Newb Midi/Synth Question

[t4ttyt3ddy]

Right so some background,
When I was younger My dad used to have a small studio setup which was a couple of synths a Sampler and a few rack modules. Now I used to very much enjoy playing with that all but never really knew how it worked together.
Now that I have rediscovered my love of the synth I was looking to do something similiar.

I have an imac with a Novation Nocturn midi controller Keyboard and a Line 6 UX1 audio interface.
The UX1 has a single stereo instrument in but no Midi in.
My question is that I have been looking at some Roland JV1080 and Korg Wavestation classic rackmount synths on Ebay and really fancy one. But how would I connect that up to my current setup:

1. Would I need to buy a Midi interface or Midi through box to connect it up to my iMac?
2. Could I do it by connecting the Midi out from my Nocturn to the Midi in on the JV1080 and then connect the Audio output of the JV1080 to the input on the UX1?
3. Or it there another way that I haven't seen, or don't understand?

Also would it be better to look at buying a mixer at some point or an audio interface with more analogue inputs and then use a software mixer on my iMac?

I thank all you knowledgeable people in advance, and if you have any web links that could help me further then that would be awesome.

Cheers
Bob

[octatonic]

[*]Could I do it by connecting the Midi out from my Nocturn to the Midi in on the JV1080 and then connect the Audio output of the JV1080 to the input on the UX1?

Yes this will work.
Ideally you want to have the midi out of the JV1080 heading back to the Nocturn as well, if it has a midi in.

I have a JV1080 for sale btw.

[t4ttyt3ddy]

Thanks for the answer, I knew someone would assist me.
And if I wanted more than 1 Rack synth would I need a Mixer or an audio interface with more inputs.
Also how much are you looking for, for your JV1080, I still have to convince the wife that it's a good purchase.
I suppose I could show her the new Korg Kronos first then anything would look like a steal!

Cheers
Bob

[octatonic]

Thanks for the answer, I knew someone would assist me.
And if I wanted more than 1 Rack synth would I need a Mixer or an audio interface with more inputs.
Also how much are you looking for, for your JV1080, I still have to convince the wife that it's a good purchase.
I suppose I could show her the new Korg Kronos first then anything would look like a steal!

Cheers
Bob

Yes you would need more IO- either a mixer, or a patch bay and yes you would need more midi ports as the JV1080 is 16 part multitimberal.

I'm looking for £150 (plus shipping).
Cash on collection or paypal gift.
Shipping will be another £10.

I also have the orchestral module for it (£50) which has great strings.

[tehLORD]

I love the wife logic

For your requirements it's probably best to eventually go for an audio interface with more inputs. A mixing desk is just overkill and paying for things you don't need as I assume you'll be mixing in the computer?

A good multi input interface would be a Saffire Pro 40 as it would give you plenty of inputs and a MIDI interface all in one box. You could also extend it's inputs even further with something like a Behringer ADA8000 via the Saffire's optical inputs for an extra 8 audio channels.........should you catch the bug for more synths. Which you will

The 1080 is a great used bargain btw. I bought one recently for not a lot of money and it's just awesome.

[octatonic]

The 1080 is a great used bargain btw. I bought one recently for not a lot of money and it's just awesome.

They are terrific- great piano's, hammond, squelchy synths, nice filters and very expandable.
I'm selling the spare I have- I will still keep one in the studio, probably forever.

I do remember paying around $1500 AUD (about £750 at the time) for my first one back in the early 90's.

[ecc83]

Before you get too wedge waving chaps, can I point out that the Novation range does NOT have MIDI in or out ports?

It is almost the norm for "budget" MIDI controllers to have only MIDI out (my Evo 49 is so blessed) MIDI in is rarely seen until you get into several 100 ££s of keyboard.

There is a possible solution if you really need the Novation to talk to a DIN equipped device. Kenton sell a MIDI "host" a usb in, DIN out box but it drops about another 80quid into the budget.

I think Novation's and other's nether regions should be infested with the fleas of a 1000 camels for this shortsighted, pennypinching lack. After all, once you have a processor in a controller/AI/soundcard a DIN MIDI interface is peanuts.....Many quite modestly priced amps have them!

Dave.

[octatonic]

Really?
Wow, that is surprisingly shit of them.

Ok any 1 in 1 out midi interface will do then, the Midisport UNO should suffice, they are £22.
Thanks for the headsup.

[ecc83]

"Ok any 1 in 1 out midi interface will do then, the Midisport UNO should suffice, they are £22."

Nope. That make a PC usb port into MIDI DIN ports. Will not make the Novation output DIN.

Dave.

[octatonic]

"Ok any 1 in 1 out midi interface will do then, the Midisport UNO should suffice, they are £22."

Nope. That make a PC usb port into MIDI DIN ports. Will not make the Novation output DIN.

Dave.

If you use a DAW the the Novation would be the midi master controller and JV1080 would be a sound module.
In Logic you just create a midi instrument object and you are good to go.

Or he could use a free OSX midi router like this: http://notahat.com/midi_patchbay