Cheap USB-MIDI cable \ VOGONS

Cheap USB-MIDI cable

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First post, by GL1zdA

Posted on 2015-09-21, 15:46

GL1zdA Offline

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How should the cheap USB-MIDI cables work? I bought one, connected to the SC-55 and have absolutely no sound. I suppose one of the LEDs should light up when there are MIDI messages flowing through the wire, but on mine only the power LED is shining. Does it have to be connected to the module to see any activity? I assume OUT on the cable goes to IN in my SC-55?

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Reply 1 of 5, by keropi

Posted on 2015-09-21, 15:59

keropi Offline

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Yes, Out from cable goes to In of sc-55...

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Reply 2 of 5, by stamasd

Posted on 2015-09-21, 16:46

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These cheap cables are implemented violating the MIDI standard, i.e. with direct connections instead of optocouplers, components missing inside etc. See this for an overview: http://www.arvydas.co.uk/2013/07/cheap-usb-mi … ay-be-required/

I would check inside the interface box to see if there aren't any broken/loose wires, as these seem to be assembled at very low standards.

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Reply 3 of 5, by GL1zdA

Posted on 2015-09-21, 21:34

GL1zdA Offline

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Looks very similar to mine. No optocouplers inside. Won't even try to even get it working any further, just ordered the Roland UM-ONE mk2.

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Reply 4 of 5, by PhilsComputerLab

Posted on 2015-09-21, 22:35

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I found that the cheap ones work ok for General MIDI, but have issues with MT-32, and are also bugged when doing anything with MIDI in. Getting a branded MIDI adapter is a good investment. The Roland UM-One MK2 has been updated with Windows 10 drivers, which is nice.

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Reply 5 of 5, by Stojke

Posted on 2015-09-22, 12:38

Stojke Offline

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Mine has an optocoupler inside. And the quality of build is greater.

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