Edirol UM-1EX

The Edirol UM-1EX is a single channel MIDI to USB interface.  This is perfect for those who have a keyboard with MIDI capabilities and want to use it in tandem with their computer and take advantage of the world of MIDI and computers without having to get a separate MIDI keyboard.  The interface simply has connections for USB and a MIDI input and output.  This is as simple of any type of interface as you can get...

UTILIZATION

Setting up the Edirol UM-1EX with your keyboard and interface isn't hard at all.  I didn't encounter any compatibility issues or any other problems as the process of getting this up and running was quite easy.  Since I have run this on a Mac Book Pro lap top, I didn't need to install any external drivers, and simply followed the step by step instructions.  It is a simple plug and play interface as long as you're using a Mac, and if you're using a PC I would imagine that it would be easy enough to install by following the step by step instructions.


OVERALL OPINION

I would definitely recommend the Edirol UM-1EX MIDI interface for anyone looking for a single channel USB to MIDI interface.  This was the cheapest one that I could find, being just a bit cheaper than the M-Audio version of this interface.  If you're looking for the cheapest MIDI interface out there just to give you basic access to MIDI on your computer, I'd definitely recommend this one.  It should last for a while if you treat it right, but it isn't as study as other interfaces out there since it isn't a box or anything like that.  All in all, the Edirol UM-1EX MIDI interface is perfect for the small studio owner or for the person who wants a cheap way to get into the game of MIDI.

The Edirol UM-1ex works where the unmarked cables do not work!
I have one of these unbranded cable (with a few dollars on eBay) that works with one of my keyboards, but not all. The Edirol UM-1ex, he works with keyboards that were inconsistent with the cable unbranded.

(If you want an explanation, I took time to find the following: Cables unbranded does not quite fit the MIDI specifications, and compatibility with keyboards depends on the keyboard and types of electronic circuits that uses. MIDI standard defines the logical basis of common signals, but the cables unbranded expect signals based tensions, because it is cheaper to manufacture. But suddenly, these cables are not compatible with all keyboards. With one of mine, these cables do not detect anything when signal exits the MIDI Out port of the keyboard)

A: Edirol UM-1ex is fully compatible with Mac OS X. I have not tried it under Windows, but it works on Mac OS 10.6.8 nickel. Just plug it in, and it is immediately recognized.

UTILIZATION

- The drivers are stable?
The drivers included with Mac OS X works with the interface without a problem.

- What software do you use most often?
Reason and Garageband

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
Two days

- What characteristics have motivated your choice?

The price (really cheap), good quality, very durable, easy to install. Especially for me who know nothing about 3 years ago. I pay 50 € at Total music at Chatelet

- For what purpose?

At the time I fesai FruityLoops Sound of Reason and I knew I had a synthesizer Casio lk-50, I saw that there are MIDI ports so I'm slowly starting to begin.

- What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?

<ul> Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86 Ghz 6300
1.50 GB of RAM
160 GB + 30 GB
Windows XP Pro
Pc very quiet (modified diet, fanless graphics card etc ...)
His walk nickel at the same time assembling pc. </ul>

- Which instruments or the systems do you use? ...

At the present time I do is more like, 3 years ago, but it handy for a laptop for example.

UTILIZATION

- The drivers are stable?

Nickel

- Are they often updated?

I do not know, its always gone smoothly, so I never think

- What software do you use most often?

Reason in ReWire with Cubase, Audiacity, Goldwave, etc ...

- Do you ever happen to saturate the MIDI interface and if so, under what circumstances?

No, not at my level of use

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?

3 years, since I did not buy direct something very expensive, without knowing, as do most newbies, but really see what gives his MIDI.

- What is so special that you like most and least?

+: Simple, basic, functional and fast!
+: Very fast installation through USB
+: Very strong
-: The basic a pure
-: What the south, and just that
-: Limited if you want to go further
- Have you tried many other models before buying it?

Was not the first, so it's about for me was the best being a beginner at the time

- How would you rate the quality / price?

Its could be cheaper but still good if not all so good.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...

Considering that I lug around everywhere, crushing, abused, and it works great, it's on the Yes for beginners who want something simple and effective.

Again, I recommend it for beginners!

-What technical specifications motivated your choice?
Previous notice as I had no knowledge in the field,
a seller simply advised me to take this MODEL ...
-For what purpose?
The interface I bought it to drive Micro Application Composer
with my keyboard yamaha PSR
-Which instruments or the Systmes do you use?
Dsormais I use with my microKorg and my JV-1010 sound module,
has works great!

UTILIZATION

-The drivers are stable?
They are stable, nanmoins software is not always Tolra
if you change the USB port after installation but it can be
Systm of my XP because since the change in XP pro more problem.
I find it extra support without installing Linux
interface for use with Rosegarden or energyXT.
-Are they often put day?
Never look.
- What software do you use most often?
Ableton Live 7 and energyXT.
- Do you ever happen to saturate the MIDI interface and if so, under what circumstances?
Never happened.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
I use it for two years.
- What is the particular feature you like best and least?
MIDI Through feature that works even when the PC is dyed,
suddenly the synth is connected to the PC via the cable, the return will
expander, it is sufficient to switch the little button to play
directly via the keyboard without turning the expander without all the PC and unplug.
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
No, no.
- How do you report qualitprix?
It's quite expensive but the quality and robustness are waiting for you.
- With the exprience, you do again this choice?
Not because I have several dsormais expanders, thus between an output
it's a bit lightweight!