USB or MIDI Ports?

carabidus · Post by **carabidus** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 7:39 pm

Let's say I'm using Cubase 9 and my interface is the RME UCX. This particular interface does not have MIDI ports, but the Kronos is plugged into the computer through USB. I assume MIDI data from the Kronos would be conveyed to Cubase via USB and the MIDI ports are not necessary for this application?

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 8:00 pm

The RME UCX has two midi in and out ports. I know this for a fact because I also own one. Perhaps you lost the midi adapter cable it comes with? You're still free to use the Kronos USB midi. RME does claim super low midi latency though I'm not sure if there's any real world benefit, not to mention the Kronos midi ports could in theory be slower than its USB connection, I simply don't know.

Bottom line - use either and it should be fine. The only thing is you need to install a driver to use the Kronos USB midi connection.

carabidus · Post by **carabidus** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 9:45 pm

Thank you, Sander. I am going to upgrade my Steinberg UR44 with the RME UCX. I realize there are inherent limitations with the USB format, but I desperately need to shave off some latency. It seems that RME's reputation is unmatched in this regard, from what I've heard of them.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Mon Jul 24, 2017 5:45 am

It is, and the UCX is a great interface. Generally speaking the latency that matters is audio processing latency though (when you play midi notes and the computer has to generate audio with a VSTi). Still, personally I prefer using the UCX midi myself as it saves a driver. If you're planning to use the Kronos Editor you should use USB though.