Mutiple Microlites

Kaszper · Post by **Kaszper** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:46 am

No, not the small aircraft...

I gather Motu's Microlite MIDI interface is chainable to give you access to more MIDI devices. Does anyone have experience of doing so?

magicd · Post by **magicd** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:42 pm

You can't chain microLite interfaces to each other. You can connect multiple micro Lites (or any other models of MOTU USB MIDI interfaces) via a powered USB hub or directly to separate USB connections on the computer.

Each interface will then show up as a separate device in Audio MIDI Setup.

Magic Dave

SixStringGeek · Post by **SixStringGeek** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:16 pm

magicd wrote:You can't chain microLite interfaces to each other. You can connect multiple micro Lites (or any other models of MOTU USB MIDI interfaces) via a powered USB hub or directly to separate USB connections on the computer.

Each interface will then show up as a separate device in Audio MIDI Setup.

Magic Dave

Only they don't work with hubs. Not even one on a hub by itself. Drops MIDI like crazy. Totally failed to drive one Mackie Control Universal properly or a MIDI control keyboard - tried all manner of USB hubs - many brands - powered. No luck.

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:38 pm

I have a pair of MidiExpress128's (previously the Microlites) working on a powered hub with no issues---then again, I'm a lowly WindowsXP user

emulatorloo · Post by **emulatorloo** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:20 pm

BradLyons wrote:I'm a lowly WindowsXP user

ME TOO!

And then I am so damned happy when I can turn off that "Gates of Hell" XP box and get back to my mac!

(Brad, relax and enjoy that new macbook pro they forced on you -- I think you are going to find it is nice to have both platforms)

--

Kaszper · Post by **Kaszper** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 1:32 am

Thanks, chaps.

Looks like I'm going to have to invest in a bigger MIDI interface. Your recommendations would of course be much appreciated![/b]

magicd · Post by **magicd** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:56 am

<ahem> I work for MOTU.

MOTU makes three categories of MIDI interface. The basic job of a MIDI interface is to get MIDI in and out of the computer.

Fastlane - 2X2
microLite - 5X5
Express 128 - 8X8

The next step up is a combination MIDI interface and patch bay. You typically need patch bay functions if you use your MIDI gear when you are NOT using your computer. Patch bay functions allow you to route MIDI inputs directly to MIDI outputs.

micro Express 4X6
Express XT 8X8

These two interfaces also have basic LTC/MTC sync functions

The fancy box is the MTP AV
The MTP AV is an 8X8 MIDI interface/patch bay. You can connect a pair of MTPs to become a single larger 16X16 interface.
The MTP AV can be programmed from the front panel (good feature for a patch bay at gigs).
The MTP AV has video sync, word clock, ADAT sync, and LTC/MTC sync

Hope that helps!

Magic Dave

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 6:04 am

I've been using MOTU MIDI interfaces for oh goodness..... 11-years? IMHO, I feel they are the BEST ones on the market with the best drivers and the best reliability/compatability. They cover from the most basic of MIDI interface to advanced needs.

So Mister MagicDave, any chance of bringing back a modernized Digital Timepiece?

Kaszper · Post by **Kaszper** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 6:13 am

magicd wrote:Hope that helps!

Indeed ••“ although you forgot one thing:

"The MTP AV costs six hundred bleeding bucks!"

I think the 128 Express is the baby for me.

SixStringGeek · Post by **SixStringGeek** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:19 am

BradLyons wrote:I have a pair of MidiExpress128's (previously the Microlites) working on a powered hub with no issues---then again, I'm a lowly WindowsXP user

Check previous thread on Mackie Control Universal + Extenders with a micro lite on a powered hub with any kind of Intel mac. It doesn't work. MOTU tech support also insists it doesn't work and required removal of the hub - which does make it work. Even a controller keyboard on a hub alone doesn't work.

Thread here:
http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... highlight=

SixStringGeek · Post by **SixStringGeek** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:22 am

Kaszper wrote:I think the 128 Express is the baby for me.

I have one - if you just need 8 MIDI busses - its great.

Kaszper · Post by **Kaszper** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 1:23 am

SixStringGeek wrote:I have one ••“ if you just need 8 MIDI busses, it's great.

I need more MIDI ins and outs, if that's the same thing!

Thanks for the rec.

SixStringGeek · Post by **SixStringGeek** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:50 pm

Kaszper wrote:
SixStringGeek wrote:I have one ••“ if you just need 8 MIDI busses, it's great.
I need more MIDI ins and outs, if that's the same thing!

Thanks for the rec.

A MIDI bus = one in/out w/16 channels. You get 8x that or 128 separately addressable MIDI devices.

vmil · Post by **vmil** » Sat May 10, 2008 3:07 am

hi everyone

i'm just about to buy a new MIDI interface - microlite is top of the list - does microlite have the MIDI timestamp technology as supported by osx? the dealers are less than clear....

thanks

v