Best MIDI Interfaces for Hardware Synth Control 2025

Perfect midi interfaces for hardware-synth-control - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For MIDI Recording For Hardware Synth Control For MIDI Routing For Legacy MIDI Gear

BRANDS: Miditech CME

iConnectivity mioXL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

iConnectivity mioXL

by iConnectivity

MIDI Recording MIDI Routing Legacy MIDI Gear

Key Feature:

• Professional MIDI routing

✓ PROS

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity
• Hardware synth integration

✗ CONS

• MIDI technology is aging
• Expensive for limited functionality

iConnectivity mioXL8x12 MIDI / USB network interface8 MIDI inputs and 12 MIDI outputs10 USB-MIDI host connectors with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 476770

$427

Buy at Thomann View Details

iConnectivity mioXM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

iConnectivity mioXM

by iConnectivity

Hardware Synth Control MIDI Routing Legacy MIDI Gear

Key Feature:

• Professional MIDI routing

✓ PROS

• Hardware synth integration
• Reliable MIDI timing

✗ CONS

• Limited modern relevance
• Additional hardware complexity

iConnectivity mioXM4x4 MIDI / USB network interface4 MIDI inputs and outputs4 USB-MIDI host connectors with MIDI Class...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 476743

$250

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESI M8U eX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

ESI M8U eX

by ESI

Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Recording MIDI Routing

Key Feature:

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✓ PROS

• Professional MIDI routing
• Multiple MIDI ports

✗ CONS

• Additional hardware complexity
• USB MIDI often sufficient

ESI M8U eXUSB 3.0 MIDI Interface16 MIDI portsEach port can be used as input or outputAutomatic input and output...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 444479

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Miditech Midiface 16x16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Miditech Midiface 16x16

by Miditech

Hardware Synth Control MIDI Routing Legacy MIDI Gear

Key Feature:

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✓ PROS

• Hardware synth integration
• Reliable MIDI timing

✗ CONS

• Additional hardware complexity
• Expensive for limited functionality

Miditech Midiface 16x16USB-MIDI Interface16x MIDI inputs and 16x MIDI outputsActivity indicator for each MIDI portUSB...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 456889

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Miditech MIDIface 8x8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Miditech MIDIface 8x8

by Miditech

MIDI Recording Hardware Synth Control Legacy MIDI Gear

Key Feature:

• Multiple MIDI ports

✓ PROS

• Multiple MIDI ports
• Hardware synth integration

✗ CONS

• Limited modern relevance
• Expensive for limited functionality

Miditech MIDIface 8x8USB MIDI interface8 MIDI inputs8 MIDI outputsStatus LEDsUSB bus-poweredClass Compliant with MAC...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 406160

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESI M4U eX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

ESI M4U eX

by ESI

MIDI Routing Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Recording

Key Feature:

• Professional MIDI routing

✓ PROS

• Professional MIDI routing
• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✗ CONS

• USB MIDI often sufficient
• Limited modern relevance

ESI M4U eXUSB 3.0 MIDI InterfaceWith a total of 8 MIDI portsEach port can be used as input or outputAutomatic input and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 451849

$218

Buy at Thomann View Details

Miditech MIDIface II Thru - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

8/10

Miditech MIDIface II Thru

by Miditech

MIDI Recording Legacy MIDI Gear Hardware Synth Control

Key Feature:

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✓ PROS

• Hardware synth integration
• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✗ CONS

• Additional hardware complexity
• Limited modern relevance

Miditech MIDIface II ThruUSB MIDI Interface1x MIDI In1x MIDI Out1x MIDI ThruPowered by USB busNo driver needed (class...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 366675

$41

Buy at Thomann View Details

CME H2MIDI Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

CME H2MIDI Pro

by CME

MIDI Routing MIDI Recording Legacy MIDI Gear

Key Feature:

• Multiple MIDI ports

✓ PROS

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity
• Multiple MIDI ports

✗ CONS

• MIDI technology is aging
• Expensive for limited functionality

CME H2MIDI ProUSB Host MIDI Interface1 MIDI In and 1 MIDI Out (5-pin DIN)One USB-A MIDI host connection with up to...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612084

$51

Buy at Thomann View Details

CME H4MIDI WC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

CME H4MIDI WC

by CME

MIDI Recording MIDI Routing Hardware Synth Control

Key Feature:

