EverybodyJump wrote:

I just got a MT-32 and a SoundBlaster X-Fi Elite Pro

So i'm guessing I take a midi cable and run it from the from the MIDI-OUT on X-Fi breakout box with the other end going into the MIDI-IN on the MT32.

Now do I connect the MIDI-OUT on the MT32 into the MIDI-IN on the X-Fi breakout box to get sound?

Yes, connect the midi out of the X-Fi to the midi in of the MT-32 and that is all you need. Make sure that the midi device is properly set in the Control Panel. You don't need to do the second step unless you are interested in dumping the midi data.

EverybodyJump wrote:

Also is there much point in buying and using an SC-88? I thought I heard the standard midi in the card was better.... or is this some soundfont hack.

SC-88s are expensive, but produce excellent sound, especially in SC-55 mode. You may wish to stick with sound fonts because you can get some good sounding ones free.

to hear the sound that the Mt-32 actualy produces you have to hook up the line out (R & L) to the line in on your breakout box. The midi out is not needed as GH wrote.

I often forget that the line in can be used for routing sound to the speakers through the line out as well as recording sound input. Usually I connect my midi modules by the auxillary input on my speakers.

I've got an MT-32 and an SC-88, and they were both worth it. I would probably be happy with an SC-55MkII instead of the SC-88, but it's nice to have two GS instrument maps (SC-55MkII and SC-88) to choose from since one can sound better than the other in most cases.

Can't help with the X-Fi thing, as I detest Creative Labs. I use a USB-to-MIDI cable, and my new computer also has a joystick/MIDI port so I can use my old DB15-to-MIDI cable again too.