Well I got my new computer and I'm setting up to do midi and audio recording with the new system. I need a good source for an inexpensive midi cable. It has to be a USB midi cable. Any suggestions.

Thanks,
Squeak

Squeak,

When you say "USB Midi cable", do you mean that you want to make a connection from the MIDI port on your keyboard to the USB port on your computer?

If so, you will need a USB-MIDI interface. The least expensive ones seem to be "USB MIDI cable" from Turtle Beach - basically the cables and interface together (around $25).

Edirol (Roland) makes a UM-1SX (around $30) but does not include MIDI cables, which you still need to purchase.

Yamaha UX16is around $35, but does include cables. there is also a number of other USB MIDI interfaces (mostly without cables), from M-Audio and others.

Keep in mind that for this money you are getting a 1x1 interface - 1 in and 1 out. One MIDI cable can carry 16 channels - usually enough, especially if you are only making connections to a single instrument. However, if you have multiple instruments, you may want to spend more and get a 2x2 or better interface.

Use Froogle to search.

Keep in mind, that most professional audio interfaces (e.g. M-Audio, and most others) also provide 1x1 MIDI interface capabilities. If you are planning to get that in the near future, you may want to hold off buying the USB MIDI interface.

Another thing to consider - most newer keyboards have a USB port for connecting with computer. Did you check that your keyboard does not have it?

Regards,
Alex

Squeak,

Edirol UM1 comes with midi cables. Sells for about $42.

Gary

Squeak,
When you find out exactly what cable you need, try www.cablesnmore.com
I have purchased many cables from them with good results and they seem to be cheaper than most.
Walt

I found USB cables at Staples to be really expensive. Then I found some at Big Lots for 5.00US that work just fine.

These are standard USB cables, used for printers, scanner and lots of other things beside MIDI.

I recommend getting a USB-MIDI cable that has drivers posted on the Internet. When you change your computer, you might not find the original install disk, so being able to download the driver from the Internet is helpful. I use the Yamaha UX16. I don't understand the comment about it not having cables, as the one I have is a cable with USB at one end and two MIDI plugs at the other.