum machine.

[rharris07]

so by getting a multi-port midi interface, i could plug my synths into it via midi, run that midi interface into a firewire box like motu, and run the audio outs of the synths into that motu unit as well, then run that motu into the laptop...right? or sorta-kinda?

[bpt114]

I don't know if you have seen this:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

This guy has guides that might help you setup your equipment.

[rharris07]

no i hadn't seen that, but i'll do some reading there now! thank you for that link!