MIDI converters & accessories

Notes: The Kenton Thru-5 is a high quality MIDI Thru box with opto-isolated MIDI In and separate drive for each MIDI Out. It is powered from a mains adaptor (wall wart) so you can fit and forget.

Comes with multi-region power supply

Notes: The Kenton Merge 4 can merge the data from up to 4 separate MIDI sources (e.g. Master keyboards or controllers) into a single MIDI data stream which appears at both of the MIDI out sockets. It features 4 opto-isolated MIDI inputs and 2 MIDI outputs.

The Kenton Merge 4 is powered from a mains adaptor (wall wart) so you can fit and forget.

Comes with multi-region power supply

Notes: The MIDI Solutions Merger is a 2-in 2-out MIDI Merger. All MIDI messages appearing at the two inputs are merged to the outputs (including System Exclusive, MIDI Clock, and MIDI Time Code messages). A fast merging algorithm ensures that all MIDI data is processed accurately with the minimal possible delay.

The Merger is MIDI-powered, and requires no batteries or power supply to operate with most MIDI products (see FAQs - Power and FAQs - LED for more information). A MIDI indicator LED lights up when the product is powered and flashes when MIDI data passes through it.

Notes: The KMI MIDI Expander enables you to use KMI gear such as SoftStep, 12 Step and QuNeo to control your MIDI hardware devices with 5-pin MIDI DIN connectors.

Plug in your MIDI devices to the KMI MIDI Expander and you're ready to send and receive MIDI data with or without a computer.

Notes: MRCC XpandR 4×1 - a DIN Expander for MRCC and USB MIDI Interface

A DIN Expander for MRCC
A USB MIDI Interface
A stand-alone MIDI Merger

Need More MIDI Inputs?

When MRCC's 6 routable DIN and TRS inputs just aren't enough, the MRCC XpandR 4×1 adds 4x DIN Inputs (and a shared 3.5mm TRS), and 1x DIN Output (plus 3.5mm TRS thru).

Up to four XpandRs can be attached to the MRCC's USB host ports. Inputs and the Output are routed the same way as MRCC's USB host MIDI virtual ports. So it's quick and easy to route XpandR's ports; it's like they were built-in to MRCC.

The XpandR is also a 4x Input, 1x Output USB class compliant MIDI interface for your PC, Mac, tablet, or what have you.

Or, use the Mode button to switch XpandR to a stand-alone 4 into 1 USB powered MIDI merger. In MIDI merger mode, the USB connector is only used to power the XpandR.

A two-colour indicator shows Power, Merge mode, MIDI Input and MIDI Output activity.

The MRCC XpandR 4×1 comes housed in a robust and beautiful anodized aluminium enclosure with hand-silk screened user interface, like the MRCC. A USB cable and User Guide are included.

Specifications

Requirements

Power:

USB 2.0, 5V DC, 40mA, USB type B connector

USB Power Supply not included. Power from MRCC USB Host port, your PC or other device host port, or for use without a PC, power with a USB charger or USB battery

USB MIDI Interface:
Works with PCs, Mac, Tablets and most other USB hosts that support a USB MIDI Class Compliant device.

Firmware Updates:
Requires a Windows PC, macOS, Linux or other computing device that supports USB mass storage mode.

Limited Warranty

Conductive Labs LLC provides a limited warranty of 1 year (or the minimum required by law in your country) to the original purchaser with proof of date of purchase. In case of failure due to defects in material or workmanship, for the duration of the warranty period, Conductive Labs will repair or replace the device at their discretion. If a replacement is not available, it may be replaced with a device of similar functionality.

MIDI I/O

Ports:

4x 5-Pin DIN, and 1x 3.5mm TRS (Type A) optically isolated Inputs.1
1x 5-Pin DIN, and 1x 3.5mm TRS (Type A) thru Output. Traditional 5V MIDI spec for maximum compatibility with vintage gear.
1x USB 2.0 Type B device port for computer connection with 4x USB MIDI virtual Inputs and 1x Output.
1 First input pair, choose one of the 2 jacks; 5-pin DIN or 3.5mm MIDI TRS Type A.

