Cakewalk UM-3G 3x3 USB MIDI Interface

As your recording skills expand, so will this MIDI interface with its expandable, daisy-chain design.

Overall User Ratings (based on 5 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(5) (see rating details)
Submitted February 7, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Stable, reliable MIDI interface"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Features
3 in, 3 out. Kinda wish it had an even 4, but the price is right. Each group of ports has a midi-through switch that can internally connect the midi in and out.
Ease of Use
Run the driver setup program on the disc, plug the device into usb port, plug in your midi stuff. Done. The USB cable is non-removable and not very long. I think this was done to prevent interference since it is heavily shielded as well. It does make it awkward to place in my particular setup.
Quality
I traded up from a Midisport 4x4 to a Tapco midi interface when I went to a 64-bit OS. Unfortunately there were data transmission errors with the Tapco interface using my Roland JV-1010 and the ChangeIt program. After doing research online I found that the Cakewalk midi interfaces were exceptionally stable and jitter free. The other option was the MOTU Midi Express, but I could not find any first hand experiences to verify the stability they claim. The Cakewalk interface has a plastic housing, which is fine. I would have preferred a solid metal case like the Midisport, but that takes a backseat to the stability of the interface and OS compatibility.
Value
I think this product is worth the price I paid. It offers just what I need and nothing else, and is priced reasonably.

Musical Background:

Synth Collector

Musical Style:

Electronic
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Submitted December 22, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com

"cool interface for the $$"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
the fact you can dasiy chain 3 units together is very cool. keeps you from buying a bigger interface (like an 8x8)if you don't need that many ports, but the daisy-chain feature keeps it from being obsolete, so you won't have to replace it, just add on.

Musical Background:

pro

Musical Style:

rock-blues
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Submitted December 21, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Don't bust your wallet, or a blood vessel."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
With a string of new interfaces hopefully being introduced with Windows 7 and 64-bit driver support I may replace it later with a more full featured unit.
Sound
Silent, just like I like my MIDI.
Features
Love the inputs, should be 4 if you have 2 units sending and returning. Seems like a no-brainer, but I guess they want you to get another and chain them.
Ease of Use
This is where my patience was tried. With other Os's I had no problems setting up the driver and got right going except for Windows 7 64-bit. I've gone through 3 M-Audio, 2 no name, and 2 lower model Roland interfaces before settling with this one. All due to driver support. Granted the other models I mentioned had terrible jitter and sequencing problems with Ableton. Not sure why but I tried everything. My main rig is 64-bit, so thus the journey to find a compatible interface commenced! I found this unit, did the research, and found it does have a 64-bit driver just like the other units claimed. It, however is not Digitally Signed either. Forcing you to F8 before Windows starts and selecting "Disable Signed Driver Signature Enforcement", but I'm happy to say after that I've had no problems in multiple DAW's (Sonar, Pro Tools, and Ableton) Unit works like a dream, and I've chained about 3 other controllers through it with no issue including Microkorg, Juno, and various controller keyboards. Plug it in and start sequencing!
Quality
Not a bad unit. I read somewhere if you get multiple there are rack mounts you can attach which sounds nice. For a stand alone unit it could be more rugged for gigging seeing as it's a rubberized case on top of plastic with a metal base. I'd watch my MIDI cables around it to make sure you don't snap one off and damage the units connections. Slight problem if you have high quality MIDI cables with full metal connectors.
Value
Cheaper than 16 I/O rackmount units, more expensive that little 2 I/O units. In my experience, Cakewalk branded hardware is always backed up and solid, expecially for Cakewalk products!
Manufacturer Support
Here's my problem again with driver support. They either assume you know to bypass Signature Enforcement, or other luckier people have not had the same 64-bit issue. Emailed a few times and was told it was my PC or technical knowledge. (side note; I'm a Network Tech who troubleshoots PC's day-in and day-out, so that felt particularly insulting)
The Wow Factor
Glad I found what I was looking for. Had great reviews and did not dissapoint.
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