I'm looking for advice on the best way to connect my synths via MIDI, rather than daisy chain them to avoid latency issues, etc. I am using the Novation SL MK3 as a MIDI controller / main keyboard that I would like to control each synth with individually and in tandem. Everything is running into an RME Fireface UFX II Interface. Can someone please recommend the best way to connect the gear listed below, whether it be a thru hub, merge hub or another option? Make and model would be helpful as well. Thanks!

- Oberheim / Sequential OB-6
- Roland MC-707
- Roland Juno 106
- Roland JX-03
- Roland SH-01A
- Roland System 1
- Yamaha DX7s

 

https://motu.com/en-us/products/midi-products/ Midi interface. The 128 Express is probably the one you want for that number of devices.
You could maybe get away with a microlite if you want less 5pin din midi i/o. Anything but a midi i/o direct to the computer for each device in some kind of workaround setup will just add complexity and like you say maybe some latency. Get a 128 and you are good for 8 devices of i/o.

 

Last edited: Nov 23, 2025

I concur with clone.

 

You are going to need an external Midi Router for all those goodies.

Like others have mentioned.....

https://motu.com/en-us/products/midi-products/

MIDI Express 128

 

Kenton MIDI Thru 12 - 129 €

Description

Receives MIDI data from a single MIDI OUT (e.g. sequencer or master keyboard) and produces identical copies at the 12 MIDI THRU sockets. These can then be connected to the MIDI INs of sound modules or other devices which require MIDI signals sent to them.
High quality Kenton MIDI Thru box with opto-isolated MIDI In and separate drive for each MIDI Out. Powered from a mains adaptor (wall wart) so you can fit and forget.

- 1 MIDI In & 12 MIDI Thrus
- Works for ALL MIDI messages including Clock, SysEx, MTC etc.
- Includes schmitt trigger logic for signal quality restoration
- Less than one microsecond latency
- DC power input jack 2.1mm (centre +ve)
- Power/Data indicator light
- Housed in a metal box so it can withstand the knocks
- Attractively finished in brushed aluminium with black screen print
9V multi-region, switch mode power supply is included. It has 4 interchangeable heads suitable for most parts of the world, including UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia & New Zealand

https://kentonuk.com/product/thru-12/
www.thomann.de/de/kenton_midi_thru_12.htm

or

Kenton Merge 8 - 179 €
- with 8x MIDI input to 2x MIDI output
https://kentonuk.com/product/merge-8/
www.thomann.de/de/kenton_merge_8.htm

 

I've owned several midi interfaces over the years, personally I recommend (and still use) MOTU midi express 128. Its simple, inexpensive and gets the job done:
https://motu.com/products/midi/128

I also own a handful of Roland UM-One MK2s, theyre rock solid and can be found relatively cheap on the used market:
https://www.roland.com/es-es/products/um-one_mk2/

Previously I also owned a iConnectivity mioXL, while be it a great option for both usb and 5pin DIN, it was a bit overkill and not to mention expensive:
https://www.thomann.de/de/iconnectivity_mioxl.htm

.. and lastly, my favorite of all time, the Edirol UM880... best midi patchbay ever made IMO, unfortunately no longer made or supported, however, there are work arounds to getting the drivers to work on a modern Windows system. They're unicorns, but if you can find one used, its fantastic:
https://reverb.com/es/item/78387572-edirol-um-880

 

Thanks for the feedback and helpful info!

Thanks for the feedback and helpful info!

Thanks for the feedback and helpful info!

 

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 24, 2025

A dedicated MIDI interface gives you cleaner routing and no daisy chain lag. A simple setup is to run the SL MK3 into a multi port interface, then send each synth its own MIDI out so you can control them separately. An 8 port box like the iConnectivity MioXL or the ESI M8U EX works well because you get individual ports, solid timing, and easy routing from your computer or your controller.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BFFQGB33?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1
CME U6MIDI Pro

I got one of these and it can do nearly anything works dawless or through ableton. I've got 8 extrenal synths and 4 elekron boxes, c

 

I was looking at this one recently myself to replace my 30 year old Music Quest Midi8port/SE:
https://www.thomann.de/intl/iconnectivity_mioxl.htm

 

Thanks for the helpful info!

Thanks for the helpful info! Based on the amount of ports, I'm guessing you swap out your gear (not being able to plug them all in the box at once?

Thanks for the helpful info!

 

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 24, 2025

iit's a bit of a mess now but I have a midi thru box and all the behringer stuff has midi thru. and a fireface which has midi.

I was doing the dawless thing on the digitone 2, it can sequence 16 synths at the same time with cc, and I wanted to bring the new digitakt 2 i

nto the system