That configuration will work, but yes, the passthrough module(s) will need to be powered-on. In addition, all of the modules are going to want to respond to the MIDI data, so you'll likely end up either muting MIDI parts/channels, or reducing the analog volume on the passthrough units.

Be aware that each link in a MIDI chain introduces compounding signal delay and distortion. When more than two modules are involved, as in your case, I'd recommend using a MIDI thru box or output selector, of which Roland's MPU-105 remains one of the most elegant, in my opinion...

ah, thanks for the info! I'll see if I can get a midi switch then (or the 105)

How about hooking either the SC-55 or the MU-80 to a sound card? UART is enough for those and GM games usually allow you to change the address anyway. You'd use THRU on the other two modules then and send the audio signal from the third one to the second one in that chain.

nah, I actually want to get rid of every other mpu and use the 401at for everything.
I mean to disable the mpu on my ct2230 🤣

I see. I was really just stating the obvious then. Good luck with finding that MIDI switcher 😉

All input/ideas are appreciated 😀 thanks!

I wonder if this through box is ok: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Midi-Solutions-Quad … =item3a7f2842c5

AFAIK aleksej is using a Midiman MIDI THRU box for such purposes.

keropi wrote:

I wonder if this through box is ok: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Midi-Solutions-Quad … =item3a7f2842c5

Should be fine. Basic MIDI thru boxes routinely sell for less than that though.

I have three units hooked up (MT-32, CM-32L and Sound Canvas) and use a simple Audio switch box that then goes into an audio mixer (to add Sound Blaster, connect headphones and set the balance for recordings).

I used to use the MIDI Thru solution, worked great and I didn't really notice the delays and other issues. Then I got a MIDI splitter (I made a YT video), but after using it for a while discovered that it produces hanging notes. So I am back to the MIDI thru solution for the time being until I find something else / better.

EDIT: I have that EXACT adapter and can't recommend it because of the hanging notes issue. Midi Solutions Quadra Thru.

Mau1wurf1977 wrote:

Then I got a MIDI splitter (I made a YT video), but after using it for a while discovered that it produces hanging notes.

Is there any correlation between the hanging notes and the number of connected devices? Despite the touted "MIDI-powered" design of the Quadra Thru, it's possible that the MPU-401AT is unable to supply enough power for all of the connected devices' opto-isolators. That, or your unit might be defective. In either case, you might have better luck with an externally-powered thru box.

Great info here, I'll stay away from that Quadra box...
Midi switches/through boxes seem to be somewhat obscure, can't say that I found something better than the Quadra on eBay...

edit: what about this Taiwanese thing, could it work too? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MidiBox-4X4-USB-MID … =item2eba41bf06

Cloudschatze wrote:

Is there any correlation between the hanging notes and the number of connected devices? Despite the touted "MIDI-powered" design of the Quadra Thru, it's possible that the MPU-401AT is unable to supply enough power for all of the connected devices' opto-isolators. That, or your unit might be defective. In either case, you might have better luck with an externally-powered thru box.

I haven't investigated this issue to this extent. Will definitely do at some point!

I used to use this AT keyboard switcher to switch between two sets of modules and sometimes to connect two PCs to share a single module.

^ I've seen these switches too, somehow they make me believe that they're crappy 🤣

Actually I bought for sharing the AT keyboards with my AT motherboards-based PCs. 🤣

Sorry to necro this thread! But... how would I get the audio back out? Would I need to run audio cables from all three devices to a mixer of some sort?
Thanks

Mikity wrote:

Sorry to necro this thread! But... how would I get the audio back out? Would I need to run audio cables from all three devices to a mixer of some sort?
Thanks

That is the best way, yes. I ended up buying one of these and I've been happy with the results:

https://www.amazon.com/ammoon-AM-228-Ultra-co … &ref=mp_s_a_1_7

Very inexpensive but gets the job done. The more popular one would be the Rolls mini mixer but it usually costs another $20 or more, and I believe it is completely passive, meaning it isn't powered so the signal volume levels will be lower after passing through the mixer, and this means having to turn your speakers or amplifier up (more hiss). The Ammoon mixer is powered.

Ozzuneoj wrote:

That is the best way, yes. I ended up buying one of these and I've been happy with the results: […]
Show full quote

Mikity wrote:

Sorry to necro this thread! But... how would I get the audio back out? Would I need to run audio cables from all three devices to a mixer of some sort?
Thanks

That is the best way, yes. I ended up buying one of these and I've been happy with the results:

https://www.amazon.com/ammoon-AM-228-Ultra-co … &ref=mp_s_a_1_7

Very inexpensive but gets the job done.

Thank you Ozzunero! I have distant memories of having a setup like that once, with lots of cables everywhere 😊