MIDI hub recommendation

[digeorge]

Greetings,

I'm looking to connect a KORG keyboard controller, Behringer BCF2000 surface controller and Alesis drum pad to a 2019 MacBook Pro (Mojave). I'm trying to avoid USB to connect all three. I also have a T3 adapter (2 USB, 2 T3, 1 HDMI and 2 SD card) for the MacBook.

I was wondering if MOTU Microlite would do the trick or I need something like MOTU Express? I've been looking at the iConnectivity stuff which are not bus powered and allow to connect MIDI gear via USB.

Thank you!

[bayswater]

Greetings,

I'm looking to connect a KORG keyboard controller, Behringer BCF2000 surface controller and Alesis drum pad to a 2019 MacBook Pro (Mojave). I'm trying to avoid USB to connect all three. I also have a T3 adapter (2 USB, 2 T3, 1 HDMI and 2 SD card) for the MacBook.

I was wondering if MOTU Microlite would do the trick or I need something like MOTU Express? I've been looking at the iConnectivity stuff which are not bus powered and allow to connect MIDI gear via USB.

Thank you!

I used a Microlite to connect a keyboard, a BCF, and Alesis drums, along with a couple of other MIDI sources. It worked fine.

But once USB became more common, I got a cheap powered USB hub to connect those items that can use it. A powered USB 3 hub that is downward compatible to USB 2 and USB 1.1 can connect up a lot of stuff, including keyboard, and tracking devices.

[digeorge]

I used a Microlite to connect a keyboard, a BCF, and Alesis drums, along with a couple of other MIDI sources. It worked fine.

But once USB became more common, I got a cheap powered USB hub to connect those items that can use it. A powered USB 3 hub that is downward compatible to USB 2 and USB 1.1 can connect up a lot of stuff, including keyboard, and tracking devices.

Thanks bayswater, how did you connect the USB hub to your mac? The MacBook only has 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports. T3 to female USB adapter?

[bayswater]

I used a Microlite to connect a keyboard, a BCF, and Alesis drums, along with a couple of other MIDI sources. It worked fine.

But once USB became more common, I got a cheap powered USB hub to connect those items that can use it. A powered USB 3 hub that is downward compatible to USB 2 and USB 1.1 can connect up a lot of stuff, including keyboard, and tracking devices.

Thanks bayswater, how did you connect the USB hub to your mac? The MacBook only has 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports. T3 to female USB adapter?

My Mac has two USB 3 ports, and I used one of them for the USB 3 hub. But the TB 3 ports should work. I can connect USB 3 devices directly to one of 4 TB3 ports with a USB C to USB A (female) cable. I think they cost about $10. I don't actually have any TB 3 devices or hubs.

[mikehalloran]

The MacBook only has 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports. T3 to female USB adapter?

That is not correct unless it's not a MacBook which has only one USB-C port and no Thunderbolt.

Is it a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro — what year? USB-C is just a port and some Airs are Thunderbolt 2 via that port.

In any case, you need a USB-C hub that supports USB 2 and is backward compatible to USB 1.1. Read the specs carefully as not all do when you read the fine print.

[digeorge]

The MacBook only has 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports. T3 to female USB adapter?

That is not correct unless it's not a MacBook which has only one USB-C port and no Thunderbolt.

Is it a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro — what year? USB-C is just a port and some Airs are Thunderbolt 2 via that port.

In any case, you need a USB-C hub that supports USB 2 and is backward compatible to USB 1.1. Read the specs carefully as not all do when you read the fine print.

Thank you for chiming in!

It's a 2019 MacBook Pro with Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and a 3.5 mm headphone output port. Link to details https://support.apple.com/kb/SP794?locale=en_US.

I connected a powered USB3 hub (I had one already) to the MacBook with a UBC-C to USB 3f adapter which I picked up last night. I got everything to work. The Alesis drum pad has only MIDI OUT (no USB) which I connected to the MIDI IN of the KORG. I noticed a slight delay in Logic when hitting the pad. Need to work on the Logic's MIDI configuration or I might end up getting a MIDI I/O to USB adapter.

I'm still leaning towards a powered MIDI hub. I my experience connecting one too many USB bus powered devices to any laptop (or even to the Mini) can lead to issues.

[bayswater]

If the Alesis is the only thing that needs a MIDI connection rather than USB, a 5 in 5 out Microlite is probably overkill. Maybe a Roland single port interface at 1/4 the price would do. I've not noticed any more delay with one of these I borrowed than the Microlite.

[mikehalloran]

Still not enough info.

How many of these have DIN5 MIDI ports? How many are USB only? Are any both?

[digeorge]

Still not enough info.

How many of these have DIN5 MIDI ports? How many are USB only? Are any both?

Korg Kontrol 49 has two modes USB or MIDI. It has 1 MIDI In, MIDI OUT A and MIDI OUT B.
The Behringer BCF2000 also has two modes USB or MIDI. It has 1 MIDI In and 2 MIDI Outs.
Alesis Performance Pad PRO has only 1 MIDI Out.

According to Behringer's manual its MIDI ports are usable as an additional USB to MIDI interface. With that said I couldn't get it to work when I connected the Alesis MIDI Out to Behringer MIDI In. I might need to check the rest of its USB modes which are total of 4.

It worked when I connected it to the MIDI In of the KORG, but with significant and audible delay.

Like I mentioned KORG and Behringer are connected to my USB 3 hub and seem to be fine (for now). I just need to find a solution for the Alesis Pad. I think I need to look at the Behringer USB modes and pick one that will allow MIDI data to go unchanged through MIDI OUT B which doubles as a MIDI Through.

[bayswater]

I think I need to look at the Behringer USB modes and pick one that will allow MIDI data to go unchanged through MIDI OUT B which doubles as a MIDI Through.

Likely to result in the same delay you reported using the MIDI on the keyboard for the Alesis.

[digeorge]

I think I need to look at the Behringer USB modes and pick one that will allow MIDI data to go unchanged through MIDI OUT B which doubles as a MIDI Through.

Likely to result in the same delay you reported using the MIDI on the keyboard for the Alesis.

Following setup worked: BCF2000 and KORG K49 connected via USB to the hub. Configured the BCF2000 to USB mode 2 which enables its MIDI In and MIDI OUT 1 ports to act as USB-MIDI interface. Connected the Alesis Pad to the BCF2000 MIDI In. I get a lot less delay than when it was connected to KORG MIDI In. Probably I will follow your advice and get an USBtoMIDI cable to connect the pad.