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✓ PROS

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity
• Reliable MIDI timing

✗ CONS

• Limited modern relevance
• Additional hardware complexity

CME H4MIDI WCUSB Host MIDI InterfaceTwo MIDI In and two MIDI Out (5-pin DIN)One USB-A MIDI host connection with up to...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 612088

$70

Buy at Thomann View Details

Miditech MIDIface 4x4 thru/merge - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Miditech MIDIface 4x4 thru/merge

by Miditech

MIDI Recording Hardware Synth Control MIDI Routing

Key Feature:

• Multiple MIDI ports

✓ PROS

• Professional MIDI routing
• Dedicated MIDI connectivity

✗ CONS

• Expensive for limited functionality
• Limited modern relevance

Miditech MIDIface 4x4 thru/mergeUSB MIDI InterfaceWith additional standalone MIDI Thru and MIDI Merge function4 MIDI...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 558922

$70

Buy at Thomann View Details

Miditech MIDIface 2x2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Miditech MIDIface 2x2

by Miditech

Hardware Synth Control Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Routing

Key Feature:

• Multiple MIDI ports

✓ PROS

• Dedicated MIDI connectivity
• Professional MIDI routing

✗ CONS

• Expensive for limited functionality
• Additional hardware complexity

Miditech MIDIface 2x2USB MIDI Interface2 MIDI inputs2 MIDI outputsStatus LEDsUSB bus-poweredClass Compliant under MAC...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 319236

$54

Buy at Thomann View Details

CME U6 MIDI Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

CME U6 MIDI Pro

by CME

Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Routing MIDI Recording

Key Feature:

• Hardware synth integration

✓ PROS

• Multiple MIDI ports
• Professional MIDI routing

✗ CONS

• USB MIDI often sufficient
• MIDI technology is aging

CME U6 MIDI ProMIDI Interface3x MIDI In and 3x MIDI Out1x USB-C for MIDI transmissionMergefilter and flexibly route any...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 567879

$51

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESI MidiMate eX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

9/10

ESI MidiMate eX

by ESI

Hardware Synth Control Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Routing

Key Feature:

• Professional MIDI routing

✓ PROS

• Multiple MIDI ports
• Reliable MIDI timing

✗ CONS

• MIDI technology is aging
• Additional hardware complexity

ESI MidiMate eXUSB-MIDI InterfaceWith automatic input/output detection2 MIDI plugseach of which can operate as an...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 422742

$32

Buy at Thomann View Details

CME U4MIDI WC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

CME U4MIDI WC

by CME

Hardware Synth Control MIDI Recording Legacy MIDI Gear

Key Feature:

• Multiple MIDI ports

✓ PROS

• Professional MIDI routing
• Reliable MIDI timing

✗ CONS

• MIDI technology is aging
• Limited modern relevance

CME U4MIDI WCUSB MIDI InterfaceTwo MIDI In and two MIDI Out (5-pin DIN)One USB-C client port with three virtual...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 612078

$51

Buy at Thomann View Details

Strymon Conduit MIDI Hub - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Strymon Conduit MIDI Hub

by Strymon

MIDI Routing Legacy MIDI Gear Hardware Synth Control

Key Feature:

• Multiple MIDI ports

✓ PROS

• Professional MIDI routing
• Hardware synth integration

✗ CONS

• MIDI technology is aging
• Additional hardware complexity

Strymon Conduit MIDI HubMIDI interfaceWorks with most effect pedals with 6.3 mm stereo jack MIDI...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 521393

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best MIDI Interfaces

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced midi interfaces typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best MIDI Interfaces for Hardware Synth Control 2025

iConnectivity mioXL

iConnectivity mioXM

ESI M8U eX

Miditech Midiface 16x16

Miditech MIDIface 8x8

ESI M4U eX

Miditech MIDIface II Thru

CME H2MIDI Pro

CME H4MIDI WC

Miditech MIDIface 4x4 thru/merge

Miditech MIDIface 2x2

CME U6 MIDI Pro

ESI MidiMate eX

CME U4MIDI WC

Strymon Conduit MIDI Hub

How to Choose the Best MIDI Interfaces

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying midi interfaces?

How much should I spend on midi interfaces?

Are expensive midi interfaces worth the investment?

What are the best brands for midi interfaces?

Should I buy midi interfaces online or in-store?

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