VOGONS


First post, by skel2raw

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Hi guys,

I would like to easily switch between the Midi devices (MT32, SC55, SC88, SC8820, Yamaha MU80) I have connected to my pc retro build. Depending on the game I am playing I would like to easily switch between the devices without using their midi thru ports.
Do you know of any sort of midi switch, hub etc. which simply has a midi in and a couple of midi outs between which I can easily switch?

Thx!

Reply 1 of 46, by BloodyCactus

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motu microlite, motu midiexpress, roland mpu 104+105 in combo, midisport 4x4 maybe.
there are lots of midi switchers/selectors.

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Reply 3 of 46, by dionb

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I use an Edirol 550 (5 in plus 5 out), the 880 does 8 in 8 out. The advantage over a simple switch is that you can use one source for multiple outputs at the same time. Plus nice snazzy 19" rackmount. However cyclone3d's suggestion is most definitely cheaper.

Reply 4 of 46, by BloodyCactus

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a lot of newer units too are usb controlled and have no switches for manual selection, which is something to be aware off.

ie: emagic amt-8 vs akai me30pii

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Reply 5 of 46, by xjas

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I have a Casio TB-1 (2 in, 8 out) and a Midiman Thru 3x8 (3 in, 8 out). Both are really nice as they work as more of a matrix and you can route multiple PCs or sequencers to a stack of sound modules however you like. 100% physical button switching, no USB needed.

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Reply 6 of 46, by skel2raw

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Thank you guys for the suggestions!

BloodyCactus wrote on 2020-03-04, 15:53:

motu microlite, motu midiexpress, roland mpu 104+105 in combo, midisport 4x4 maybe.
there are lots of midi switchers/selectors.

Why would I need both? Are they not simply the same thing with one of them just having one more output?

Reply 7 of 46, by BloodyCactus

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no the mpu 104 is an input selector, so eg: you could connect your ryzen 90000, your xp, your k6, your pcjr and your atari st to it. (it has 5 inputs, 1 output)

the mpu 105 is an output selector, all your modules plug into it (it has 1 input, 5 outputs). you can activate none, 1, or all outputs at same time.

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Reply 8 of 46, by skel2raw

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cyclone3d wrote on 2020-03-04, 16:02:
You can also use a simple AT style keyboard switch or a really old KVM switch. […]
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You can also use a simple AT style keyboard switch or a really old KVM switch.

That will be your cheapest option.

Do a search on eBay for:
Din-5 switch

That is actually a very nice idea. never realized that midi and AT style keyboard have the same connection.

Reply 9 of 46, by skel2raw

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BloodyCactus wrote on 2020-03-04, 20:34:

no the mpu 104 is an input selector, so eg: you could connect your ryzen 90000, your xp, your k6, your pcjr and your atari st to it. (it has 5 inputs, 1 output)

the mpu 105 is an output selector, all your modules plug into it (it has 1 input, 5 outputs). you can activate none, 1, or all outputs at same time.

Ah I see. But looking at the prices I guess it would make more sense to get a motu micro lite.

Reply 10 of 46, by dionb

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skel2raw wrote on 2020-03-04, 20:43:
BloodyCactus wrote on 2020-03-04, 20:34:

no the mpu 104 is an input selector, so eg: you could connect your ryzen 90000, your xp, your k6, your pcjr and your atari st to it. (it has 5 inputs, 1 output)

the mpu 105 is an output selector, all your modules plug into it (it has 1 input, 5 outputs). you can activate none, 1, or all outputs at same time.

Ah I see. But looking at the prices I guess it would make more sense to get a motu micro lite.

Don't assume eBay prices are the only deal in town. You can find this sort of stuff much cheaper through classified ads. My Edirol UM-550 cost me EUR 50 and I barely missed out an an MPU-105 for half that.

Reply 11 of 46, by skel2raw

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dionb wrote on 2020-03-04, 21:00:
skel2raw wrote on 2020-03-04, 20:43:
BloodyCactus wrote on 2020-03-04, 20:34:

no the mpu 104 is an input selector, so eg: you could connect your ryzen 90000, your xp, your k6, your pcjr and your atari st to it. (it has 5 inputs, 1 output)

the mpu 105 is an output selector, all your modules plug into it (it has 1 input, 5 outputs). you can activate none, 1, or all outputs at same time.

Ah I see. But looking at the prices I guess it would make more sense to get a motu micro lite.

Don't assume eBay prices are the only deal in town. You can find this sort of stuff much cheaper through classified ads. My Edirol UM-550 cost me EUR 50 and I barely missed out an an MPU-105 for half that.

Where for instance can I find this kind of stuff?

Reply 13 of 46, by skel2raw

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In Germany... For some reason, all the cool electronics stuff is in the US 🙁

Reply 14 of 46, by cyclone3d

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Ok, so just get one of those old 4-way switch boxes with the DIN-5 connectors. If you need to switch between more than just 4 external midi devices, just get however many you need and daisy-chain them.

Each box you add will net you an additional 3 output selections.

Edit:
You could always just build yourself one with a rotary switch, project box, and the appropriate number of DIN-5 connectors.

Here is an example of a 24-position, 2-pole rotary switch. I think the 3rd wire used (ground) could just be connected all together and shouldn't need to be switched.

The attachment 24-position_2-pole_rotary_switch.jpg is no longer available

It looks like you can go all the way up to 36 position rotary switches.. but those are getting way up in price.

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Reply 15 of 46, by imi

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if you use a manual switch just don't switch during playback ^^

Reply 17 of 46, by Vanessaira

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I have the MPU 104 and 105, I have heard good thing about the Midisport 4x4 though.

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Reply 18 of 46, by dionb

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skel2raw wrote on 2020-03-04, 21:52:

In Germany... For some reason, all the cool electronics stuff is in the US 🙁

You sure? I live in NL and have the feeling most is in DE 😜

Anyway, check eBay Kleinanzeigen. That works more like Craigslist than the regular eBay with prices to match.

Reply 19 of 46, by skel2raw

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dionb wrote on 2020-03-05, 07:00:
skel2raw wrote on 2020-03-04, 21:52:

In Germany... For some reason, all the cool electronics stuff is in the US 🙁

You sure? I live in NL and have the feeling most is in DE 😜

Anyway, check eBay Kleinanzeigen. That works more like Craigslist than the regular eBay with prices to match.

Ok, I stand corrected... Most of the cool electronics are in the US AND Japan. I was just searching for the Edirol UM550/880. The UM880 looks so beautiful and does exactly what I need. It's like love at first sight. The problem is the ones on eBay are mostly from Japan with 100v. On Kleinanzeigen etc. I couldn't even find one offer.