Midi out question

I am new to this....... I want to get an inexpensive midi keyboard to use with the mbox2 that I have. Most of the cheap keyboards seem to be USB but also have one midi OUT "jack". After reviewing the digi manual for the mbox2, it looks like they want you to hook midi IN and OUT to the mbox2 when using a midi device. Seems this would be impossible being that most lower priced midi keyboards only have the midi OUT(and are USB). So, would just using the midi OUT work(to the mbox2 midi IN) ?

t56tr This depends on whether you want a MIDI Controller or a Keyboard/Synthesizer that has Sound Module capabilities. A MIDI Controller only needs MIDI Out to transmit MIDI messages, where as a Keyboard/Synthesizer/Sound Module needs MIDI Out and MIDI In to transmit and receive MIDI messages. Some MIDI Controllers have a built-in MIDI Interface, that's connected via USB, as the Mbox and other MIDI Interfaces. filosofem

Thanks I think I follow - I basically just want to use the cheap midi board to tap out some beats with bfd etc or use some keys/synth sounds that come from software - not use sounds from the keyboard. So it looks like the one midi out would be ok.

t56tr What sort of MIDI Controller do you have in mind? Are you wanting to assign Softsynth Parameters to the Controller? filosofem

Hmmm I am new to this and midi. I do not even know what softsythns are. I was thinking of something in the m-audio line to learn/get started on. For now I need something to trigger bfd (drum software). I know I can get a midi drum pad for that but I figured I could get away with using some sort of keyboard for now, which I could also possibly use for other things as well.... Anyway maybe something like this (only has midi out though)....

Nice, 8 assignable knobs and buttons, MIDI support for CC values, note on/note off, Program and Bank Change and SysEx. That'll keep you out of mischief for a while. What sort of Software Bundle came with the Mbox II? Have you got the full version of BFD? If you go and click on How to use BFD... spkguitar has a great tutorial for BFD full version, amongst other things. filosofem

BFD lite came with it... I also own toontrack superior drummer custom vintage, but I have not even done anything with it yet. I guess for the toontrack superior I would need a vst to rtas wrapper or converter(?) Thanks for all the info

Yeah, if Toontrack is VST. filosofem

DFH Superior and C&V also support ReWire, and RTAS is in the works.