workaround to use midisport interface with windows 7 x64

[7op]

hi there,

with the following workaround you can use your midisport interface with windows 7 x64 without 64-bit drivers:

- install microsoft virtual pc for windows 7 and boot the virtual guest windows xp.
- map your usb midi device to the virtual machine.
- install the existing 32-bit driver from m-audio for you midisport device in the guest windows xp (i tried this with midisport 2x2 and it works)
- install a virtual midi driver on the host windows 7 x64 system
- use ethernetMIDI to connect the midi interface installed on the guest windows with a midi application software running on the host.

Here are links to the required tools:
Windows Virtual PC: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir.../download.aspx
ethernetMIDI: http://www.linuxsampler.org/ethernetmidi/
virtual midi driver for x64: http://www.nerds.de/en/loopbe1.html

cheers,
7op


_________________________________________________
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
Amd Quad Phenom X4 9650 4gb 1Tb HD 5400rpm
Motherboard: asus m3n78-em
M-Audio Products: MIDISPORT 2x2
_________________________________________________

[mbunkerusa]

This sounds very clear and effective. I'm surprised the angry mob hasn't picked this up and run with it yet. XP compatibility was one of the selling points of Windows 7, I just hadn't found out how to do it yet. Thus you are a pioneer. Bravo.

[steveo42]

Originally Posted by mbunkerusa

This sounds very clear and effective. I'm surprised the angry mob hasn't picked this up and run with it yet. XP compatibility was one of the selling points of Windows 7, I just hadn't found out how to do it yet. Thus you are a pioneer. Bravo.

It's just an additional layer to complicate things.
Having been working professionally with computer systems, mostly hardware, since the late 1970's, there are a few terms that make me shudder.

Compatibility mode is one.
Emulates is another.

The better solution is native 64 bit drivers.

Second best is to move elsewhere.

I sold my MIDI Sport original in 1 day for $25.00.
I purchased a Cakewalk (Edirol I think) UM-2G for $59.95.
Complete with 64 bit drivers.
Total monetary investment $34.95.

Total amount of aggravation prevented, priceless.

But if the solution does indeed work without problems, kudos to the person who discovered it !!

It's all about making music anyway we can!

[glendale]

Hi,

does it mean, the Virtual PC needs to run (in the background) to use the Interface?

Thanks and kind regards,
chris

[Stephen]

Hello all,

I have the FW1814 AND the Midisport 4x4 which I have been working into my home studio setup using the released version of Windows 7 Home Premium. I think I may have stumbled upon somthing that works for the Midisport 64bit drivers (the FW1814 works with no issues using the Vista 64bit SP2 drivers).

I have a dual boot system with XP 32 bit on one drive and Windows 7 64bit on another drive. I remember getting the Midiman to work perfectly with no issues in Windows 7 64 bit.

I booted my PC to the Windows XP 32 bit side which recognized the Midiman like it always did. Then WITHOUT SHUTTING THE PC DOWN, I then restarted the PC and booted into Windows 7 and things worked perfectly. The only thing I noticed is the device was still not being seen under the USB ports, but it did work!

Then once I shut the system down completely and booted to Windows 7 the Midiman did not power on.

I will confirm this when I get back to my PC to see if this is a possible solution.

If there is anyone else out there who can try this out, please do so and let us know how you make out.

Thanks

Stephen

[paulelong@hotmail.com]

I was excited when I read this post, but as it turns out my hardware doesn't support virtualization. Unfortunately not all processor version support virtulization so this work around might not work for everybody.

So I'm still waiting for x64 Windows 7 Drivers. It would be great to see an update.

BTW the Windows 7 driver update page still states that the Delta 24/96 are still private beta, yet they are availalbe from a link in the forums. Seems this page should be updated?

[Stephen]

Please see my comments above and the reply about virtualization. I confirmed that what is stated above works and is a quick fix until the drivers are released.

Thanks

Stephen

[niklas555]

hey 7op
how did you get it to work? I tried with loopbe1 and ethernet midi but did not succeed. On the virtual PC ehternetmidi said "failed to open MIDI In port 0" when I clicked on the start button. I know my midi uno works well in virtual pc. somehow I can't get it to transfer in win7.

can it do this because the ip adress for both win7 and virtual pc is the same?

Nic.

[Stephen]

Not sure Nic, but this method does not have anything to do with Virualization.

My success is because I booted to a drive that has the XP32bit OS on one of my drives that works perfectly. By not powering the PC down, the power to the Midiman stays on. Then boot to the Windows 7 OS and you will be able to use the Midiman. It will still be seen as an unknown device but you will be able to use it.

As soon as the PC is powered down, the Midiman will not powerback up under the Windows 7 PC until you repeat the process mentioned above.

I agree that M Audio should have already had the drivers ready, but at least this is a fix for now.

Thanks

Stephen