====== MIDI Router ======

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.

===== Notes on Hardware =====

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.

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.

(I ended up getting a [[JLCooper MSB Plus rev 2]])\\ (And I like it so much I'm planning on getting a second)

Since I first put this together I've been using my computer for sequencing (using a Roland UM-One to send/get with USB), but still like playing with things when it's off and still need to be able to changing routing then too.

==== Require PC ====

  * **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 with over network, and so can use more channels.
    * DIN, USB
    * DIN 8 in/out, then 4 more outs.
    * Routing is set via PC software, presets selectable with hardware
      * Linux CLI: https://codeberg.org/pmatilai/mioctl
    * Can filter out lots of things like clock, notes, lots of others
    * Earlier versions don't have good USB MIDI (eg: Mio10 has 1)
    * 2 ins, 6 outs, and usb is on the front, which is a bit messy.
  * **Opcode Studio 64XTC**
    * 4 inputs DIN
    * 4 outputs (1 and 2 both have 2 though, so kinda 6) DIN
    * 128XTC model is 8x8 in/out
  * **Motu MIDI Express**
    * Hybrid, so needs computer to configure the routing
  * **MOTU MIDI TimePiece**
  * **Emagic Unitor 8 MKII**
    * 8x8
  * Miditech Midiface 16×16
    * https://miditech.de/en/portfolio/midiface-16x16/
    * 16 ins, 16 outs
    * USB powered
    * No buttons, entirely done through computer.
    * 1.5U height; weird!
  * Midiplus MIDI 16x16
    * Seems to be a knockoff of the Midiface.
  * Steinberg Midex 8
  * ESI M8U eX
    * https://www.esi-audio.com/products/m8uex/
    * 16 ports, assignable as in/out as you wish
    * Not rack mountable?

==== Standalone ====

  * **MX28S**
    * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YmvJKIHR_Q
    * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wbHlUZS4-M
    * Old one with 2 inputs, 8 outputs
    * Reminds me a bit of the Kawai one.
    * Desktop, not rackmount
  * **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
    * Designed by as Australian ;) one of the Fairlight guys.
  * ★**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!
    * There's also the small SMP-7, which is 6 in 8 out, no patchbay.
  * **Digital Music Corp MX-8**
    * 6 DIN inputs
    * 8 Din outputs
  * ★**[[jlcooper_msb_plus_rev_2|JL Cooper msb+ Rev2]]**
    * 8x8
    * 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/filtering?
  * **Digital Music Corp MX-8**
    * routing similar to MSB+, but less good interface
    * wired power

===== See Also =====

  * [[yt>KWaktL3nnYg|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.

{{tag>music-making hardware}}