The Akai ME30-P has 4 midi inputs and 8 outs. Does it merge midi in, and if so, how many inputs can be merged? Also, is this thing easy to program? I have no manual.
What you've got hold of there is a simple 4 x 8 midi patcher that has no merging capabilities at all. You can connect 4 master signals (keyboards, pads, fader boxes, etc.) to the 4 inputs and then run midi informantion out to 8 separate midi devices.
If you're intersted, the service manual and schematics can be ordered here.