Is it safe for Kronos to power a MIDI controller via USB?

tenohtwo · Post by **tenohtwo** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:18 pm

I just acquired a M-Audio Trigger Finger Pro yesterday, and will be using it with the Kronos exclusively (I wanted dedicated drum pads, instead of banging on piano keys like I used to on the Triton Ex). The TFP wasn't supplied with a 6 VDC power supply, though the unit has a jack for it. I knew this when I purchased it. So, I connected via USB to the Kronos, and the TFP powers up just fine. Is this safe for the Kronos? Is it no different than a PC powering the MIDI controller? I'm probably being overly cautious, but wanted to make sure. I know the Kronos powers the Nanopad, but that may have lower power requirements than the TFP. Any feedback would give me peace of mind.

I received my Kronos 61 on Tuesday - it's such a beautiful synth in the flesh. I wasn't big on the re-design at first, but it grew on me and now I love it. It feels solid and well-built. Many fun days ahead on this beast.

1002

coyote144 · Post by **coyote144** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:24 pm

There is no problem to plug a USB controller to a Kronos. The Kronos mower supply is far enough powerful to afford a MIDI controller. I have been using a Akai MPD32 for years now, without any issue.

tenohtwo · Post by **tenohtwo** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:46 pm

Thanks coyote, I appreciate it. Good to know you haven't had any issues.

Cheers,
1002

Dniss · Post by **Dniss** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:48 pm

You can also look at the first sticky, first comment, last part.

All the known working usb devices are listed.

Den

tenohtwo · Post by **tenohtwo** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 8:32 pm

Thanks Dniss, I had checked the list earlier, and didn't see the Trigger Finger listed under M-Audio, but just asked Sharp to add it. It seems to be working fine with the Kronos.

Cheers,
1002

ThunderKeys · Post by **ThunderKeys** » Thu Feb 12, 2015 10:00 pm

The decision whether or not to power a peripheral via USB is not only related to the power supply. There are other considerations surrounding the components of the port itself. The fact that something does run off the port does not mean it should run off the port. Korg may have over engineered the USB ports but if they went by the USB spec then your device should pull no more than 500 mA from a 2.0 USB port. That's a hair over 2 watts at 5 volts. If it were me I would be checking the current draw on the device I was plugging in. I'd rather buy a ten dollar wall wart than a new PSU for my Kronos. Just my 2 cents....

best wishes

AntonySharmman · Post by **AntonySharmman** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 3:03 am

Well , Kronos PSU provides 8 Amperes of 5v power supply , which means that there is a secondary regulator
with current limit to nominal 0.5 A , and this circuit is laying on your motherboard ... this is your risk !!!
You have to always investigate the real current that any 5v USB device consumes and must never exceed 400 mA (2 W) !
For instance ... never use there your cellphone to be charged !

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Is it safe for Kronos to power a MIDI controller via USB?

Is it safe for Kronos to power a MIDI controller via USB?

Think this through.