Tech: USB/midi interface to work with linux

Subject: Tech: USB/midi interface to work with linux
From: Tootler
Date: 09 Sep 11 - 03:08 PM

I have an excellent little Yamaha synth module that is currently gathering dust and I would like to bring back into use. I need some way of communicating with the computer to do so.

There are plenty of usb/midi interface modules available, but can anyone make recommendations for ones that work with linux.

I don't want anything fancy a single midi in and midi out will be sufficient and preferably works directly with Alsa without having to mess on with Jack which I have never yet successfully started up.

Subject: RE: Tech: USB/midi interface to work with linux
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 09 Sep 11 - 03:58 PM

The one I use is no longer made but should you find one, the Edirol UM-2 works with Alsa/ Linux.

Subject: RE: Tech: USB/midi interface to work with linux
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 09 Sep 11 - 06:50 PM

BTW, re Jack: The most common reasons I've had for it failing to start are.

1. Unable to start with realtime priority. Jack can be started without (not sure the command line) or you can edit /etc/limits/security. eg. I (user jon) am a member of group audio and I added these lines:
@audio                 -       rtprio          99
@audio          -       memlock         unlimited
@audio          -       nice            -10

2, Something is using a device jack wants to open. In my case this has been Phonon (part of KDE) when using (the default) gstreamer backend. Changine to the xine backend resolves this for me.

--
I use qjackctl to run jack. It's much easier with a gui program.

Subject: RE: Tech: USB/midi interface to work with linux
From: Tootler
Date: 11 Sep 11 - 02:40 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Tech: USB/midi interface to work with linux
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 06:29 PM

I eventually ended up with two.

Both simply have a usb plug one side and midi out and in the other side and both cost about a fiver (UK)

I found one that specifically mentioned Linux so I ordered it. After ordering I noticed it was coming from Hong Kong and would take some time, though it was despatched promptly enough. In the meantime I found one on Amazon. Although the spec only mentioned Windows and Mac, two of the customer reviews said theirs had worked on Linux so I ordered one and it came in just a few days and it works a treat with my Linux Mint set up. I use the default audio set up of Alsa/Pulse Audio with no problems. I got a 3.5mm Y connector from Maplins so the audio output from the synth and my computer are both connected to my external speakers and that works fine as well.

The one from Hong Kong arrived eventually. I've not tried it, but will keep it in case the other one gives up.

It's nice to have my Yamaha synth module working again as I did quite a few arrangements of tunes using Noteworthy and I can play back and record the accompaniment part and record myself playing the melody. Works pretty well.