4 devices on 16 midi channels

    hello,


    I would like to ask you how should I connect 4 devices on 16 midi channels only. I am going to use just one IN and OUT port on my Yamaha UX256 midi interface but I am not sure if this is correct. I need to chain VirusTI2, Roland JD800, Korg ER-1 and Yamaha RY20. It is easy to chain instruments in one direction (by midi THRU) but I want to have it bi-directional (for example: every instrument shoud be able to transmit and receive its own midi and sysx data to computer).


    Tell me please, how should I connect midi ports with starting point on UX256 midi OUT (begginig) and the end on UX256 midi IN?
    The idea is described below:


    UX256 OUT -> TI2 IN (channel 1-4)
    TI2 OUT -> JD800 IN (channel 5-9)
    JD800 OUT -> ER-1 IN (channel 10-15)
    ER-1 OUT -> RY20 IN (channel 16, no THRU port)
    RY20 OUT -> UX256 IN


    Shuld I use THRU ports to be able to dump specific midi / sysx data from e.g. ER-1 to my computer?


    I don't want to connect every device to separate port on UX256.
    JD800 is 5 multi only, RY20 operates on one midi channel (and has no THRU port) so I would like to maximize UX256's usage with one port (IN-OUT) supporting these 4 instrument. I also use UX256 to connect Yamaha SY99, TG500, RM50, Korg Radias and AkaiZ8 so every port (1-5) is destined to one device. I have one free port (6) and want to do the trick as above.


    I will be gratefull for your help.


    Regards


    Pawel

    If I may add to that, each device in the daisy-chain will have the accumulated delay of all the devices before it. If you don't want to invest in a few MIDI splitter boxes, you might prefer using ports 1-6 in daisy-chains of length 2. Use Yamaha SY99, TG500, RM50, Korg Radias and AkaiZ8 on most of the channels of their ports, and leave the last few for the new devices.
    Make sure you don't create MIDI loops, e.g. if the UX256 sends the data that comes in to its out port. Also make sure that the devices can differentiate between their and other devices' sysEx, either by manufacturer/product/device ID or channel number.
    Hope this helps.

    Zitat von flabberbob

    Use Yamaha SY99, TG500, RM50, Korg Radias and AkaiZ8 on most of the channels of their ports, and leave the last few for the new devices.

    Thank you. Valuable comment.


    What about return to UX256? Let's say I use one port as you suggest (SY99 on channels 1-10 and Virus on channels 11-16). I understand I have to connect SY99's midi THRU to Virus's midi IN. Communication should be working well in one direction and I should be able to select patches on Virus from my SONAR sequencer. Then what should I do to be able to send back bulk data from Virus to SONAR? Should I connect Virus's midi OUT to UX256's midi IN ? Is this a proper solution ?


    Today I've found an information on the net that daisy-chaining works only in one direction (in this case, out of the UX256) and this is a limitation of midi protocol. If it is true, my question is senseless and I am wasting your time. The only solution then is to buy another UX256 and the problem disappears.

    Whenever you want to play or dump an instrument into your DAW you'll have to make sure its out port is connected to one of the UX256's in ports. If you'd like to record all of them one after the other, you'd have no choice but to rotate the connections, but I'm sure that there are instruments you play/dump more than others. Their connections can stay in place while the others rotate.

    As DJkeys offered earlier, Take a long hard look at the Motu Midi (and Micro) Express.


    These offer midi interconnect in addition to PC midi interfacing and will do so without the PC being turned on. Without doubt its the bests solution for you... and a good price on the used market...