Hi all... looking for folks that are still using 8x8 USB MIDI Interfaces with Sonar X3e and Win8.1
 
I have grown weary of managing a bunch of MIDI Patchbays, and I have thinned the heard of external synthesizers, so this seems like a good time to switch to a handful of MIDI interfaces. This was precipitated by my new DAW, which has no PCI slots, meaning I have to retire my Frontier Design Dakota/Montana/Sierra rig - which has worked flawlessly for years. Bummer!
 
My options seem to be:

• MOTU still makes their MIDI Express 128 and XT
• The M-Audio MIDISport 8s and the Roland/Edirol UM-880 are discontinued, but readily available used.

Anyone using any of these? Anyone care to chime in on their experience using them?
 
And am I missing any other options?

Thanks!
 
Bill

I have the MOTU MIDI Express XT.
 
Considering the fact that I'm a midi-ot and the fact that it seems to work great despite my ignorance, I have to give it a 5 star review.

Thanks Mike - the MOTU gear is current, which puts it in the lead, but I figured I'd ask here before taking the plunge. I used to work for MIDIMan/M-Audio, so there is a bit of a bias there... but having just orphaned the Frontier Design gear I'm hesitant to buy something that could stop working on the next OS revision.

And speaking of which, I'm going to sell one of my Dakota/Sierra pairs, but I've decided to keep the Dakota/Montana/Sierra rig and run it as a slave. There is no less expensive Lightpipe solution than the one I already own, and I can always use it as a dedicated 32 input recorder should the need arise. I'm also going to modify the Tango converters so I can use them with Expert Sleepers Siltent way CV controller. Kinda excited about that<G>!

Still need to settle the USB to MIDI puzzle...
 

Bill
I actually have both a Motu Express 128 and an Edirol UM-880
Both work flawlessly the vast majority of the time. The only issue I have ever had, and its been very infrequent, is with the Motu "losing" its USB connection - I fully expect that the issue was more Computer related than an issue with the Motu unit and I actually can't remember the last time it happened!
I use these as my main out's for Midi from my computer's, then have expanded them with Midi patch bays, so I can connect all my outboard synths  - seems to work great for me.
Of all the midi stuff I have, the only item I purchased new was the Motu Express 128 - all the other units were purchased second hand and all have worked flawlessly.
So from my experience, second hand has always been OK for me.
Cheers
Nigel
 
 

I've owned all 3 but sold the m-audio and motu due to driver and support issues.
 
The roland/Edirol UM-880 I have is old but still ticking and it also works great as a stand alone midi patch bay to route a single source to multiple modules. I was not aware that they are still readily available or I would pick up a spare, just in case...  :)

I have the MIDI Express 128

Plugged it in by USB, started using it. Never had a problem.

I'd rather use this than plug in and plug out and daisy chain or other means.

It's simple, and simplifies.

You can mix and match different MIDI interfaces, if there is enough USB port. I'm using both the Midisport 4x4 and Roland Quad Capture midi.. sort of 5x5.