Korg Forums

Can I connect a MicroKey 61 to my MicroKorg XL+ to have more octaves? If yes, will any USB Midi keyboard work, e.g. Nektar Impact GX 61?

/Jan

The microKEY 61 can be connected to the microKORG XL+, but not directly. It would need to be done via a USB MIDI host device, since the microKORG XL+ cannot act as a USB MIDI host. Likewise, the Nektar Imact GX 61 would need to be connected via a USB MIDI host device, to perform a similar function to the microKEY 61.

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Hi,

Yep confirming the answer of Voip.

The XL+ on itself can play over a larger range of octaves using an external MIDI controller. So no problem here.

The difficulty is the microKey61. Its USB port needs to be converted to MIDI DIN towards the XL+, using a MIDI USB host as Voip is pointing out.
Now typically for Korg products, you need to install a MIDI driver on your PC. Which makes me think that they are not Class Compliant or not fully, i.e. a generic MIDI driver is enough or otherwise said, there is no need to install a dedicated driver at all. The USB connection works right out of the box.

The problem is that MIDI USB Hosts typically require a Class Compliant device in order to work... It is not possible to install a dedicated USB driver on them. Maybe raise this question also in the "Korg Kontrol49, microKontrol, padKontrol, nano and K series controllers" group here on the forum, if someone managed to do that.

An example of such a MIDI USB Host: https://kentonuk.com/product/midi-usb-host-mk3/
Looking at the specs of the Nektar Impact GX61, it says it is Class Compliant.

So:
XL+, MIDI USB Host, Nectar -> should be ok
XL+, MIDI USB Host, MicroKey -> probably not ok, see also this thread: http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... bfe52b0e7b

Have fun.

Thank you for the answers.

If I understand correctly, it is the USB connection that is the problem. Will any midi keyboard with a MIDI Out DIN be able to connect directly the the XL+ or will it also need to go through a MIDI host device?

Yes. DIN MIDI Out on the external keyboard, connected directly to the DIN MIDI In on the XL+ should work just fine. No other interface required.

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