![]() ![]() But back in the 1990’s, it was like magic, and no-one complained that they needed two cables for this type of two-way communication. I realize as I write this that it all sounds archaic these days, when we have digital bi-directional comms over a single USB connector, let alone Ethernet and WiFi. Some manufacturers combined the THRU and OUT connectors. In fact, later keyboards and modules included a third port, a MIDI THRU that would re-transmit incoming MIDI signals to the next device in a chain, allowing layering and multi-timbral setups. ![]() This allows more than one device in a MIDI chain. So if you connect a MIDI cable between two devices, a device listening on channel 1 won’t respond to any messages assigned to channels 2-16. MIDI messages are assigned a “channel” between 1 and 16. The computer requests data the module sends it the computer sends more data. From the computer OUT to the module IN and also from the module OUT to the computer IN. We had PC software that allowed us to perform patch librarian tasks using MIDI (called System Exclusive or SYSEX) on many of the devices but it requires bi-directional data transfer between the sound module and the computer, and signals in a single MIDI cable only go one way: You need two cables connecting the In and Out ports. Shortly after that, we found a Roland MIDI Interface (MPU-401?) for our PC, and started recording MIDI sequences into a copy of Passport Software’s Master Tracks Pro. Also, you could send notes from the Jupiter to the Akai devices over MIDI, so long as you set the rack to listen on MIDI Channel 1 or 2. It was soon followed by an Akai sampling keyboard and synthesizer rack module, which worked very well together when connected with MIDI cables. It had some DIN ports – In and Out – on the back for something called MIDI. It certainly wasn’t the first piece of kit I ever bought – that honor goes to a second-hand Roland Jupiter 6 back in 1988. I can not remember when I acquired the Roland A-880 MIDI Patch Bay. We've used this to quickly change routing and complex MIDI setups during live performance, but it's equally handy in a recording studio with lots of MIDI gear.Fig 1. This allows even more complex Midi enhancements, and allows you to tweak everything just to your liking! To sum it up, this machine can do it all!" To top it off, it even has two, built in Midi Processors (A and B, as marked on the machine). This machine can also work as a Midi Thru Box, or a splitter, because again, with the routing possibilities, you can make this machine do whatever you want it to. You can route any source (input) to any destination (output), even send up to eight program changes, and store these settings into dedicated locations, or "patch" memory. It is a great tool for any live performer, and is really easy to use. It was designed for simple, but sophisticated Midi Routing, programming, etc. "The JL Cooper MSB+ Rev 2 is a vintage, rack mountable, Midi Patchbay/Switcher, which was released in 1987. There are just a few minor scratches and signs of wear on the top and bottom of the casing. JL Cooper MSB Plus Rev 2 Vintage Rack Mountable Midi Patchbay/Switcher in very good condition. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |