the new micro express

[starbearer76]

so the new micro express... (seeing no one responded to my rackability of the old one question I'm assuming it just can't be done or... no one even uses MIDI anymore. lol...)

anyway... two questions about the new micro express...

does it rack up? I'm hoping it doesn't take up more than half a rack space so I can rack my other half rack 1U gear next to it?

what are the changes as far as the software? does it still give the ability to filter control and note messages to each channel on each port like the old one does?

Is there any one here who has used both who can offer up some feedback on the pros and cons to switching to the new micro express?

Most of what I do depends on having the most flexible MIDI system so this is very important to me as I'm contemplating dropping a little over two Benjamin Franklins on a new one.

[mikehalloran]

what are the changes

Support for 23.976 time code*
Update ClockWorks software

No mention of rack mounting in the manual:
http://cdn-data.motu.com/manuals/MIDI/M ... Manual.pdf

but, in the specifications, it says
"Chassis dimensions, excluding rack ears: 9.5 x 7 x 1.75 inches (24.13 x 17.78 x 4.45 cm). With rack ears attached, fits one half of a standard 19 inch (48.26 cm) rack at 1U high."

Older models don't talk to Intel Macs without the $20 chip upgrade that includes up to date firmware - many of these older ones show up used on eBay cheap because the users don't know about the chip set.
https://www.motu.com/store_products/har ... idiexpress

From the above link:

"If you are using the Micro Lite or Express 128, or a MIDI Express XT or Micro Express with removable rack ears, your interface already has this latest ROM version and you do not need to purchase this ROM update."

[starbearer76]

thanks for the awesome reply. Ha... my older model is lucky then because it does communicate with intel with no issues and its never gotten the upgrade, but good to know... I was thinking of selling it after I got the newer one. Do you know how I can order the upgrade chip? Contact motu through my tech link there to order that I suppose?

ah... nevermind... i see the link to that chip that they sell straight off of their site. thanks my friend.

[mikehalloran]

I gave you the link - you can order it from the web site. You probably need to register your unit first - easily done.

My MTP-AV says "Macintosh-Windows Compatible" but it didn't work with my iMac till I ordered the chip. I replaced the CR2032 battery at the same time. I had purchased mine used on eBay and registered it w/ MOTU no problem.

[Nibiru]

I have a 13+ year old MTP/AV that I was having huge stuck note problems with, and eneded up buying an M-Audio MIDI SPORT 4x4 to solve the problem, which it did. My old MTP/AV does not have "M/W" printed on it so I'm a contender for the new chip...wonder if this will solve the stuck note issue I was having? Anyhoo, thank you for the info Mike!

EDIT: Thread revival! Could those of us (check the link below) who are having stuck note issues, be in need of the chip upgrade?

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... =1&t=48581

Could this have been the problem the whole time? My MTP/AV works perfectly on my G5 running the latest version of Tiger.

[Shooshie]

I didn't know about this. This is HUGE! How many times have we experienced endless threads about stuck notes? I have no idea why my MIDI Time Piece AV has not caused stuck notes, because it was bought long before this chip was available. But I've had perfectly functioning MIDI, and others have been completely frustrated by stuck notes, probably to the point of giving up and trying another profession. And the problem wasn't DP or a VI, but a chip in the MIDI interface. This is too much! Everyone needs to know about this for fielding future stuck-note issues.

Shooshie

[Nibiru]

I had no idea either! Ordering the damn chip tomorrow! Thanks Mike!

[mikehalloran]

There were two 'old' versions of the MTP AV. One was serial only; the other was usb and has serial ports. Mine is the usb. I have no idea if the chip swap is backwards compatible with the serial version.

Although the web site says only one chip, I received two and replaced them both along with the battery (as long as I was there, right?).