Connecting External Synthesizer to USB Port on Intel D Motherboard

[p.jayant]

After changing the SoundCard to SB Audigy for Vista compatibility, I have
lost the gameport on the SounCard which I was using earlier for MIDI-IN &
MIDI-OUT to my external synthesizer, through a connector having two 5-pin
DIN plugs. Since Gameports and MIDI ports are changing to USB, I am
wondering if I could connect my synsthesizer to the USB port on the
motherboard and if I can, would I need to hunt for a Vista-compatible MIDI
driver or whether the RealTech drivers provided along with the motherboard
would have the MIDI handling capability. Is the USB port to two 5-pin DIN
plugs connector a standard one I can buy in a computer shop?

P. Jayant

 

[Carlos]

Hi,
Not quite what you are asking for.
If you are running Vista 32-bit, go to the Vista forums in
www.soundblaster.com
You will find unofficial drivers for your gameport that will bring it back
to life.
I have not checked if there are also workarounds for the MIDI port.
Just go to the discussions forums and choose "Windows Vista".
Worth a try.
Best of luck.
Carlos

 

[Dwarf]

Hi p.jayant,

There are adapters on the market which can convert the MIDI interface to USB
and also the gameport interface to USB. There are a couple available from
Maplin. Note that these adapters do not support all devices on the market. I
provide links to Maplin for these adapters. Adapters are also available
through Amazon. I enclose links for these as well.
Dwarf

MIDI
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=48612&doy=29m1#overvie
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e...aps&field-keywords=midi+usb+adapter&x=20&y=20

Gameport
http://www.maplin.co.uk/SEODynamicPages/module.asp?ModNo=2325
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_p...field-keywords=gameport+usb+adapter&x=20&y=12

 

[Carlos]

Hi,
Here you have some MIDI workarounds.
http://forums.creative.com/creativelabs/board/message?board.id=Vista&message.id=7749
Carlos