Confusing Port Numbering on the MOTU MIDI Express 128

[Jackie The Shepherd]

Hello everyone.

I recently purchased two of MOTU MIDI Express 128, which states 8 inputs 9 outputs i.e. a total of 17 I/Os, However when I look at the unit, I see a strange numbering system:

- MIDI Input ports 1 to 7 on rear panel
- MIDI output ports 1 to 8 on rear panel, and
- MIDI input port 8 and output port 8 on front panel.

Why is the Output port no. 8 repeated, instead of calling it no. 9? and what is the purpose of having two output ports with the same number? The digital LEDs anyway show up to no. 8 and there's no number 9 port there.

As a wild guess, I was thinking that perhaps the rear output port no. 8 might be used to connect the MIDI Express 128 to a second MIDI Express 128 - but is that even possible, and is that the reason for the duplication?

Can someone point me to the answer please?

Sorry for sounding childish though.

[Sam Spoons]

Not childish at all, the MIDI Express 128 page in the MOTU website is indeed confusing. The manual equally so WRT this... But the features section of the web page says "MIDI connectivity - Provides eight independent MIDI inputs and outputs for a total of 128 MIDI channels." i.e. there are only 8 midi outputs so presumably the front panel output 8 simply duplicates the rear panel output 8.

[Hugh Robjohns]

The idea is that you use MIDI in/out 1-7 for permanent connections via the rear panel, with MIDI 8 for occasional or visiting gear that you hook up quickly and easily via the front.

And yes, MIDI out 8 is duplicated on both front and back.

If you need even more MIDI ports, you can plug a second Express 128 into another USB port.