Introduction

You are going to need a MIDI interface with most Pro Tools set-ups. OK if you are purely working with audio and if you have a Digidesign Universal Slave Driver (USD) synchronizer, or if you are using a Digi 001, then you can maybe get along without one. Nevertheless, most practical Pro Tools systems will need to incorporate a MIDI interface to let you hook up synthesizers and other MIDI instruments and to provide SMPTE/MTC facilities. So which should you choose? After all, there are so many different models available. MIDI interfaces come in a range of sizes from simple one or two input/two (or more) output models for 50 right up to top of the range models costing several hundred pounds, which offer MIDI patching and time code read/write features as well. The best choices for use with Pro Tools systems are undoubtedly the more expensive multi-port models with built-in SMPTE/MTC converters. Still, there are significant differences in the mix and types of features available from the different manufacturers.

At the time of writing, we are on the cusp of a changeover from interfaces using serial ports to interfaces using USB ports. If you are buying new equipment you will almost certainly be buying MIDI interfaces using USB. However, if you already have MIDI interfaces using serial ports, you may have to sell these and buy USB versions. It is possible to get either a PCI card or an adapter for the internal modem slot on G4 Macs to...