MOTU MicroExpress - differences between new and old version?

tikibars · Post by **tikibars** » Wed Aug 29, 2007 11:16 am

Hi

I see MOTU MicroExpress going for about $250 retail these days.

This is usually for the 'new' version, on which the MIDI activity lights are rectangular, and are stacked up in vertical columns.

I can get an 'old' version for half of that - but I am wondering what the difference is (the 'old' version has oval-shaped MIDI activity lights lined up in two rows, with the Ins above the Outs).

Aside from cosmetic differences, are there any significant changes to the unit?

thanks

J

tikibars · Post by **tikibars** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 2:51 pm

...no one...?

reichmarshall · Post by **reichmarshall** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:09 am

I just picked up an older model after looking at the newer one quite closely. I can find no difference except that the new one isn't even self-powered! It takes its power from the USB port. That seems odd that an interface that is touted is a "stand-alone interface" has to be hooked up to a computer ANYWAY just so it can be powered.

Just make sure that the older model you pick up has a USB port, there are still some SCSI ones floating around. I think THOSE are the cheap ones you're talking about. The old USB ones are only slightly cheaper than the new model.

But of course the new model looks cooler!

Tonio · Post by **Tonio** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:46 pm

The old model has a serial port.

T

reichmarshall · Post by **reichmarshall** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:24 pm

Yes, that's what I meant. It's been so long since I used one, I forgot what they were called. But there are also some old models with USB.

tikibars · Post by **tikibars** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:23 am

Thanks guys.

I have seen old models with and without USB, so I was aware of that.

I just wasn't sure if there were any other functional improvements in the new model.

So they just gave it a facelift and bus-power capability and that's it?

Seems like a lot of expense for MOTU to go through without adding any other new features or perhaps even tweaking the operating capabilities in some way - tighter timing or something...

I guess I'll go get that USB version of the old one for under $100...!

reichmarshall · Post by **reichmarshall** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:43 am

Oh, they also moved the pedal jack to the front of the unit. Whoopee.

tikibars · Post by **tikibars** » Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:11 am

Scored a used 'new version' on Ebay for $100 even, plus shipping.
Thus, my query becomes moot!