standalone midi patchbays

[EVT]

Hello everybody,

I was wondering what some recommendations would be for a standalone midi patchbay. I would be using one controller keyboard, and I want to connect all the modules, sequencers etc. into the patchbay and be able to have everything connected without having to switch midi cables around. I would go out of all the modules into a mixer, and I would want to only have to have whatever module i'm currently using to have to be turned on. I'm using all hardware, no computer.
thanks
evt

 

[Atterion]

MOTU Express XT USB (8x8) is a good piece. Standalone or with a computer. You can store 16 preset configurations. MIDI Timepiece AV USB is the bigger brother with even more sync options, more presets and better standalone programming.

 

[House de Kris]

Nowadays, used MIDI routers are cheap, and getting cheaper everyday. Seems everyone is dumping MIDI gear. Recommended ones are the units you can find locally. Here's a list of routers I use and like (from simple to complex):

1- Akai ME-30II (4x8), a few presets, two-way merge.

2- Yamaha MJC8 (8x8), 50 presets, MIDI monitor LEDs on each output port.

3- 360 Systems MIDI Mapper (8x8), 100 presets, can preset instruments when each preset is called.

4- JLCooper MSB+ (8x8), 64 presets, two simple processors, two-way merge.

5- Peavey MIDI Master (8x8), 100 nameable presets, two powerful processors, two-way merge.

6- JLCooper Synapse (20x16), three basic processors, three-way merge.

And, if you are into MIDI data manipulation via MIDI processors, the Yamaha MEP-4 is a must have box. All sorts of fun processing can be done with this toy.

 

[EVT]

thanks a lot for the replies.. your info will come in handy.
evt

 

[Krakit]

You want to control a bunch of stuff with one keyboard right?

Your cheapest option is probably the Midiman 3x8. It is a small stand alone router that's pretty cheap and VERY reliable.

<click me to buy one>

Carl

 

[EVT]

Krakit,
"you want to control a bunch of stuff with one keyboard right?"
Exactly...

I have a groovebox mc-505, and an emu xl-7, korg electribes.. samplers and I want to be able to control them all from my fatar sl-990 controller. I don't want to have to disconnect midi cables and move things around all the time. I want a more permanent setup. Thanks for the help.
evt

 

[ssscientist]

1- Akai ME-30II (4x8), a few presets, two-way merge.
2- Yamaha MJC8 (8x8), 50 presets, MIDI monitor LEDs on each output port.
3- 360 Systems MIDI Mapper (8x8), 100 presets, can preset instruments when each preset is called.
4- JLCooper MSB+ (8x8), 64 presets, two simple processors, two-way merge.
5- Peavey MIDI Master (8x8), 100 nameable presets, two powerful processors, two-way merge.
6- JLCooper Synapse (20x16), three basic processors, three-way merge.

I've owned most of these and have had nothing but trouble with all of them. The whole concept of a midi patchbay/processor may be a sound one, but I've never seen one that works beyond the first few months. Either the CPU gives out of the internal power goes bad. I strongly recommend that you look at Digital Music's passive switchers --- they just sit there and route your midi stream down 2 or 3 selectable paths and do it really well.

Just what kind of 'fun processing' can 'this toy' do, HdK?

 

[EVT]

I want something basic, so I don't have to chain all the modules together and have to have them all on when wanting to only use one at a time. So lets say I just want to use the groovebox , I turn it on and turn on the controller, and it's set to go... ,and the same for everything else. I don't need any complex midi capability options, I do everything with the controller and right from the sequencers.
What about this? Any good?
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--EDIUM880

Thanks ssscientist,
I'm going to look into the igital Music's passive switchers.
evt

 

[Krakit]

Well, I've only owned two MIDI thrubox type routers.

The MIDIman which is about 10 years old now and still works like a champ and my MOTU XT which is more like 20 years old and also works like a champ.

For what you pay (about $70) the MIDIman can't be beat for reliable simplicity.

You have three inputs (A,B and C) and 8 outputs (1-8). Each has three switches and three LEDs (Green, Yellow and Red).

If you want input A to talk to any combination of the 8 outputs, you flick their switches to A. If you want B to talk to any combination of the 8 outputs, you flick their switches to B. Ditto for C.

The LEDs let you see the MIDI info being sent from A,B and C.

No manual to read. No practice to get it right.

Plug in your slaves (modules, drum machines or whatever) into the 8 outputs and your controllers into one of the three inputs.

Like I said, you can set any combo you like, so one keyboard controller can control any 1,2,3 or even 8 slaves.

Sounds like you would like it a lot.

Carl

 

[EVT]

Thanks Krakit,
Your explanation helped clear up to know that it will do exactly what I need it to do. Thanks for the help. I think I'll probably go with the midiman, good price too.
thanks ,
evt

 

[House de Kris]

I've owned most of these and have had nothing but trouble with all of them. The whole concept of a midi patchbay/processor may be a sound one, but I've never seen one that works beyond the first few months. Either the CPU gives out of the internal power goes bad. I strongly recommend that you look at Digital Music's passive switchers --- they just sit there and route your midi stream down 2 or 3 selectable paths and do it really well.

Just what kind of 'fun processing' can 'this toy' do, HdK?

Wow, sorry to hear that. I've bought all those routers used and never had any issues with them. OK, I lied, the MSB+ has horrible buttons that bounce if you even think of pushing them. Other than that, no troubles. I've owned most of these for years.

I've attached a simple block diagram picture of an MEP4. The Channel Filter can be set to any one, several, or all to be passed on to the next block, the Message Filter. Here you can select what type of message to mess with in the next section. Which happens to be were the real work happens, the Data Modifier. The number of math function in the Data Modifier is pretty vast. You can do straight line equations, you know, like y=mx+b stuff. Reverse the data around a selectable data point. Or, have selectable limits on the data range. Others that I have forgotten by now. Also is a Delay Processor for simple single event delays up to 3 seconds. Lastly is the Out Assigner to determine what channel and port this new data will come out on. All four processors have these functions and can all be merged to the same port, if desired.

Search the net for a pdf of the manual, or ask me to send it to you if you want. I like the MEP4 so much I now own three and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.