Yamaha UX16 USB MIDI Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)Note that if you're running a newer Mac (I have a MacBook Pro) you have to download the latest driver from Yamaha. And another gotcha is that you have to completely uninstall the driver they give you in the box before the new one will work. It's annoying as all get out, but the instructions for how to do the uninstall are on the CD so it's not -too- bad.
Anyway, once the right driver was installed this cable worked perfectly. I can record myself in GarageBand now while playing my DD-55 drum kit.

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This Yamaha UX16 USB-MIDI Interface features a MIDI IN Cable, MIDI OUT Cable. Many people that purchase keyboards would love to be able to save and edit their songs in the computer, the same way that they use Word Processors. Having a graphical display, whether you choose the Piano Roll view or Notation view, makes it very easy to fix any errors you may have made playing your song. Of course, composers like the fact that they can print their masterpieces. Once you are connected to your computer, you will need some kind of music software. There are many kinds of software available for handling music, from very inexpensive to thousands of dollars.

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M-Audio OXYGEN 61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller 9900-51394-10 Review

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(More customer reviews)I'd been looking for a MIDI keyboard to control my virtual instruments in Cubase, and this one seemed to have the most features for the price Amazon was offering. I was not disappointed- the keyboard is solidly built and has just the right amount of features. I downloaded a Cubase profile on a third-party site and instantly I could use the 9 faders to control 8 tracks and the master volume. The same went for the faders, and even the transport controls (Loop, Rew, FF, Stop, Play, Rec) worked flawlessly.
The pressure sensitivity on the keys is adequate, but may not be enough for a more accomplished piano player. I just use it to bang out accompaniment for the guitar and bass tracks I'm writing. I also use it to program drum tracks, and am able to get different drum velocities by varying the pressure on the keys.
This keyboard includes pitch and modulation wheels (both excellent), programmable buttons/panners/faders, octave up and down (up to 3 octaves in either direction), extra MIDI in/out ports, and a USB interface.
If this keyboard had motorized faders, it would jump up to the next class of controllers, but would probably weigh and cost a bit more. As it is, I just have to remember to zero out the faders and panners before loading an existing project, then carefully match the project track levels. This could wreak havoc with saved mixes if you don't pay attention.
Also, the keys sometimes don't register a hit when playing very softly- but again, I'm not a piano player so this may be a user problem. In other words, it's likely that below a certain threshold, the keys aren't supposed to activate. I don't feel like it's broken, and I think the sensitivity can be modified but I haven't felt the need to.
Finally, although a wide range of preset profiles were included, I had to find a Cubase profile myself, and Cubase is pretty common recording software. Still, the Internet provides where companies do not.
Overall, I am very pleased with this keyboard and it suits my needs. It didn't break the bank and I can do 90% of the things I wanted to do with it. In the future I may buy a Behringer motorized mixer and let that handle the mixing functions that this keyboard really wasn't intended for anyway.

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Oxygen 61 gives even the most serious players a 5-octave keyboard they can love, complete with a built-in USB MIDI interface and tons of controls. A total of 35 controllers--including 9 sliders, 8 knobs and 15 buttons--can easily map to any MIDI-assignable parameters in your hardware and software rig. While easy to program, the Oxygen 61's complete MIDI implementation will also allow you to go as deep as you want to go. Store 10 different setups in on-board non-volatile memory, plus manage an infinite number with our free Enigma software for Mac and PC. Bus-powered operation and a weight of just 7 lbs. means that you can use the Oxygen 61 anywhere your computer goes.

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M-Audio OXYGEN 8 V2 25-Key USB MIDI Controller 9900-41392-00 Review

