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Kev Adams

Joined: 05/01/11
Posts: 116
Loc: MK UK

how future-proof are midi controllers?
#885270 - 05/01/11 02:53 PM

I've used a simple 4 octave midi controller for the past ten years. Started with Win 98 and it has moved on to XP & Vista with no problems.
I've recently bought a larger digital piano; this will work as a midi keyboard but doesn't have pitch/mod wheels etc. I'd like to ditch my old controller for a smaller 25 key contoller to save space.

Here's the question- I'm looking on e-bay for small controllers and wondering how the older ones will fare with modern OS's. I don't imagine that there will be problems should I buy e.g. an old M Audio Oxygen 8 or similar, but maybe someone out there could either reassure me or tell me what to beware of. Thanks.

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http://www.kevadams.co.uk

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Korff
Loose Cannon (Reviews Editor)

Joined: 20/10/06
Posts: 1982
Loc: The Wrong Precinct

Re: how future-proof are midi controllers? new

[Re: Kev Adams]
#885274 - 05/01/11 03:02 PM

What are you plugging your keyboards into? An audio/MIDI interface with 5-pin DIN MIDI sockets? If so, you've nothing to worry about!

The only concern you might have is if you were planning on USB'ing everything into your computer, as in that case you may require drivers, which for really old controllers might not exist for some of the newer operating systems (like Windows 7).

Even then, though, USB MIDI devices tend to be class-compliant, and so wouldn't need drivers anyway...

Bottom line is, everything will probably be fine, probably.

Cheers!

Chris

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Kev Adams

Joined: 05/01/11
Posts: 116
Loc: MK UK

Re: how future-proof are midi controllers? new

[Re: Kev Adams]
#885279 - 05/01/11 03:29 PM

Thanks Chris. Yes, plugging 5 pin din into an MAudio Fast Track Ultra, or occasionally with the laptop, a little Midisport. I guess I might want to try USB into the laptop, I'm assuming that this would negate the need for a wall-wart, but it wouldn't matter if it didn't work.
You've put my mind at rest.
Kev

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http://www.kevadams.co.uk

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