MOTU MIDI Express 128 - Professional USB MIDI Interface with 8 I/O and 128 Channels
The MOTU MIDI Express 128 is a professional MIDI interface that offers robust and reliable connectivity for any computer-based music production studio. Built with the same cutting-edge technology as MOTU's flagship MIDI Timepiece, this interface provides a simple yet powerful plug-and-play solution for Mac and Windows systems. Connect all your synthesizers, sound modules, control surfaces, and other MIDI devices with complete confidence, knowing that the Express 128 will manage the data flow with sub-millisecond accuracy.
Thanks to its eight independent MIDI inputs and eight independent MIDI outputs (plus a ninth output that doubles the eighth), the Express 128 provides a total of 128 MIDI channels to handle complex studio setups. Its high-speed USB connection not only ensures latency-free MIDI data transmission but also powers the unit, eliminating the need for external power supplies and simplifying setup. Its rugged design in a metal chassis makes it ideal for both studio and touring use, and its 1U form factor allows for standard, clean rack mounting.
Main Features
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Extensive Connectivity: It has 8 MIDI inputs and 8 MIDI outputs on standard DIN-5 connectors, offering a total of 128 MIDI channels to manage extensive equipment.
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Professional Precision: Leverages the technology of MOTU's high-end models to deliver sub-millisecond accurate MIDI event synchronization and timing.
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USB Power: It is powered directly from the computer's USB port, eliminating the need for an external power adapter and making it more portable.
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Plug-and-Play Operation: Compatible with Windows and macOS, its installation is simple thanks to the included drivers, allowing immediate integration with your favorite music production software.
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Expandable System: If your needs grow, you can easily expand your system. Simply connect additional MOTU MIDI interfaces to other USB ports on your computer to add more MIDI ports.
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Visual Monitoring: The front panel features LED activity indicators for each input and output port, allowing clear, real-time monitoring of the MIDI signal flow.
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Robust Construction: Housed in a sturdy metal chassis, it's designed to withstand the demands of daily studio and live use. It's rack-mountable in a standard 1U 19-inch space.
Benefits for the Musician and Producer
The MIDI Express 128 is designed to be the central hub of your MIDI studio. Its ease of use, combined with professional performance, makes it the ideal choice for musicians, producers, and composers seeking a reliable and hassle-free solution. Forget about latency or synchronization issues; this interface ensures your performances and sequences are captured and played back with the utmost fidelity. USB power and hot-swapping capability provide unparalleled flexibility, especially for portable setups or those who frequently need to reconfigure their studio.
Use Cases
This interface is perfect for a wide variety of scenarios. In a home studio, you can connect a master keyboard, multiple hardware synthesizers, a drum machine, and a control surface, all through a single, stable unit. For live performance, its robust construction and USB power make it ideal for keyboardists or programmers using laptops on stage. In post-production or film composition studios, its precise timing ensures perfect synchronization with video. Its expandability also makes it suitable for commercial studios that may need to scale their MIDI setup in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to install any software for it to work?
- Yes, macOS and Windows drivers are included to ensure optimal compatibility and performance with your music software.
- Is it compatible with the latest operating systems?
- MOTU regularly provides driver updates to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of macOS and Windows. It is recommended to check the official MOTU website for the most recent drivers.
- Can I use more than one MIDI Express 128 at the same time?
- Yes, the system is fully expandable. You can connect multiple MOTU MIDI units to different USB ports on your computer to increase the total number of available MIDI ports.
- What is the ninth MIDI output?
- The interface has eight independent physical outputs. The ninth output is a copy or "mirror" of output 8, which can be useful for sending the same MIDI information to two different devices simultaneously without needing a splitter.
- Is it powered solely by USB?
- Yes, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 is "bus-powered", meaning it gets all the power it needs through the USB cable connected to your computer, without the need for an additional power adapter.
Project description
Professional MIDI interface with high-speed USB connection for Mac and Windows systems. It offers 8 independent MIDI inputs and 8 MIDI outputs via 5-pin DIN connectors, providing a total of 128 MIDI channels. A ninth output duplicates the signal from output 8. It is powered directly via the USB bus. The front panel includes LED activity indicators for each input and output port. The unit is housed in a 1U metal chassis, suitable for 19-inch rack mounting.
