Midi interface for several hardware synths?

[ghettface]

Basic background: I have several outboard synths that I record using Ableton, using a simple audio interface including 2 audio outs, 1 audio in, 1 midi in, and one midi out. I've been thinking about making my setup more efficient, and that includes being able to more easily control my synths via midi when desired. Right now whenever I want to switch the controlled instrument, I have to disconnect and reconnect instruments since I only have one out and one MIDI cable.

So my question is this: if I want Live to control (individually) each synth via midi (e.g. notes or automation), what is the most efficient midi interface to be able to do so? Do I need a large output midi interface (e.g. 8-16 outs), or is there a work around? Currently I honestly have no need for midi inputs so something like an 8x8 seems like a waste to me since I won't be using the inputs.

Any suggestions or perhaps a better approach?

[JuanSOLO]

Depends on your hardware synths.

Midi Thru? daisy chain your gear.
Any of them take USB?
Maybe a USB to midi adaptor, and a USB hub.

To me those would be the less expensive route.

[ghettface]

Depends on your hardware synths.

Midi Thru? daisy chain your gear.
Any of them take USB?
Maybe a USB to midi adaptor, and a USB hub.

To me those would be the less expensive route.

I think a couple of them have midi through, but not all of them (so a single chain would be impossible). None of them are USB controlled. I don't mind spending a little, but I would like the most efficient option which is why a single midi interface appeals to me. Any suggestions?

[störgeräusche]

daisy chain your gear could be an option, if you don't chain too many synths.
three would be a reasonable limit, since busy message streams (several note on/off, lots of cc automation) can induce latency.
just go computer out - synth A in - synth B thru - synth C in for example
or get a 4/4 midi interface, you'll waste less inputs
I have this one and never had any issue in three years
ESI m4U xl

good luck!

[Bagatell]

Hybrid multi-host MIDI interface with audio pass-through technology

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http://www.iconnectivity.com/iConnectMIDI2plus

Due any day now

[jlgrimes]

Basic background: I have several outboard synths that I record using Ableton, using a simple audio interface including 2 audio outs, 1 audio in, 1 midi in, and one midi out. I've been thinking about making my setup more efficient, and that includes being able to more easily control my synths via midi when desired. Right now whenever I want to switch the controlled instrument, I have to disconnect and reconnect instruments since I only have one out and one MIDI cable.

So my question is this: if I want Live to control (individually) each synth via midi (e.g. notes or automation), what is the most efficient midi interface to be able to do so? Do I need a large output midi interface (e.g. 8-16 outs), or is there a work around? Currently I honestly have no need for midi inputs so something like an 8x8 seems like a waste to me since I won't be using the inputs.

Any suggestions or perhaps a better approach?

I have a Motu midi xpress XT. I have used this for years and for me it rocks. It has 8 midi inputs/outputs and I never had any issues with it.

Midi thru can add latency but in general you shouldn't use thru for more than two devices and you have to worry about dedicating midi channels to specific devices.

[TRB DJ]

I think you shpild just buy a 8 channel midi even with the inputs. unless you space for gear is very small I think any crazy work around to eliminate the inputs would be more trouble than its worth.

[UltimateOutsider]

There aren't many options for MIDI interfaces these days. I am in the same boat in terms of not needing all that many inputs. But most multi-port interfaces have as many ins as outs- that's just how it is.

I've heard good things about ESI (which störgeräusche mentioned), but those are extremely hard to find in the States.

M-Audio apparently has a multi-port interface, but people who do extensive work with external gear have reported many problems with them.

MOTU is the only company I know of still making good multi-port interfaces that are readily available worldwide, unfortunately the latest firmware versions of their highest-end boxes apparently corrupt SysEx dumps, which are used by patch editors/librarians. (People whose devices have earlier firmware don't report any of the SysEx issues that people with newer models are reporting.)

I have two MOTU micro lites racked up together in a 1U space, along with a MOTU USB FastLane. Altogether that's 12 ins and outs. Both models are fine, and I do plenty of SysEx work through them. Only complaint is that the micro lites sometimes lock up if I reboot my PC. (I've heard this complaint about a few MOTU models.) My workaround is to plug the micro lites into a USB hub with power switches for each port. I just toggle the switches when they freeze, and they come back to life.

On eBay every once in a while you'll find some good old Edirol interfaces (that actually have Win 7 drivers available), but the sellers usually know how valuable those things are.