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songboy « A must have for the Midi studio »
Published on 12/02/11 at 07:32This is a very simple tool. It is simply a Midi "router" that allows you to connect older (and newer, but most have there own USB interface) synthesizers and devices and gain full control through your computer. The fact that it is very simple in use and setup and that it is MOTU, a brand I have used before and had no issues with are what motivated me to purchase this. I use this for a TC Helicon Voiceworks, Roland D-110, and Yamaha FB-01. All three of those were a HUGE! pain to edit. With this unit and MidiQuestXL (TC Helicon has it's own free editor) I can deep edit these devices and get some sounds and effects I never knew were possible. I run this all with a Macbook Pro and a RME Fireface 800 through Ableton 8.
UTILIZATION
This unit is plug and play with a mac. I have not needed to install drivers or firmware updates as of yet. I have not overloaded this midi interface. It handles those three units mentioned above with ease. I have not used all 5 in/outs yet, but as soon as I gain so more old dusty synths, I will be sure to do it. I use this unit most with MidiQuest XL, Ableton 8 and sometimes Logic 9. Setup in Logic 9 is a little bit more difficult than in Ableton 8 due to Logic 9's somewhat confusing environment. Ableton 8 however is a breeze. Simple configure it in your Midi settings. Then create a Midi track and point it towards the MOTU Micro Midi. MidiQuestXL is also fairly easy to setup. It doesn't matter what music style you use. If you use any synthesizers with a Midi In/Midi out connection, then you definitely want this. Especially if you have a synth like the Roland D-110, and you don't want to use there Multi-function per button setup.
OVERALL OPINION
I love this unit because it is extremely easy to setup, simple in it's capabilities and it's a 1/2 rack unit. The Yamaha FB-01 is also a 1/2 rack and I have had a 1/2 space empty in my rack for years. There is nothing I don't like about this unit. It has a simple task and it performs it flawlessly. These still run new for around $150 and I got mine for $50 on ebay. I am very happy with that excellent deal. This unit deals with Midi only and no sound. This is the only multi Midi interface I have ever owned. I definitely recommend this unit and when I need more midi inputs, I will buy another one.
UTILIZATION
This unit is plug and play with a mac. I have not needed to install drivers or firmware updates as of yet. I have not overloaded this midi interface. It handles those three units mentioned above with ease. I have not used all 5 in/outs yet, but as soon as I gain so more old dusty synths, I will be sure to do it. I use this unit most with MidiQuest XL, Ableton 8 and sometimes Logic 9. Setup in Logic 9 is a little bit more difficult than in Ableton 8 due to Logic 9's somewhat confusing environment. Ableton 8 however is a breeze. Simple configure it in your Midi settings. Then create a Midi track and point it towards the MOTU Micro Midi. MidiQuestXL is also fairly easy to setup. It doesn't matter what music style you use. If you use any synthesizers with a Midi In/Midi out connection, then you definitely want this. Especially if you have a synth like the Roland D-110, and you don't want to use there Multi-function per button setup.
OVERALL OPINION
I love this unit because it is extremely easy to setup, simple in it's capabilities and it's a 1/2 rack unit. The Yamaha FB-01 is also a 1/2 rack and I have had a 1/2 space empty in my rack for years. There is nothing I don't like about this unit. It has a simple task and it performs it flawlessly. These still run new for around $150 and I got mine for $50 on ebay. I am very happy with that excellent deal. This unit deals with Midi only and no sound. This is the only multi Midi interface I have ever owned. I definitely recommend this unit and when I need more midi inputs, I will buy another one.