SOUND ON SOUND

[Arpangel]

Just wondering, I’ve used up my Reese Midi splitter, I just need two more outputs, are these Midi splitter leads any good, one plug to two sockets, I heard they can be unreliable?

:think:

[zenguitar]

I've never had the need to try MIDI splitter cables so I can't advise there.

However, would it be possible to utilise the MIDI through output on a couple of your connected MIDI devices to connect the last two devices?

Andy :beamup:

[N i g e l]

Are the splitters passive ?

MIDI is a current loop, so sending half the current to each RX'er doesnt sound reliable.

[nathanscribe]

Are the splitters passive ?

MIDI is a current loop, so sending half the current to each RX'er doesnt sound reliable.

This. Spec is for a 5mA current. There are 'MIDI-powered' splitters that are not within spec that run an active buffer from the power available from a MIDI out, but I'd prefer to go with a regular active powered MIDI Thru box.

[Arpangel]

Thanks, I’ll try and use a thru, but I don’t think I’ve got one spare, my Micro Freak only has in/out, but I’ll give the leads a miss.

[Rich Hanson]

It's very much a case of 'it depends'. If the current capacity exceeds the capacity of the connected devices then it will work (I did it for quite a while back in the 90s) but if not then it won't be reliable.

I currently have a 1 in/4 out MIDI thru device which actually works well - I suspect the power supply relies on using the current loop to charge a capacitor (the current loop being normally powered) which then maintains the power to the electronics. Mine is fed from an ESI interface feeing three Behringer synths and I've not had any dropped notes or owt. YMMV though

[Arpangel]

It's very much a case of 'it depends'. If the current capacity exceeds the capacity of the connected devices then it will work (I did it for quite a while back in the 90s) but if not then it won't be reliable.

I currently have a 1 in/4 out MIDI thru device which actually works well - I suspect the power supply relies on using the current loop to charge a capacitor (the current loop being normally powered) which then maintains the power to the electronics. Mine is fed from an ESI interface feeing three Behringer synths and I've not had any dropped notes or owt. YMMV though

Thanks Rich, I may have a little sort out tomorrow, I might be able to do without the through box in the live room, in which case, it’ll be fine for the basement, if not I think I may try out a splitter lead, they are cheap enough, the set-up will be this, coming out of my Alesis Micron, into the splitter lead, one side will go to my Micro Freak, the other side to my A-Station, the output of the AS then goes into my interface, so basically, the lead is only feeding two devices.

[al_diablo]

Can't you just connect the micro freak to the midi thru on the a station?

[The Elf]

Grab a Kenton thru box - buy once, use forever.

[Arpangel]

Can't you just connect the micro freak to the midi thru on the a station?

No, the through on the AS is connected to my interface. I want to control the Micro Freak from my Micron, the Freak doesn’t have a through, at the moment I’m coming out of the Micron, into the A Station, out of the AS into the interface, I have no other Midi gear in this room.
I’m going to take my Philip Reese through box from the live room, it’s more useful in my synth set-up.
I’m reluctant to buy another one, I’ve always thought they are expensive little things, for what they are.

[Arpangel]

Done it, despite using the wrong lead that came with the Freak, I used the out instead of the input lead! :blush:
It’s been a good move though, recorded two pieces today.

:thumbup: