MIDI Splitter or Out

[Atardecer]

Hi there,

I have keyboard for live use that is going MIDI out to a MOTU Micro Lite, then USB to the system. I want to be able to trigger a backup system concurrently (which also has a Micro Lite). Now a MIDI Splitter would do this (what splitter's do you recommend? Mains powered or MIDI powered?). The keyboard in question is a Doepfer LMK 2+.

Can i just avoid the splitter entirely and run a MIDI out from the MOTU to the the MIDI In of the backup MOTU, or I need Thru for this?

Any help appreciated.

[BJG145]

Can i just avoid the splitter entirely and run a MIDI out from the MOTU to the the MIDI In of the backup MOTU

I'd have thought so; try checking out the Routing section on page 31 of the manual.

[Wonks]

I'm not sure if you are reliant on Clockworks running on the host computer to keep the routing and mappings running. If part or all of your host computer goes down (presumably the reason you need a backup system), you will probably lose Clockworks. But you may also lose power over the USB to the micro lite, so that it certainly won't work. If you've got two micro lites powered from the same computer, then the computer is a single point of failure.

I'd suggest a separate MIDI splitter is the safest option. I'm not an expert on these, but splitting is a simple hardware function, so in theory, any unit that works should be just as good as another. Personally I'd prefer one with its own power supply than use MIDI power, though a 1-2 splitter can in theory be powered over MIDI.

[James Perrett]

Can i just avoid the splitter entirely and run a MIDI out from the MOTU to the the MIDI In of the backup MOTU, or I need Thru for this?

It may be possible to do this but it probably depends on the software that you are using and you may hear a very slight delay if you are really really fussy about timing. A thru box would probably be a better solution - I used to use a Phillip Rees 10 way one which worked well.

[BJG145]

If you have a Doepfer with USB, that would be another option.

[Dan LB]

If your Doepfer LMK 2+ is pre 2009 it should have two MIDI outputs on the back. Run one to the primary system and the second one to the backup.

If it is a later model it will have a 5 pin DIN output as well as a USB MIDI output. You can use the USB output to drive one system and the DIN output to drive the other.

HTH

Dan