AKA: MIDI Patchbay, MIDI Patcher, …

Hardware for routing signals between MIDI hardware. Typically you can tell which devices to talk to each other, and filter those signals if you don't want certain messages (only clock, no velocity, etc.). Saves you having a mess of cables and organisation headaches connecting lots of devices by thru ports, which also means everything has to be turned on. Potentially also mitigates MIDI signal loss and can spare you running long daisy-chains. Vital in my setup.

Some rough notes on models from when I was researching. Old rack ones are heaps cheaper than the MRCC and MioXL, so was mostly trying to get info. on those.

(I ended up getting a JLCooper MSB Plus rev 2)

My criteria:

• 8×8 - 8 MIDI ins, 8 MIDI outs.
• Ability to filter MIDI signals.
• USB MIDI ins/outs - not required, nice to have as extras.
• Kettle plug / not hard-wired power - Lots more available from NA/JP, didn't want to have to use a step-down convertor.

• Conductive Labs MIDI Router Control Center (MRCC) ~$650 D:
  • https://conductivelabs.com/product/mrcc-midi-router-control-center/
  • route heaps of things to heaps of others
  • can separate (filter) clock and notes
  • USB, DIN, TRS
  • Can also output CV
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtsUlc4A-XQ
  • you can even label shit if you plug in a computer keyboard
  • https://conductivelabs.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=2164 - din to usb port
  • Compatability: https://conductivelabs.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1662
  • has a fucking arpegiator
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRjD3sNZNsg
  • Conductive Labs' tutorials https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVL26OPxckm72I-DPvmQMzfNv7PsfqboI
• iConnectivity MioXL ~$700 D: D:
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vdHKQp-4Rk
  • Can use MIDI RTP, so can be communicated to over network
  • DIN, USB
  • Can do routing with software or on the hardware
  • Can filter out lots of things like clock, notes, lots of others
  • Earlier versions don't have good USB MIDI (eg: Mio10 has 1)
• MX28S
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YmvJKIHR_Q
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wbHlUZS4-M
  • Old one with 2 inputs, 8 outputs
• Opcode Studio 64XTC
  • 4 inputs DIN
  • 4 outputs (1 and 2 both have 2 though, so kinda 6) DIN
  • 128XTC is 8×8 in/out
• Yamaha MJC8
  • 8 inputs DIN
  • 8 outputs DIN
  • all on back
  • wired-in power
  • no filters?
• ★Roland A-880 ~$300
  • 8 inputs DIN
  • 8 outputs DIN
  • 6 pairs on back, 2 pairs on front
  • easy ux
  • can filter (here clock is called Real Time messages)
  • wired-in power
• ★Anatech SMP-16
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZBjJGPiDoQ
  • 8 inputs DIN
  • 8 outputs DIN
  • Standard kettle plug for power
  • Also an audio patchbay!
• Motu MIDI Express
  • Hybrid, so needs computer to configure the routing
• MOTU MIDI TimePiece
• Digital Music Corp MX-8
  • 6 DIN inputs
  • 8 Din outputs
• Emagic Unitor 8 MKII
  • 8×8
• ★JL Cooper msb+ Rev2
  • 8×8
  • barrel jack for power
    • output 9V DC 500mA centre-positive
  • straight-forward interface with buttons.
  • can program more sophisticated routing
• KAWAI MAV-8
  • 4 in, 8 out
  • nice interface with sliders…
  • but no fancy routing?
• Digital Music Corp MX-8
  • routing similar to MSB+, but less good interface
  • wired power

• Overview of Midi interfaces - vintage, old and new - Music hardware YT vid that's not actually annoying. Probably what made me look out for older gear.