Is there a MOTU MIDI interface that is fully compatible with Apple Silicon?

[rosindabow]

I have been running my old MOTU USB AV for years and I think that it is finally dying. I am looking for a MIDI interface that is fully compatible with Apple Silicon. I do not use MIDI too often but I still have some very cool synths and I want to be able to access them. So ... anything that we know works well?
Thanks!

[James Steele]

I have been running my old MOTU USB AV for years and I think that it is finally dying. I am looking for a MIDI interface that is fully compatible with Apple Silicon. I do not use MIDI too often but I still have some very cool synths and I want to be able to access them. So ... anything that we know works well?
Thanks!

I think any of the newer ones that have current drivers work. Heck, even the old MTP/AV will still work AFAIK so long as you have the latest USB and MIDI chip in it. I have one that I replaced unnecessarily thinking it had a problem when it didn't. I do currently have the MIDI Express XT and it works great with Sonoma 14.5.

[rosindabow]

Thank you. I think I do have the latest chip. I even replaced the battery a couple of years ago. I think that it might be on its last legs. Glad to hear that the Express XT is working but I'm not sure if MOTU is even manufacturing those any more ...

[James Steele]

Thank you. I think I do have the latest chip. I even replaced the battery a couple of years ago. I think that it might be on its last legs. Glad to hear that the Express XT is working but I'm not sure if MOTU is even manufacturing those any more ...

What are the symptoms that cause you to believe it's dying? Have you changed the battery inside the unit yet?

Anyway... would think both the MIDI Express XT and the MIDI Express 128 are still being made. They're both on the MOTU site:

https://motu.com/products/MIDI/xpressxt_usb
https://motu.com/products/MIDI/128

I checked some retailers. Sweetwater lists them but says they are backordered. I don't know if they're still going through supply chain issues or what? I know it was very hard to get my 828es when I got it.

Sweetwater (both models backordered):
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ess-xt-usb
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... xpress-128

AMS says "more coming soon" of the MIDI Express 128:
https://www.americanmusical.com/motu-mi ... ME128-LIST

BH Photo says MIDI Express XT is backordered also:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _MIDI.html

Yeah... not sure what's going on with that. I guess there's always eBay or Reverb. A shame you can't get your MTP/AV to work. Mine was working however, I noticed that it seemed like settings made in Clockworks wouldn't be remembered. Been a while since I messed with it. I guess I was lucky to get a MIDI Express XT when they getting was good.

[rosindabow]

Thank you. I think I do have the latest chip. I even replaced the battery a couple of years ago. I think that it might be on its last legs. Glad to hear that the Express XT is working but I'm not sure if MOTU is even manufacturing those any more ...

What are the symptoms that cause you to believe it's dying? Have you changed the battery inside the unit yet?

It has stopped passing MIDI and I cannot clear channel 1. I've done a hard reset (panic button when powering up) and no change. If you have any other suggestions, I am willing to give it a go.

Thanks!

[James Steele]

It has stopped passing MIDI and I cannot clear channel 1. I've done a hard reset (panic button when powering up) and no change. If you have any other suggestions, I am willing to give it a go.

Ugh... I'm stumped. And to be fair, I haven't tried my MTP/AV since I was back on Monterey I believe. Not sure what the situation would be like with Sonoma. Hopefully someone else successfully using one on Sonoma can chime in.

[mikehalloran]

The old USB units are compatible IF the firmware is. For those with CR2032 settings batteries, the Firmware needs to be 2.0.1 and the USB Controller needs to be 1.34 — these will be printed on the ship stickers.

Installation of the MIDI driver over Sonoma requires that all other MOTU drivers be removed first. The steps are listed in some threads from a few months ago. Once you have the MOTU MIDI device working, then you can reinstall any Audio drivers.

My MTP-AV USB works fine. I had to buy a MOTU microlite before Support would help me but, once we got it working, the MTP-AV did, too. Because the microlite was out of stock everywhere, I bought a pair used. I have no use for them and should put them on Reverb or eBay, I suppose.

[rosindabow]

My MTP-AV USB works fine. I had to buy a MOTU microlite before Support would help me but, once we got it working, the MTP-AV did, too. Because the microlite was out of stock everywhere, I bought a pair used. I have no use for them and should put them on Reverb or eBay, I suppose.

I would be happy to buy one of those MicroLites. What would your bottom line be? Also, I'm in southern CA, any idea what shipping costs might be?
Thanks.

[James Steele]

My MTP-AV USB works fine. I had to buy a MOTU microlite before Support would help me but, once we got it working, the MTP-AV did, too. Because the microlite was out of stock everywhere, I bought a pair used. I have no use for them and should put them on Reverb or eBay, I suppose.

I would be happy to buy one of those MicroLites. What would your bottom line be? Also, I'm in southern CA, any idea what shipping costs might be?
Thanks.

I was afraid that would come up. MOTUnation has a pretty strict rule against advertising gear for sale. Of course that’s not what Mike did… But I ask you to take further discussion off-line via private message.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[rosindabow]

Oops, sorry ...

[James Steele]

Oops, sorry ...

It’s no problem. You didn’t know. Send a private message to Mike via the board.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mikehalloran]

I've posted links to an old thread and an Apple Support bulletin in this thread

viewtopic.php?t=74282

[Black-Man]

I would be happy to buy one of those MicroLites...

You can't blame a guy for trying. These things are unobtanium at the moment. I was trying to get a MIDI Express 8x8 and no one has them and I contacted MOTU and they were non-commital on future availability. I assume iConnectivity has cornered the market. Everyone I know who uses the MIO loves them, so there's that and I assume since the "MIDI timestamp" stuff is actually a part of Mac OSX, the MIO interfaces support it as well.

[mikehalloran]

I would be happy to buy one of those MicroLites...

I have two. Send me a message and we can talk.