Best Soundcards for MIDI

[mms]

I am looking to buy a new computer, and want to make sure it comes with a soundcard suitable for MIDI

Over the years, I've had many computers, with many different soundcards (SoundBlaster, Turtle Beach, etc)
Each of these had a different MIDI setup GUI with many options.

Searching soundcards on the web, I don't even see any mention of MIDI on these manufacturer's sites.

My question is, should I be looking for anything special in the computer I buy with regards to MIDI,
or will all soundcards work equally well?

[JohnG]

Hi,

Do they even make sound cards (like the Creative Waveblaster or Yamaha SW1000-XG) anymore? I don't recall seeing anything like that recently.

If I want to use any of my ageing sound modules I link them in via a Motu Micro Lite which has 5 MIDI ports and connects to the PC via USB.
Sound is handled by a Steinberg UR22 Mkii.

But I'm not sure that's much help, is it?
JohnG.

[Henry]

Hi guys,

John's right. Sound cards are not really made like that anymore... 😒

Today's computers come with "integrated audio", which is basically a dedicated sound chip on the motherboard, that drives the mic- and headphone jacks. This solution performs basic tasks well enough, such as providing sound for watching videos, playing games, video conferencing, etc. It doesn't provide the built-in synthesizers/tone generators or MIDI interfaces that were common on traditional sound cards, though.

Out of the box, a modern computer will typically play MIDI files using software-generated sounds, that are included in a wavetable within the Operating System. These sounds are of rather poor quality, though. Those who create music on computers these days, either as a hobby or in a more professional capacity, tend to use either software instruments (commonly referred to as "plugins", because they operate within the sequencing software) or external MIDI tone generators.

If you have something like a home keyboard, that is equipped with MIDI, it can both generate sounds and provide a means for the computer to record the notes you play. Newer instruments may be equipped with a USB port, that transmits MIDI data to/from a computer using a single cable. In such case, there's actually no need for a MIDI interface on the computer side. Older instruments, with the traditional 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI, require a separate MIDI interface. Small USB-MIDI interfaces (1 MIDI in, 1 MIDI out) are quite cheap and easily available. There are those that have more connections too, such as the one John uses.

To sum things up: You don't need to look for anything special with regards to the computer specs. You won't find anything there related to MIDI. 🙂

- H -

[mms]

OK thanks guys!

I guess I am showing my age, and my ignorance of something I love.
Your answers most definitely help.

I will base my purchase on the other specs I do understand, and assume MIDI stuff will be handled properly
“under the hood”.

I will be back with questions at a later time, with regards to these MIDI “plug-ins” and see if l can figure out
how to
use them in my software, as all l use now, is the wave table synth that ships with Windows.

Thank you again.

[mms]

So I dug up a few of my old test programs in which I issued a Bank Select command.
I recall this working on some of my old computers equipped with higher end sound cards.
On my current Windows 10 system these programs do not work.

So what do I have to purchase or install to have access to something more than just General MIDI spec stuff?

[parametric]

I'm still using my Creative SB Audigy 2 ZS (WDM) Soundcard . .

Seems to work just fine with Win10 Pro 64

I use Reaper with a load of NI (and other) VSTs with Kontakt5

Audio and Midi handled without problems (so far)

Chris