The Edirol UM-1EX is a single channel MIDI to USB interface.  This is perfect for those who have a keyboard with MIDI capabilities and want to use it in tandem with their computer and take advantage of the world of MIDI and computers without having to get a separate MIDI keyboard.  The interface simply has connections for USB and a MIDI input and output.  This is as simple of any type of interface as you can get...

UTILIZATION

Setting up the Edirol UM-1EX with your keyboard and interface isn't hard at all.  I didn't encounter any compatibility issues or any other problems as the process of getting this up and running was quite easy.  Since I have run this on a Mac Book Pro lap top, I didn't need to install any external drivers, and simply followed the step by step instructions.  It is a simple plug and play interface as long as you're using a Mac, and if you're using a PC I would imagine that it would be easy enough to install by following the step by step instructions.


OVERALL OPINION

I would definitely recommend the Edirol UM-1EX MIDI interface for anyone looking for a single channel USB to MIDI interface.  This was the cheapest one that I could find, being just a bit cheaper than the M-Audio version of this interface.  If you're looking for the cheapest MIDI interface out there just to give you basic access to MIDI on your computer, I'd definitely recommend this one.  It should last for a while if you treat it right, but it isn't as study as other interfaces out there since it isn't a box or anything like that.  All in all, the Edirol UM-1EX MIDI interface is perfect for the small studio owner or for the person who wants a cheap way to get into the game of MIDI.