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(More customer reviews)After 15 years using a Roland U-20 as a midi controller I began to wonder if upgrading would ever be needed. I figured all I needed was something that could trigger midi notes, and my old keyboard did that just fine. Then one day recently I saw a live band using a little 25 note controller to trigger Combinator patches out of Reason, connected only by a USB cable. The little dials on the keyboard were being used musically to change various parameters of the sound. It then occurred to me that maybe I should take a hard look at what has happened in the last 15 years with Midi controllers.
Escaping from my local retailer with M-Audio Oxygen 8 v2 in hand, I rushed home to see if these bells and whistles really mattered. Skipping the dated CD-ROM that came in the package, I downloaded the current M-Audio drivers using the World Wide Web. Driver installation was painless, and then I connected the hardware. After windows carefully chewed on three different hardware wizards it was all done. Not bad, although I have some sympathy for anyone who is not familiar with the Windows "Found New Hardware" wizard. Fortunately the documentation describes the procedure in detail. The creative session that unfolded over the next few hours is what prompted me to write this review. Long ago it was very difficult to pass "special" information over Midi. Users were forced to map out keyboards, sift through menus, and spend hours on configuration. Those days are over! With this current technology, mapping a function to a dial or button is a simple matter. Software like Cubase and Reason just ask for you to touch the dial you want to use. After you give the dial a little twist the software detects it and maps it to the function of your choice. I could not be more pleased with how well this works.
The Oxygen 8 V2, which can be powered from USB, has 8 dials, 2 wheels, an LCD readout, and a number of buttons. Some of the included buttons are transport controls, so you can use the keyboard to play, stop, fast forward, rewind, loop, and record. This makes the midi recording functionality feel more like a Motif or Triton, allowing the user to take their eyes off the computer monitor. By the end of the evening I realized my old Roland U-20 simply cannot take advantage of the latest features being offered by today's software. While this little 25 note keyboard is a lot smaller, it's incredibly functional, and takes up a very small footprint on my desk. With the octave button I can live without more keys. This installation has improved the Feng Shui of my workstation area, giving more features in a smaller space. When you first experience what its like to tweak a Reason or VST instrument with a physical dial, and have the software record you doing it, you will wonder why you waited so long to upgrade your giant old midi keyboard. It is truly frightening what can now be achieved with a laptop, a software program such as Reason 3, and an Oxygen 8 V2. You could sit in a coffee shop and be the next Aphex Twin. I recommend caffeinated.

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The Oxygen 8 v2 is an updated version of the mobile MIDI controller that started the mobile studio revolution. You get a fully functional MIDI keyboard with great action, plus eight MIDIassignable knobs to control any MIDI parameters you desire in your hardware or software. It's perfect for composing on the go or performing live bass lines and pads, firing samples, or triggering audio and/or visual effects. New features include full MIDI message support with channelization for each controller, plus 6 transport controls that can be reassigned to any MIDI parameter. The Oxygen 8 v2 also offers 10 non-volatile memory locations and is compatible with our free Enigma software for computer-based storage, retrieval and management of an unlimited number of patches.

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M-Audio Oxygen 8 25 Key Midi Keyboard Controller Review

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(More customer reviews)I too am a guitar player and I bought this guy about 2 years ago to use with Sonar. I didn't plan on becoming a keyboard player, but I have, and I can thank this little guy for that. It is wonderfully non-intimidating with its small stature, only 2-octave keyboard. The knobs work inside your soft synths (Reaktor and Reason) just as advertised. The thing is, I always end up reaching for the mouse and so have almost never used the knobs on this guy. The 2-octave keyboard gets really cramped after awhile, so I just bought an M-Audio Keystation 88 ES. It's kinda like the exact opposite of the Oxygen - it has 88 weighted keys, and only a slider and 2 buttons (other than the wheels. of course).
If you plan on "really" playing keyboards, you are better off looking at the bigger M-Audio keyboards. If you just want a small keyboard to play around with soft syths, the Oxygen will definitely fit better on you computer desk or in your backpack!
All in all, it does what it says and it does it well.

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The portable soft synth controller for today's electronic musicians!

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M-Audio USB Midisport Uno MIDI Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a good adapter for home use. Having been a roadie, I can pretty confidently say the Midisport Uno's build quality isn't roadworthy -- the attached MIDI cables are about as thin as the RCA cables that come with most home audio equipment, nowhere near as tough as patch cords for a stage rig. But the average home user, who's not plugging and unplugging in a hurry and stepping on the equipment and such, should have no worries. I have one, and it works fine.
A note about appearance: My Uno's body (the oval part, smaller than an average computer mouse) is a deep translucent blue, rather than the opaque color in the current photo here on Amazon. Also, the cables are all one color, black, though the IN and OUT plugs are clearly labeled in molded lettering. There are three green LEDs: one that lights up when the computer recognizes the adapter, one for MIDI in signals, and one for MIDI out -- handy for troubleshooting.
I bought the Uno to connect my Roland alphaJuno-2 to my PowerBook and play with GarageBand. I took it out of the packaging (a rare treat: a molded clamshell-type plastic package that isn't heat-sealed, so it doesn't have to be cut to shreds to open) and hooked it up, and nothing happened. I initially thought that Mac OS X would recognize it automatically, so it took me a few minutes to realize I needed to install the driver software. Although there are drivers on the included CD-ROM, I downloaded the latest version from the manufacturer's web site, installed, and the Uno instantly lit up and GarageBand informed me (because I already had the Roland powered up) that a MIDI device was now connected. It's worked flawlessly since.
Simple to use; no extra cables to attach -- I think this is the perfect USB MIDI adapter for GarageBand users or anyone else connecting one MIDI keyboard to a computer at home.

