Computers use two basic types of hardware devices to generate sound: Sound cards and external MIDI instruments. Sound cards are installed internally in the computer and are connected to external speakers or headphones. Sound cards generally support both Wave and MIDI sounds. MIDI instruments are connected to an internal MIDI interface card or to a sound card with a MIDI interface port (connector). MIDI instruments provide MIDI sound only, and do not support Wave sound (although many MIDI keyboards can emulate special Wave sound effects).

Music Ace 2 supports Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC) compatible sound cards and MIDI interfaces (internal MIDI cards or sound card MIDI ports). Music Ace 2 will also work with a combination of a sound card and an external MIDI device. For example, you may use an external MIDI device for music sounds and a sound card for Wave sound.