Probably a face palm stupid question that will seem obvious when I see the answer …
The Foogers all have MIDI IN only. How are you setting up multiple Foogers with MIDI control? It’s easy to set the separate channels. But, I don’t see how to chain them together? You aren’t using that many MIDI Outs from an interface are you?
Thanks
jmc
You’ll need to use an active MIDI splitter or multi-port interface ~
You could use a MIDI patchbay (like one of the MOTU MIDI Express units), or if you don’t need to change your MIDI routing, you could use something like a MIDI Solutions THRU box.
One caveat to the MIDI Solutions box~
while it’s definitely a much cheaper solution (less than $50), the box is actually powered by the voltage available within a typical MIDI circuit. Unfortunately, not all MIDI sources are created equal, and there’s no guarantee the box will “power up” with your controller / MIDI source, so some DIY power circuit effort might be required (the MIDI Solutions web site discusses the details).
The MOTU units are very flexible and reliable, but cost a WHOLE lot more ~
but IMHO, worth every penny if you start dealing with multiple MIDI DIN control and sound sources!
A multiport MIDI interface is generally going to cost less than a MIDI patchbay.
However, with an interface you’ll need to attach to a USB host (computer or iPad) to handle the MIDI port routing.
WIth a MIDI patchbay, you might need to connect to a computer for programming the routing presets, but after that the patchbay can operate autonomously with no computer connection. Routing presets can be selected with buttons on the front panel, or in some cases, via footswitch or MIDI commands.
Randy
MIDI Solutions Quadra Thru is what I use. I run it from my iPhone and seems to work great!
They were very helpful with tech questions before I purchased, maybe email them your plans and they might help or already know how it will work.
Another thumbs up for MOTU products. I have the TImepiece AV and it’s got GREAT routing capabilities and filtering capabilities. As your Midi setup becomes more complex, one thing that you’ll learn is that Midi Clock is very disrespectful when it comes using up precious bandwidth on the midi bus. (it’s Omni, meaning goes everywhere; and it’s relentless!).
Being able to NOT push real time and other classes of messages to certain connections is, in my opinion vital.
Since all of the Midi capable foogers are end-points (no thru ports on them), you will either need to occupy ports on your Midi interface (you may have a 2x2 or something larger and it’s not the best idea to do this depending on the size of tour rig), OR just utilize a thru box as suggested above.
For a while, I had a Roland thru box from the 80’s splitting Midi to my 105M, my 108M, and my Little Phatty (purely for rec’v clock for LFO and ARP sync).
If you are into DIY, I can provide you with a simple schematic to build up your own thru box. All they do is amplify the signal so that it can go at proper voltage along a distance with at droop in signal.
Kawai mav8 handles all my midi routing. 4 inputs 8 outputs and I got it for about $50 on eBay
Thanks for all the replies. Funny that I’ve not had to deal with devices that don’t at least have an OUT/THRU option after all these years.