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A USB 16-Channel Multiplatform MIDI interface / Easy connection for keyboard and controllers / Windows and Mac compatible

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USB MIDI Music Cable Converter Keyboard Interface Cable Adaptor w/ AGPtek USB 2.0 All-in-One Card Reader (Support XP/Vista/MAC) Review

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(More customer reviews)Received the product quickly, which was packaged in a plastic sealed bag shipped in a bubble-wrap envelope. The components seem sturdy enough - not particularly cheap, nor fancy. Read the directions in about two seconds (the type is MINISCULE), connected it, according to directions, to my Yamaha NP30 Portable Grand keyboard and my 2010 13" Macbook Air. Garageband immediately recognized an additional midi input. Selected a new track, and a grand piano voice, and bing, worked. No problems whatsoever. And I personally noticed zero latency. I also didn't notice any driver installation on my MBA. I want to stress there was no latency and no weird problems with updating drivers: it just worked right off the bat. I don't leave a lot of reviews, but perhaps this will help others who are skeptical of the price decide. The alternative, for me, was an obviously overpriced $40+ solution. Thanks!

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Product Introduction:
This sturdy MIDI interface cable is self-powered and connects to your computer's USB port. No need for tools or computer disassembly, it's the simplest & most convenient way to connect a keyboard or controller to a computer. Gives you the power to play songs on your keyboard or other controller, then mix and edit them on your home computer/laptop with any sequencing or recording software you have installed & play them back on the built-in synth or an any out-board synth!
Product Features: Easy to install with built-in driver; USB powered, no AC adapter needed 1 in + 1 out MIDI interface; 16 MIDI input channels & 16 MIDI output channels LED power indicator; MIDI in & out signal indicator; Supports:Windows and Mac Turn your PC into a music studio by connecting a music keyboard to your computer with the USB MIDI cable
Specification: Latest version with a built-in driverUSB powered and Class Coppliant for true plug &play. Just plug it to any usb port on pc & it'll install itself1-in/1-out MIDI interface. 16 MIDI input channels/16 MIDI output channelsSupports Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP Mac OS 9x and Vista.
Instructions for useConnect the cable marked ??in??to the MIDI ??OUT??socket of a MIDI keyboardConnect the cable marked ??OUT??to the MIDI ??IN??socket of a MIDI keyboardPlug the USB cable into any free USB socket on your computer.the red LED will light to show power on. Open your music software program,e.g.Cubase ,Soner,MIDIconnections,etcSet the muisc programs MIDI In and MIDI Out devices to ??USB Audio Device?? Your USB to MIDI interface is now ready for ruseTo save potential problem,it is recommended that this interface is always connected to the same USB as it was originally instally on to prevent multiple installations of the d river
Package Include: USB2.0 Data Link cable x 1L x 1 User Manual1 x AGPtek USB 2.0 All-in-One Card Reader

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USB MIDI Cable Converter PC to Music Keyboard Window Win Vista XP, Mac OS Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought a cheap yamaha keyboard about 6 years ago. It had the option of midi connection with computers, but at the time Yamaha wanted like half the price of the keyboard for the connecting cord! So I didn't get it. Now I was looking at this and the price is such a steal in comparison I thought I would try it. It worked! I have a piano program, and the cord connects to both my Vista computer and my XP computer without trouble -- just plug it in. Remember to plug the "In" into the "Out" and vise versa. It comes with instructions specially says to do that, and I messed up anyway. Silly me.
Good deal, I recommend it. But do remember that you need a piano program to make things happen, the same way you need a word processing program or something before you can type something on the computer with a normal typing keyboard. You can find freeware piano keyboard software such as Anvil Studio on the internet.

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This sturdy MIDI interface cable is self-powered and connects to your computer's USB port. No need for tools or computer disassembly, it's the simplest & most convenient way to connect a keyboard or controller to a computer. Gives you the power to play songs on your keyboard or other controller, then mix and edit them on your home computer/laptop with any sequencing or recording software you have installed & play them back on the built-in synth or an any out-board synth!

Get 83% OFF

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