An audio interface with MIDI adds dedicated MIDI in/out ports alongside the usual audio inputs, which matters the moment your setup includes hardware synths, drum machines, or outboard gear that needs to send or receive MIDI data rather than audio signal. Without this, you’re stuck routing MIDI through a separate USB cable or controller, which adds clutter and another point of failure to what should be a simple setup.
This category is really about consolidating a hardware-based studio into fewer boxes: one interface handling audio conversion and MIDI clock or note data at the same time keeps latency and setup time down, especially useful when syncing a hardware sequencer to a DAW or triggering a synth from software. It also means one less driver and one less piece of hardware competing for the same USB bus.
- Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI in and out, not just USB MIDI class compliance
- Enough audio inputs left over for the mics or line sources you also need
- Reliable MIDI clock sync if you’re locking hardware to a DAW tempo
- Driver support for simultaneous MIDI and multichannel audio
It’s aimed at electronic musicians, synth collectors, and anyone building a hybrid hardware-and-software rig where outboard gear plays a central role rather than a supporting one. Browse the full shortlist for current picks.
