Two MIDI devices - One Driver?

[BSProductions]

Hey!

I have the Trigger Finger and an Axiom 61 hoocked up to my computer. So far I have only used the Windows generic drivers for them and they have worked nicely. However, I was thinking of changing to use the M-Audio drivers for some reason and downloaded the latest one from the m-audio website. I noticed that the same driver is distributed for both the Trigger Finger and the Axiom. I remember I installed the drivers that came with my MIDI stuff when I first got them but every now and again my MIDI controllers would play up and screw up my machine. I was thinking that perhaps there was a driver conflict.

I'm wondering if it's safe to use two m-audio products with the same driver and how to prevent everything from screwing up when doing so. Or should I just do it and not think if it and then everything will be ok?

Thanks for any advice.

Marius

[nagal]

I would just stick with the Windows drivers. This is a good case of if its not broke, don't fix it :)

[BSProductions]

Yes, true words of wisdom.

However, If I have a good reason to change the drivers to the M-audio ones and stop using the windows ones, then what? Let's say I want to use several applications at once and at least two needs to share a MIDI driver. The Windows ones won't allow that. Any good tips?

[nagal]

Errr each device will have its own instance of the driver even if using the same driver. I had no issues using my M-Audio Axiom 61 and Trigger Finger at the same time with the default Windows driver.

[BSProductions]

Yes, same here. That's why I'd asume it's safe to install and use the M-Audio driver in stead of the windows drivers. However, last time I tried, it started screwing up my machine. At least I think it was the m-audio drivers that did it, because my apps were being confused about two units using the same driver, perhaps? Enabling my MIDI devices was a sure path towards destruction so that's why I assumend so. I'm not sure, which is why I ask here of course. Has anyone two m-audio devices on their system, using the same m-audio driver without any problems? Or should I avoid trying to do so?

[ecc83]

I don't understand a lot of this but on one of my XP pro pc's I have.

2496 PCI

eKEYS49 USB kbd

Fasttrack pro usb

Behringer BCA2000 usb.

I can mix and match in Samplitude 8se and select any or all as in or outs (can't have a different in to an out, cluck it!). I do not get any crashes or hang ups at all ( where angels fear.. perhaps?).

If there are any specific combinations you want me to try out I can oblige.

The drivers are what were on cd's or downloaded, whatever got whatever going!
Dave. ( don't get too techy, me pc Tas s)