Cheap MIDI interfaces

[bumclouds]

Hey guys,

I need a MIDI interface that will just 'do the job'. I need this to work with my BCF2000 that I just bought for controlling Freestyler.

I've seem some cheap ones on Ebay for like 5 bucks, will that do the job or should I go for a different one?


Andrew

[bumclouds]

*embaressed face*

Hooked up my BCF2000 today and realised you don't need a midi interface if you use USB.

Andrew

[dmxlighting]

Hi Andrew

Dont worry I did the same thing! I ordered my bcf and a cheap midi interface on the same day.

Anyone want a nice, cheap usb2midi device? Hardly used!

[Shannon D]

What kind of MIDI to USB interface would you suggest? I am looking to purchase the FCB1010 and will need an interface.
Thanks in advance!

[remco_k]

What kind of MIDI to USB interface would you suggest? I am looking to purchase the FCB1010 and will need an interface.
Thanks in advance!

ESI midimate.
Costs €29,- here in the Netherlands

http://www.esi-audio.com/products/midimate/
http://www.musicdeals.nl/product/esi-midimate-2/

I don't know if it will work, but I can't think of why it should not.

[Shannon D]

Thanks remco

From the way dmxlighting put it in a couple postings above, I take it that you should NOT use a cheap interface. Did I take it wrong or will any interface work? I'll admit that I am midi stupid, so what's the deal with the amount of midi channels per cable? How many channels are need to make Freestyler work with the FCB1010?

I was considering something like the M-Audio Fast Track Pro USB Audio/MIDI interface like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT
My thinking is that I can also plug in a mic into this interface (that is on my bass drum) to trigger sound to light for my band. Is there an easier way to accomplish this? Another use for this interface would be for recording a demo CD. I would presume that once this interface is connected, Freestyler would recognize it for the midi input.

[dmxlighting]

Hi Shannon

There is normally nothing wrong with cheap Midi / Usb units. My comment was based on the fact that the BCF2000 has a USB port and does not need a midi cable.
It will just hook in a work! So I bought a midi/usb that I did not need. (Stupid me)

If you want one you can have mine.

[Shannon D]

Thanks DMX,
I am looking to get the FCB1010 which does not have a USB connection, so I guess a cheap interface would satisfy that requirement. Any comments on the number of channels within a midi cable and how many is required for Freestyler to work properly? It looks like most that I've looked at have 16 channels. Again, I am midi dumb and trying to do some homework. If anyone knows where to find good info on learning how midi works and how to program, please post. I'm sure that I am not the only one that may need this.
Thanks a bunch guys!

Shannon D.

[remco_k]

Thanks DMX,
I am looking to get the FCB1010 which does not have a USB connection, so I guess a cheap interface would satisfy that requirement. Any comments on the number of channels within a midi cable and how many is required for Freestyler to work properly? It looks like most that I've looked at have 16 channels. Again, I am midi dumb and trying to do some homework. If anyone knows where to find good info on learning how midi works and how to program, please post. I'm sure that I am not the only one that may need this.
Thanks a bunch guys!

Shannon D.

Ultra simple "lets get you started" explanation:
Like DMX interfacing, MIDI interfacing has some number of channnels.
Like a DMX fixture, which runs (for example) on 10 DMX channels, you can have an MIDI device (like that foot pedal) which sends out (for example) 10 MIDI channels.
In that case you need an USB to MIDI interface which can control at least that number of channels.

[Shannon D]

Thanks remco.

Easy enough. I looked at the FCB1010 manual and it appears it can send 1-16 channels. I guess the different notes being recieved on the other end is what makes things change. So, the FCB1010 has 99 presets that can be user configured, but you don't need 99 channels because it's the different notes that really make things happen on the recieving side. I guess???
I'll just buy it and work with it before getting way out in the weeds asking questions on midi.

Thanks

[dmxlighting]

Shannon

Why not look at getting a BCF2000 ?
Loads of people on here use them (including me) and will give you help using it / setting it up etc.

It has motorised faders which is really useful and its really easy to set up even with no midi knowledge.
I think you can pick them up on ebay for about £100 so not badly priced!

Just googled a FBC1010 - looks like an interesting bit of kit!

[Shannon D]

I thought about that one for my DJ business, but I think the FCB-1010 would be better for my band application. I am trying to replicate what kikabyte has done. I sent him a PM, but no response yet. Here's his post:
http://www.freestylersupport.com/fsforu ... 85&start=0
and here's a link to his video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCnlSm_yyR8

Well, I just checked the PM I sent him. It looks like it is locked in the my outbox. I tried to resend, but it appears that it just won't go. Not sure what's the issue there.

[remco_k]

Well, I just checked the PM I sent him. It looks like it is locked in the my outbox. I tried to resend, but it appears that it just won't go. Not sure what's the issue there.

Thats normal, a PM is kept in your outbox, until the receiver read it. Just then, its moved to your sent items.
So, the receiver did'nt read it yet.

[Shannon D]

While on my quest to get started using MIDI with Freestyler, I found this:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/how_to_get_st ... _midi.html

After reading this, I now realize that MIDI can be pretty powerful. Lots of good info for the beginner in this article. I hope this helps others.

Shannon D