[rec.music.synth] Seeking info on PC MIDI interfaces

EDWARD.STAUFF@OFFICE.WANG.COM (Edward L. Stauff) (12/18/90)

(This is *NOT* another request to "help me pick a MIDI interface 'cause I
don't know anything about them".  (No offense to posters of such requests.))

I'm in the market for a PC MIDI interface.  I've heard good things about
MusicQuest, and will probably get their basic "PC MIDI Card" ($99 from
Soundquest).  However, I noticed in Electronic Musician's overview of MIDI
interfaces the Computer Music Supply CMS-401-II, which features two MIDI
ins and two MIDI outs, all for only $10 more than the MusicQuest board
(list prices).  However, when I called Soundware, they said that the CMS
interfaces had proved unpopular because of reliability problems.  But they
also said that things change, and CMS may have improved their line.  So...

Has anyone had any experience with CMS MIDI interfaces?  Would anyone like
to recommend (for or against) any other MIDI interfaces?  I don't need fancy
synch stuff or an on-board synthesizer, I *DO* want MPU-401 compatibility,
and it sure would be nice to have a second MIDI in without paying twice as
much money for that feature.  (Yes, I'm too poor to buy a MIDI merge box.)

Oh, one more thing.  For what it's worth, I've spoken to Soundware several
times, and they always gave me the impression that they were more interested
in helping me out than in making a sale.  They also seem to be *VERY*
knowledgable.

Reply to me or the newsgroup as you prefer.

-- Ed Stauff                                   Edward.Stauff@OFFICE.Wang.com