Remote 7 vs XpandR 4×1

Q: What's the difference in I/O between MRCC Remote 7 and MRCC XpandR 4×1?
A: The MRCC Remote 7 adds 5 additional routable outputs to MRCC. These outputs are already built into MRCC. One Remote 7 per MRCC.
XpandR adds 4x DIN inputs, and one DIN output at the expense of an MRCC USB MIDI host port. Up to four XpandR's per MRCC, using MRCC's available USB host ports.

Q: How far away can Remote 7 and XpandR be from MRCC?
A: The Remote 7 comes with a 10M (33 foot) long Ethernet cable. The maximum cable length is about 50 feet (using short MIDI cables).
The XpandR comes with a 2M (6 foot) USB cable. The max supported USB cable length for USB 2.0 is 5M (16.5) feet.

Q: How is each device routed?
A: Remote 7 is routed with the MRCC "remote routing" button. Hold the remote routing button, then select the outputs to route to.
XpandR is routed using the MRCC USB host routing buttons. Select one of the four inputs, then select outputs.
Remote 7 is great for getting MIDI outputs to where you need them. And XpandR is best when you need more MIDI DIN inputs, with the additional utility of a MIDI interface and MIDI merger. Feel free to use both!

Notes: Cleanly and conveniently extend the MRCC's MIDI outputs with the Remote 7! Adds five routable 5 Pin DINs, plus two shared 3.5MM TRS MIDI jacks (one MIDI TRS standard type A, and one type B) over a shielded Ethernet cable. A 10-metre (32 ft.) Ethernet cable is included and automatically added to your order.

This requires the MRCC, which is sold separately. Only one Remote 7 can be connected to an MRCC. If you are connecting 2 MRCC together, you will need a custom RJ45 splitter (coming soon) to use the Remote 7. See the forum for details.

Order the MRCC Remote 7 for delivery with MRCC when ordered from Conductivelabs.com shop.

The orders ship from Conductive Labs' Hong Kong based fulfillment warehouse partner.

Included with the Remote 7 is a 10 meter (32') Ethernet cable* to connect Remote 7 to MRCC.

*If you want to use your own Ethernet cable, it must have shielded connectors that are connected to each other via a drain wire in the cable. CAT6a (or better) Ethernet cables with shielded connectors (metal shrouds over the connectors) are typically connected in this way.

The connections from the RJ45 on MRCC to the Remote 7 are MIDI, and those signals are not actively repeated. In theory you should subtract the length of the Ethernet cable from the max length coming out of the Remote 7. That is, if you have a 30' Ethernet cable from MRCC to Remote 7, subtract 30 from 50 for the max cable length from a Remote 7 output. In practice, when using good quality MIDI cables you can probably use a 50' cable to the Remote 7, and 6' MIDI cables from the Remote 7 to your gear. YMMV.

The 2 TRS jacks on the Remote 7 are hard wired to 2 of the 5 pin DINs. When using the shared DIN and TRS output at the same time, the voltage will be lowered, kind of like using a headphone splitter. A maximum 6 foot TRS cable length is advised, though the MIDI.ORG does not specify a TRS to TRS cable, only a TRS to MIDI adapter with a maximum 6" length. There have been no noticeable problems using short (36") dollar store TRS cables.

Like MRCC outputs 7-12, Remote 7 outputs do not currently pass SysEx data.

Additional information
Weight: 0.192 kg
Dimensions: 14 × 9 × 4 cm

Notes: Knot is your compact and versatile USB MIDI host Knot is the perfect solution for musicians looking to bridge the gap between old-school MIDI gear like synthesizers, guitar pedals and USB-MIDI devices. With Knot, you can directly control your MIDI devices using Grid or other USB controllers.

