Midi Interface: A Complete Buyer's Guide

By Chloe Nelson 3 December 2025 3 min read

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Midi Interface: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Choosing a midi interface involves understanding what the device needs to connect, how many simultaneous connections are required and what additional features — if any — justify a higher price. The market for MIDI interfaces is smaller and more clearly organised than the market for audio interfaces, which makes the buying decision more straightforward once a few key questions are answered.

Do You Actually Need One?

Before purchasing a midi interface, check whether your MIDI hardware already sends MIDI over USB. Most keyboards, controllers and synthesisers produced after approximately 2010 include a USB MIDI connection that requires no interface — the computer recognises the device directly when connected by a standard USB cable. A dedicated midi interface is only necessary when connecting hardware that uses the older 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors, including most vintage synthesisers, drum machines, and hardware sequencers from the 1980s and 1990s.

Single-Port Options

For connecting one piece of hardware at a time, a single-port interface is sufficient. The Roland UM-ONE mk2 (approximately £35–£45) and the M-Audio UNO (approximately £25–£35) are the two most consistently recommended single-port options. Both are bus-powered (no additional power supply required), include one MIDI DIN input and one output, and are compatible with Windows, macOS and iOS without driver installation. The Roland is generally considered more reliable under continuous studio use.

Multi-Port Options

For studios with multiple pieces of MIDI hardware, a multi-port device from MOTU (the MIDI Express series) or iConnectivity (iConnectMIDI series) provides independent routing of MIDI data to and from several devices simultaneously. The MOTU MIDI Express 128 (approximately £200–£250) provides eight MIDI inputs and eight outputs — sufficient for most mid-sized hardware setups. At this level, the interface also functions as a MIDI patchbay, allowing routing changes without replugging cables. For an overview of how the device works in practice, the overview guide covers the fundamentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best midi interface for beginners?

The Roland UM-ONE mk2 is the most frequently recommended starting point. It is bus-powered, class-compliant (no driver needed on macOS and most recent Windows versions), provides one MIDI in and one MIDI out, and is reliable under regular studio use. The M-Audio UNO is a slightly cheaper alternative with similar specifications.

How much should I spend on this type of device?

A reliable single-port device costs between £25 and £50. Multi-port devices start at around £100 for two-port options and rise to £200–£300 for eight-port professional units from MOTU or iConnectivity. Spending more than £50 is only justified if multiple simultaneous hardware connections are needed.

Can I connect my synthesiser directly to my computer?

If the synthesiser has a USB connection, connect it directly — no interface needed. If it only has 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors, you will need a dedicated USB-to-DIN adaptor. Some synthesisers have both options; in that case, the USB connection is simpler and does not require any additional hardware.

Does my audio interface have MIDI connections?

Many audio interfaces include 5-pin DIN MIDI in and out ports alongside their audio connections. If yours does, you may not need any additional hardware. Check the product specifications or rear panel of your audio interface before purchasing an additional device.

What is class-compliant MIDI?

A class-compliant device uses standard USB driver classes built into the operating system, so it works without installing additional software. The Roland UM-ONE mk2 and most modern iConnectivity devices are class-compliant. Non-compliant devices require a manufacturer-supplied driver that must be updated when the operating system is updated.