This seems to be an area of synthesiser related technology that has a lot in common with the Bermuda triangle.

Let us all learn from your mistakes, and your success:

What should one get, and not?

What should one do, and not?

Let me tell you, don't buy a cheap interface on you local trading site... Do try the GM5 chip, mine don't work, yet, but I have only heard good things about it...

My GM5(x5x5) DOES work! If your interested head over to the MIDIBox Forum.

I got a cheap generic, no name USB->MIDI thing off ebay for a fiver.

Works fine for regular MIDI notes, but when you send sysex it can't cope and mangles it!!

So I've just purchased myself a fast track pro (http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/FastTrackPro.html) I'll be testing that monday/tuesday.

Nice, but far from frugal. But could be considered cheap as it just works!

Aye, not cheap, but I've been after a good audio interface too :)