USB-B to Midi

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 4:14 pm

I've been looking for a USB to Midi Adapter or converter, but something that works standalone without a pc. Nowadays more and more synths and midi controllers have a USB-B port (frustrating).

I found this, but it only works with Keith McMillen devices: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004A9 ... d_i=507846

Anyone know of something like this that could work with any synth or controller?

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Thu Jul 31, 2014 5:47 pm

I have not used this so I can't recommend it and don't know if it will suit your needs but the MOTU FastLane USB might be worth a look.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FastlaneUSB/

Nemik · Post by **Nemik** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:28 am

I'm using M-audio M-Track Plus, Highly recommend.
Has MIDI and audio interface, great audio card for PC.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MTrackPlus

OpAmp · Post by **OpAmp** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:47 pm

Hi,

Imho, the 2 sweetwater references (M-AUDIO and MOTU) are not exactly what roblabs is looking for.
These devices allow connecting a music instrument with a MIDI interface to a PC/tablet over USB.

What roblabs wants is a device converting the USB of a music instrument (not having DIN MIDI) to standard MIDI DIN. Today, the typical setup for this is:
musical instrument - usb cable - PC/tablet - USB cable - USB-MIDI interface (like the M-AUDIO or MOTU) - MIDI DIN cable - other instrument

He/she wants to get rid of the PC/tablet in between.

Now this is possible with dedicated hardware, specific for a certain music instrument. (As the example given by roblabs - only compatible with KMI).
This is because vendors do not always follow the HID standard to transport MIDI over USB. They have their dedicated implementation. This why you typically always have to install also a driver for MIDI-USB breakout boxes.

So although it is technically possible, almost no vendor produces such expanders as KMI (which holds by construction the USB driver). They are not interested in that, because the controllers having only USB and lacking MIDI are targeted for laptops and DAWs. If they see their controller more as a MIDI master keyboard, they would simply add MIDI IN/OUT DIN interfaces to the product by default.

So to answer the original question: no, you will not find such a box that could work with any synth/controller. (Unless the industry standardizes, but I don't think so e.g. Native Instruments is just going to release the Komplete Controller, dedicated for their Komplete SW...)

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:45 pm

There is the iConnect midi series of devices, sounds like they'd work.
http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI

OpAmp · Post by **OpAmp** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 11:17 pm

Yep, that is a good proposal. It is class compliant with the USB MIDI 1.0 standard I referred before. From that point of view it is ok. Question is whether the music instrument to be connected suports that standard or whether they have their own propriatary protocol.

For music instruments that don't need a driver installation, when they are connected the first time to a pc using USB, there is a high chance that they are USB-MIDI 1.0 compliant.

If you can, try before you buy...

tux2 · Post by **tux2** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 12:19 am

This is the only one that I know of:
Kenton MIDI USB Host http://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/ ... host.shtml