Cimple Solutions Extraports MIDI Expander; K&K Active Cable

Cimple Solutions Extraports MIDI Expander for the Atari ST

Affordable MIDI output expanders for the Atari ST are now quite common: there are now a number of devices available that plug into the ST's modem port and allow you to transmit an extra stream of MIDI data (providing your sequencing software is compatible). This concept is stretched further with proprietary multiple MIDI output interfaces manufactured by Steinberg and Emagic, for use with their sequencing software -- Steinberg's Midex and Emagic's Xport both allow the user to access several independent streams of 16 MIDI channels.

What we're looking at now is a third-party hardware product that offers this facility at a lower price: Cimple Solutions' Extraports is a compact, three-way device that plugs in, via a metre-long cable, to the ST's modem socket. This results in three extra streams (totalling 48 channels) of MIDI data being available to your software. The MIDI Outs on Extraports are labelled B/1, C/2 and D/3, because Notator/Creator SL labels its extra outputs B,C and D, while Cubase labels them 1, 2 and 3. Cimple's box needs no extra drivers for use with either Cubase or Notator/Notator SL; Cubase users should make sure that Steinberg's Export driver and MROS 3.33 are installed in the MROS folder. Extraports doesn't work with Emagic Logic -- but then it doesn't have to, since Logic comes packaged with its own multi-MIDI port expander.

In use, Extraports presents no problems. Adding the interface to your system immediately gives you access to 64 independent MIDI channels: 48 on Extraports plus the ST's main MIDI Out. Just keep in mind that the three outputs are addressed serially, and that MIDI information arriving at the third output of Extraport is going to be somewhat later than data arriving at output B/1 or the main ST MIDI out -- avoid sending any data which is strictly time dependent, such as drums or MIDI clocks, to outputs C/2 and D/3.

One good feature I noted is that Cimple have used a chip that allows longer than usual MIDI cables to be driven by Extraports, and the only letdown for me while using the device was the lack of a manual. While setting it up is virtually idiot-proof, and any doubts should be cleared up by referring to your software's manual, a few notes would be handy -- and Cimple will be filling the gap in future.

Other than that, I've no complaints: this is an elegant, affordable little box that makes life easier for users of compatible software. Cimple are to be applauded for their ingenuity. My only question is: why has it taken this long for a third party to develop such a device? Derek Johnson.

£ Extraports £70 plus £4 P&P (UK).

A Cimple Solutions, Unit 2*17*3, Wembley Commercial Centre, 80 East Lane, North Wembley, Middx HA9 7UR.

T 081 904 4141.

F 081 904 1200.

Two versions of the cable are available: unbalanced jack and mono jack to XLR balanced, intended to be plugged into the mic input of a mixer. Both types need to get their power from somewhere, and there's no room for a battery inside the plug, so a socket is fitted at the amplifier end of the cable, which accepts power from virtually any external power supply rated between 8 and 20 Volts, AC or DC of either polarity. Alternatively, the balanced XLR version will run from standard phantom power, a rather more elegant solution.

Aside from the chunkier than usual jacks, these 12-foot leads look fairly normal, though the balanced version has a coiled steel spring outer sheath which resists kinking. The circuitry is designed for low-noise operation, and claims to have plenty of headroom to prevent clipping; it presents a 1Mohm input impedance to the instrument. The exact output impedance isn't stated other than that it is low impedance.

For live use, these cables should allow long instrument leads to be used without compromising tone, while in the studio they represent a viable alternative to the traditional DI box for guitar recording. There may also be a slight benefit when used with some keyboards and modules, as many of these have a higher output impedance than they should. The cables are not designed to introduce additional gain, purely to provide matching, but this can produce an improvement in signal quality, especially when used with electric guitar or a guitar fitted with a piezo-electric pickup.

My tests using both a PRS and a Strat were surprising: I achieved the best DI'd clean sound I've ever had, with a lot more top-end zing and full-bodied warmth, background noise which was well below the mixer's own mic amp noise, and immunity to interference which seemed to be improved. The only down side I can see is that if you're using the phantom-powered, balanced model, you can't plug into an amp or overdrive unit unless you take a signal from the desk's insert send or channel direct output. However, for recording any form of clean guitar this product works stunningly well. The prices may initially seem a little high for 'trick leads' but if you forget the packaging and think of them as the ultimate clean guitar preamps, they're worth every penny. Paul White.

£ K&K Active Leads £74 (jack version); £80 (XLR version). Prices inc VAT.

A Barnes & Mullins, 155 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8UF.

T 071 278 4631.

F 071 837 6928.

Home | Search | News | Current Issue | Digital Editions | Articles | Forum | Subscribe | Shop | Readers Ads

Advertise | Information | Links | Privacy Policy | Support