ARTech - MIDI Thru Box

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Overview

The MIDI Thru Box allows any received MIDI signal to be sent to up to three separate MIDI chains. The MIDI signal received at the input of the MIDI Thru Box is echoed unchanged out all three of the MIDI Thru Box's outputs simultaneously.

MIDI Thru Box can be used whenever you have a MIDI signal that needs to go to multiple destinations. Also, if you are sending MIDI to many different units by using each of their Thrus and are concerned that one of your devices may be causing a MIDI delay, you can use the MIDI Thru Box to distribute the MIDI output with no signal delay.

ARTech MIDI Thru Box indicates the presence of MIDI data on its MIDI input. Thus the ARTech MIDI Thru Box can be used as simple MIDI activity indicator for testing of the MIDI system signal flow, for the indication of the faulty cables, etc.

Main features: 1 MIDI Input - MIDI In 3 MIDI Outputs - MIDI Thru Incoming MIDI data indication Accessories: Power adapter 230V AC

Why to use ARTech MIDI Thru Box

MIDI interface uses the connection type called current loop. It allows to connect only one MIDI device to the one MIDI output. Therefore the most MIDI units is equipped with three MIDI connectors. One is the input - MIDI In and the other two are outputs - MIDI Out and MIDI Thru. MIDI In serves for the input of the MIDI data. These data are instantly retransmitted unchanged to the output MIDI Thru. The MIDI Out is an output of data which are generated or modified in the MIDI unit.

For the connection of two MIDI units is the output of MIDI source (master) MIDI Out connected with the input of MIDI receiver (slave) MIDI In.

MIDI source unit can be any device producing MIDI data - instrument, controller, sequencer, etc. MIDI receiver is any device controlled by MIDI data - instrument, sequencer, etc.

If more MIDI units should be connected a MIDI chain can be created by using of each MIDI slave unit MIDI Thru as an output connected to the input MIDI In of the following unit.

This type of connection may cause problems:

• If the MIDI signal goes through any device this signal is delayed and distorted. If many different MIDI units are used by connecting their Thrus and Ins then the delay and distortion accumulates and can affect the reliability of MIDI connection. It is mentioned that the problem scan arise if more than three devices are used.
• All connected MIDI devices has to be switched on even if they are not used.
• MIDI unit without MIDI Thru output must be connected as the last unit in MIDI chain. With more than one MIDI unit without MIDI Thru output it is not possible to make MIDI chain.

For the solution of these problems MIDI Thru Box was created. This device with one input MIDI In and several outputs MIDI Thru allows to replace the MIDI chain configuration with the more efficient star configuration.

This type of connection has many advantages:

• The path of MIDI data is short. Thus the delay and distortion of MIDI data is reduced.
• Unused MIDI units can be switched off without influence on the other units' function.
• Connected MIDI units has not to have MIDI Thru output.
• Whole MIDI system has a clear arrangement and can be easily modified.

When the MIDI signal is present on the MIDI Thru Box's MIDI input, the yellow power LED on the MIDI Thru Box will blink. Thus the ARTech MIDI Thru Box can be used as simple MIDI activity indicator. It can be used for testing of the MIDI system signal flow, for the indication of the faulty cables, for the testing of MIDI devices functionality, etc.

How to use ARTech MIDI Thru Box

To use ARTech MIDI Thru Box, connect its MIDI In to the MIDI Out of the source of MIDI data - instrument, controller, sequencer, etc. Then connect MIDI Ins of individual MIDI receivers - instruments, sequencers, etc. to the MIDI Thrus of MIDI Thru Box. Connect power supply adapter to the MIDI Thru Box's Power connector. When the power is present, the yellow power LED will light. When the MIDI signal appears on the MIDI Thru Box's MIDI In, it is echoed on all three of the MIDI Thru Box's outputs and the yellow power LED blinks.

For more information contact artech@noise.cz.