MIDI is still a reality of life for connecting all kinds of
instruments. The most compact MIDI adapters act basically like a
MIDI-to-USB cable, but many of those are 1-in / 1-out only and look
ugly as hell.
Romio from Reflex
is different: 1-In, 2-Out (for 32, count `em, channels), and it's
simply gorgeous, at least in the product shots. Bus-powered, compact,
plug-and-play. Can't wait to try one out. US$40, available now.