are there usb-a midi hubs? (not 5-pin midi)

Discussion in 'Computer Hardware' started by EddieXx, Jul 10, 2023.

  1. EddieXx

    EddieXx Audiosexual

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    I would like to connect multiple gadgets USB-A cables to one usb hub, is there such thing? i know about the regular "analog" pin midi hubs, but i would like one with exclusively usb-a inputs that can see each-other in the hub (if it takes 5-pin midi too that is a plus but not what im after)
     
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  3. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    i have Insignia USB 2.0 7 port powered hub, part number NS-PCH5721. https://www.amazon.com/InsigniaTM-7...NS-PCH5721&link_code=qs&qid=1689012789&sr=8-5

    One side is little usb2 port to computer, the other side is 7 usb-A.

    works fine, but i do not think I have ever had it completely full. it was under 20 bucks when i bought it at best buy. on amazon now 30. it is ok build quality but it is plastic. I wouldn't hit it with a hammer.
     
  4. GluBloB

    GluBloB Ultrasonic

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    I dont think they exist. Many cheap (USB-MIDI 5 Pin) have problems. I think because MIDI at max 38,5KB makes USB crasy
     
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  5. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    You are talking about connecting older hardware with only midi ports. He is asking about USB-A to hook up a bunch of newer stuff to send midi to them. Like a behringer. There is no connection conversion being done. If he wanted what you are thinking, he'd want something like a Motu 128 midi express. There is usb->usb, usb-> midi, and midi->midi. There is no such animal as "usb midi". And the throughput of usb-A is so much greater than what is required for midi data.
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2023
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  6. GluBloB

    GluBloB Ultrasonic

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    Yes, USB has Speed , MIDI is only 33 to 38,5KB. So it's like running a i9 at 500Mhz. It goes crazy
     
  7. GluBloB

    GluBloB Ultrasonic

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    A key On or some controller messages just take some Bytes. USB is not build for this
     
  8. statik

    statik Audiosexual

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    yeah... because usb cant go slow... thats why all those midi interfaces that all use usb dont work... :rofl:

    anyways i'm wondering if the OP means a stand alone usb hub
     
  9. fiction

    fiction Audiosexual

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    Problem is that in order for the two USB MIDI devices to see each other, the hub would need to have USB MIDI host functionality for each connected device and then cross connect A to B and B to A.
    The only hardware I know comes from iConnectivity, alternatively a Raspberry Pi could do this without too much effort.
    Or just an old laptop with MIDI routing software installed.
     
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  10. GluBloB

    GluBloB Ultrasonic

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    Put al USB MIDI things in your computer , turn and play . Show and with sound
     
  11. EddieXx

    EddieXx Audiosexual

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    thanks guys, thing is i would like to not always have to have the computer on, so i guess yes a standalone one would have been ideal.
    I have a master midi keyboard and a mpc and my ipad, all those work standalone and its not always i want to have the computer on to be able to play the keyboard with them. sometimes i use the mpc in "software mode" but not always and having to pull out usb midi cables back and forth is a bit of pita

    Imagine a central hub (usb) standalone where everything usb midi goes to and from and in-between . that would have been a nice thing dont you think
     
  12. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    The reason why these "usb to midi cables" exist is because there is no such thing as "usb midi". you are sending midi data over the cable, certainly. it is still nothing but a generic usb cable, or the ones i have linked below. Go ask for a "usb midi" cable at a computer store and see what they say.
    https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/understanding-usb-cable-types-one-use/.


    But this is what a USB->Midi cable really is. This is a description of a Roland, but the iConnectivity one is basically the same thing.
    1-port USB-powered USB MIDI Interface with Integrated Cables, Data Indicator LEDs, and High-speed FPT Data Throughput - Mac/PC

    https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMOneMk2--roland-um-one-mk2-usb-midi-interface

    https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/mioXC--iconnectivity-mioxc-1x1-usb-c-midi-din-midi-interface

    These would not even exist if all you needed was a "usb midi cable". You are mixing a data type, with a cable type. When what you really want is something like a Midi (or maybe even usb) patchbay, and/or a splitter. Or a "Thru box". A "hub" is not the correct term.

    This is the exact discussion (almost): https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesize..._hardware_patchbay_how_does_such_a_thing_not/

    "Motu midi Express XT , and no it doesn't need to be attached to a computer". https://motu.com/products/midi/xpressxt_usb. You have to be careful about which model, because as example the Motu Midi Express 128 is USB powered so the computer must be on to supply it. The XT seems to get around this. It ships with 1 IEC power connector (switchable 115V - 220V)
     
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  13. fishnose

    fishnose Producer

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    Any USB hub will do.
     
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  14. nmkeraj

    nmkeraj Producer

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    There was a post here about using multi audio interfaces via USB hub. I have just checked it and it was working. Of course not simultaneously :). Then I connected two master keyboards. They worked simultaneously. So you’ve got a solution.:wink:
     
  15. fiction

    fiction Audiosexual

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    If anyone's interested in a Raspberry Pi acting as a USB MIDI host for multiple USB MIDI gadgets (which is necessary when working without a computer, like Eddie said), here's what you need:
    https://github.com/stevelittlefish/auto_midi_connect

    There are plenty of old, now unused Raspberry boards out there. Too slow for most modern projects but perfect for processing MIDI.
     
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