- The simple:
As a long time user of MIDIMan / M-Audio MIDI interface devices, I had absolutely no hesitation in purchasing this item. I bought it to connect my old Roland Sound Canvas SC-55mkII to my Windows 10 machine so that I could listen to MIDI files using it rather than the poor MS Wavetable synth that comes with Windows, or cumbersome Sound Fonts. For Window 10 it was as simple as plugging it into a USB port and plugging the MIDI in / out cables into my SC-55mkII. No additional drivers were required.
- Getting the USB Uno MIDI set up in Windows 10:
Changing the default MIDI device is something that Microsoft apparently didn't want anyone using the home version to do! The MIDI mapping software that once came with Windows is no longer available. In order to change my default MIDI device to the USB Uno MIDI Interface, I had to snag and install a free little program called "CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth". Via this application on the MIDI Mapper tab, I was able to change the Windows Media Player default device from "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth" to "USB Uno MIDI Interface". Once I hit apply and okay, the MIDI files playing in WMP started playing through my Sound Canvas. VirtualMIDISynth also allows for the use of Sound Font MIDI output, but that's not in the scope of this review!
- Getting Audio from the MIDI device back to the computer:
Finally I had to connect the outputs from my Sound Canvas to the line in of my on-board sound device and configure windows to use the input to "listen" for incoming audio. The audio then gets routed through the speaker out on the sound device and on to my speaker system. I used a 1/8" mini to 1/8" mini stereo patching cable plugged into the Sound Canvas headphone jack to do this. A cable with 2 RCA jacks on one end and the 1/8" stereo plug on the other can also be used on devices like the sound canvas that have RCA outs. There are also synths / keyboards that have 1/4" L and R mono outputs. For these, a cable with 2x 1/4" jacks on one end and a 1/8" mini stereo jack on the other would be required.
Tips:
- I'm sure these methods above will work for any external MIDI synth.
- If you intend to use the USB Uno MIDI to play a MIDI keyboard and record notes in a sequencer on your computer (Such as FL Studio, Garage band, Cakewalk, etc..., you'll need an ASIO driver package. (ASIO4ALL being the pretty widely accepted basic standard for Windows users)
- Unless there is something in Win10 I don't know about, you will need 3rd party software to change the MIDI out device. See my comments above.
- Most on-board audio devices use the light blue jack as a switchable out port (for 7.1 surround systems) or an incoming line port. You may have to open your audio device settings and change this. Some audio driver packages detect when a new cable is plugged into this port and ask you what you want to use it for. In this situation, simply select "Line in".
- Once configured as a line in, you may have to open your "Recording devices" (Right click the Speaker icon in the task bar), select "Line In", click "Properties", go to the "Listen" tab, and check the "Listen to this device" check box.
- I don't know how backwards compatible with Windows 7 & 8 this information is, but I would hope and assume that the process is much the same.
I hope this review is helpful to you in your decision to purchase and trust the M-Audio brand MIDI interface, and aid you in getting it properly configured on your Windows machine.
| Manufacturer | M-Audio |
|---|---|
| Part Number | USB UNO |
| Item Weight | 3.52 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 9 x 9 x 3 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | UNO |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Thickness | 1 Inches |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | The Uno is a complete USB-to-MIDI solution, equipped with a USB connection to your computer, and a 1-in/1-out 16-channel MIDI connection to your MIDI devices.The Uno works for Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Its single MIDI In and Out connectors make it perfect for connecting a keyboard or controller to your computer quickly and easily. Since it is powered by the USB port, the Uno is convenient and great for portable use. |
| Usage | Personal |
| Included Components | With case |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Comes with manufacturer warranty. |
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