Is it better to run MIDI cables from the synth to the interface, or USB from the synth to the computer? The manual says USB, but I've read on the board (here, but don't know who, so not sure if it's relevant) that MIDI is much better. Just got a new computer and have many more USBs and much more power, so wondering if I should just go USB from the Motif to the computer, or stick with MIDI to the audio interface. Thanks.

go with USB as long as you get it to work flawless, I've never noticed any difference between the two interfaces

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Does the synth have it's own keyboard or you use separate MIDI keyboard controller?

I have desktop virus TI and i use USB keyboard plugged into my computer, and TI is also plugged into USB. The audio interface is firewire. I get small but noticeable latency between a key stroke and sound out of my interface, even with lowest buffer setting on the audio interface.

The signal path looks like this:

[USB] Keys - PC (? msec latency)
[USB] PC - Synth (? msec latency)
[USB] Synth - PC (? msec latency)
[F.W.] PC - D/A = Sound (6 msec latency)

Then I tried this:

[MIDI] Keys - Synth = Sound

and there is no distinguishable latency.
Maybe I will try to measure the latency of each USB hop.

Last edited by antronx on Jun-17-2007 at 02:45

personally i route everything through midi simply because i have way too much going on USB wise. my DAW isnt a dedicated machine though, so that might be part of the problem. it works though.

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Thanks for the replies. I've got it hooked up through USB right now. I've only tested for signals (not performance yet) because I'm still setting up drivers and everything on the new computer. So I'll post on whether or not there's a performance difference soon.

Appreciate the responses.

So, I've gone with USB and right now, I'm noticing nothing wrong. Everything is responding on time - so I'll stick with this. Crappy part is that even with more USB's, I'm maxed out again (mp3, hard-drive, mixer, Motif, Axiom, mouse, keyboard, etc.). So, I may end up sending something back to the interface, but for now... works well. Thanks for the replies.

There isn't any difference using MIDI through USB or MIDI cable. It's the exact same data being transmitted the exact same way. Synths with USB connections (i.e. Virus TI) are much easier to control and manage because the USB connection will usually provide some kind of software integration. The TI has Virus|Control which is basically a software/VSTi interface for it. I know those new Lexicon fx units can be inserted and controlled like plug-ins, also. I'm still used to patching and recording to audio so I don't use the USB connections much.

With my TI, though, I haven't had the chance to see what the differences are in the quality of USB audio vs. analog inputs. IF there's a difference there, then that would be the only "major" difference.