Compatibility

Knot is equipped with two 3.5mm TRS jacks for sending and receiving MIDI data (both A and B TRS MIDI standards are supported). The jacks combined with the HOST port on the front ensure compatibility with countless setups.

Size & weight

Measuring just 60mm x 60mm x 10mm and weighing approximately 120 grams, Knot is a palm-sized device that is designed with portability in mind.

Firmware

Knot receives regular firmware updates with new features and other improvements. Updating is snappy and straightforward using the Grid Editor software. Knot is an open hardware project, and all source files are available on GitHub.

Powering

Knot got you covered with its wide range of powering options. Whether you are a guitarist with an extensive collection of pedals and chargers, or someone who keeps spare DC adapters just in case, Knot is an ideal choice with its extensive DC charging options. The device features an automatic polarity checking mechanism, allowing you to use chargers with either positive or negative tip without any issue. Power Knot with a USB-C cable, your trusty old guitar pedal power supply or with a power adapter from the MIDI Essentials Pack.

Usage Instructions:

Knot hosting Intech Studio's Grid

Using Knot as a USB MIDI Host for connecting Grid with your hardware MIDI devices is straightforward. You'll need the following things to get started:

Knot
1x Grid module of your choice (-or more of course!) and its respective USB-C cable for power and data
1x MIDI cable, for connecting Knot with the MIDI hardware device (either a 3.5mm TRS cable or a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable with a TRS adapter)


To connect the devices together:
Knot plugged into a power source either through the "USB-C" port or the "DC IN" port
Grid plugged into Knot through the "USB HOST" port
the MIDI hardware device plugged into the "MIDI OUT" of Knot with a MIDI cable

To check if everything's working as it should, look out for the LEDs on the Knot frontplate. When Knot first receives ample power the 3 LEDs will light up in purple for a second. After boot, while a USB device is connected it should be green with the occasional white blip indicating when a message is being sent or received.

Knot hosting other MIDI devices

Using Knot as a USB MIDI Host for connecting Grid with you hardware MIDI devices is straightforward. You'll need the following things to get started:
1x Knot and its respective USB-C cable for power or a DC power adapter
1x USB MIDI Device of your choice
1x MIDI cable, for connecting Knot with the MIDI hardware device (either a 3.5mm TRS cable or a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable with a TRS adapter)

To connect the devices together:

Knot plugged into a power source either through the "USB-C" port or the "DC IN" port
the MIDI device plugged into Knot through the "USB HOST" port
the MIDI hardware device plugged into the "MIDI OUT" of Knot with a MIDI cable

To check if everything's working as it should, look out for the LEDs on the Knot frontplate. When Knot first receives ample power the 3 LEDs will light up in purple for a second. After boot, while a USB device is connected it should be green with the occasional white blip indicating when a message is being sent or received.

Knot TRS MIDI output

For example a synth will usually have one MIDI channel it receives MIDI CC or Note messages on. You can usually set this MIDI channel in the synth's menu.

As a rule of thumb: Devices that can receive MIDI messages, do so by default on MIDI channel 1 or on all channels.

Set this MIDI channel to the same one set in your Hosted Device. In the case of Grid, check the MIDI Action Blocks in Grid Editor and configure them to the same MIDI channel set on your instrument.

TRS MIDI output

The output through the USB Host port will be mirrored (as far as MIDI is concerned) on the TRS MIDI output connector of Knot.

Tech specs

Weight: ~ 120 grams (~ 0,26 lb)
Size: 60mm x 60mm x 10mm (2.36 x 2.36 x 0.39 inches)
Material: black aluminium housing

Portable and lightweight USB MIDI host equipped with:

TRS MIDI input port
TRS MIDI output port
USB-C port for charging and updating the device
Hardware A/B switch for changing the TRS wiring mode
Mode button for updating the firmware
3 indicator LEDs

Notes: This is the world's first hybrid MIDI Thru box with advanced wireless MIDI capabilities. Discover exciting new ways to work through a unique combination of high-precision wired and ultra-low latency wireless.