Published 8/2/08
More MIDI magic!
Kenton Electronics, whose MIDI gadgets act as the plumbing in many a synth lover's studio, have released the MIDI Merge 4, a device that's designed to remove the need for the complex computer-based merging of MIDI data.
The Merge 4 has four MIDI inputs and two MIDI outputs, the signal from the latter of which is identical. Standard MIDI data from the four inputs is simply combined to form the data stream from the MIDI output so, for example, two MIDI controllers can be used to control the same parameter. But some signals are handled slightly differently.
Messages that can't sensibly be merged, such as those for Active Sensing, MIDI Time Code and MIDI Clock, are locked to a 'master port' at whichever input first receives such a message after the unit is switched on. This ensures that important data is transmitted in full, albeit from only one MIDI port.
Cleverly, System Exclusive (SysEx) messages from each input are separately buffered, so that signals from all connected equipment is sent from the MIDI outputs, but their data packets remain intact.
As with Kenton's other products, the Merge 4's metal casing is robust enough to be used on stage. It's powered by an included 9V AC-DC converter, and it's got a power indicator LED. It is available now, at a cost of just under £75 including VAT.
Kenton Electronics +44 (0)20 8544 9200
www.kenton.co.uk
The Merge 4 has four MIDI inputs and two MIDI outputs, the signal from the latter of which is identical. Standard MIDI data from the four inputs is simply combined to form the data stream from the MIDI output so, for example, two MIDI controllers can be used to control the same parameter. But some signals are handled slightly differently.
Messages that can't sensibly be merged, such as those for Active Sensing, MIDI Time Code and MIDI Clock, are locked to a 'master port' at whichever input first receives such a message after the unit is switched on. This ensures that important data is transmitted in full, albeit from only one MIDI port.
Cleverly, System Exclusive (SysEx) messages from each input are separately buffered, so that signals from all connected equipment is sent from the MIDI outputs, but their data packets remain intact.
As with Kenton's other products, the Merge 4's metal casing is robust enough to be used on stage. It's powered by an included 9V AC-DC converter, and it's got a power indicator LED. It is available now, at a cost of just under £75 including VAT.
Kenton Electronics +44 (0)20 8544 9200
www.kenton.co.uk
