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MOTU Midi Express XT [2000-2010]
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MOTU Midi Express XT [2000-2010]

MIDI Interface from MOTU belonging to the Midi Express series

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Published on 03/16/12 at 02:04
What >>> specifications motivated your choice?
The 8 in / out, the flexibility of routing to send everything to anything, the relatively advanced filtering capabilities, editing via PC editor.

>>> For what purpose?
This is where it gets complicated. I am a guitarist and I use a lot of synth-guitar. So I needed a reliable and convenient way to manage MIDI signals in all directions between the following devices: MIDI Foot Foot Liquid Pro, Axe-FX, Axon AX100MKII, VG99, Nord Modular G2 Engine, Switchblade GL, loopstation , Kaoss Pad 3/Whammy IV. Knowing that the G2 Engine serves me as both synthetic (controlled by the Axon), sequencer (drum loops and / or loop controlling a MIDI CC parameter on another machine), so I had a reliable way to route all this beautiful world without resorting to hacks crappy boxes based Thru and Merge. I did that long and it was a hassle ...

>>> What instruments or systems you use it? ...
See just above.

What is your >>> config (Motherboard / CPU / RAM / Disk, ...)?
No interest here ...

UTILIZATION

>>> The drivers are stable?
Some sporadic crashes, but nothing insurmountable because I never use it as a MIDI interface with Cubase. Router only as MIDI in my guitar rig.

Are they >>> often updated?
Not that I know, but m ^ m time is "just" a MIDI interface, then the driver once considered stable, I can not see what MOTU may consider correct.

>>> What software do you use most often?
Ah yes, my mistake, I actually used occasionally as computer interface for editing my machines. But most have their own USB connection, this use can be summed up only in my edition of AXON, my Switchblade GL and my Axe-FX Ultra knowing that it will soon be replaced by an Axe-FX II with him also its own USB connection. The only software that I use are the publishers of these machines. For a more "Master Keyboard" through the guitar, I prefer to use a Midisport 4x4.
Small problem: My Axe-FX Ultra is deemed sensitive about the MIDI interface used pure connect to the computer. Particularly regarding the firmware upgrade. However, for 3 years, I have not encountered any problem during upgrade via my Midisport 4x4, and the only time I have, by laziness, attempted to do through the Motu, it was initially resulted in failure "Bad Checksum", and finally by a crash / dump outright the EPROM of my Axe-FX forcing me to get a replacement EPROM. The official forum Axe-FX has a topic listing the interfaces or not OK with the Axis and visibly, MOTU is not particularly saintly.
Therefore mistrust. For my part, now, for editing presets on the Axe, stay on the Motu, as everything is Racké, but for the FW upgrade, I take the time to rewires Axis via the MIDISPORT. Ask me why it kidding, I&#39;m not an engineer ...

>>> Do you ever happen to saturate the MIDI interface and if so, under what circumstances?
No, not that I know. Still discussing the problem on my EPROM have a time considered a possible overload problem (issuing sysex for firmware update seems to be relatively bandepassantophage), but no experiment has supported the hypothesis . Well yes, no one dare to risk her grilled Axe-FX to check ... ;)

OVERALL OPINION

>>> How long you use it?
It must now make two or three years.

>>> What is special that you love the most, least?
The +:
-The configuration flexibility
-The potential for mapping
-The relatively advanced filtering capabilities
-The internal power supply via IEC power cable (no external power supply is really handy)
-The price ... in secondhand.

THE -:
-The fact that the MIDI IN # 8 is physically present at the front while the MIDI OUT # 8 is doubled Front / Rear. Once Racké, the presence of MIDI IN / OUT # 8 on the front is useful for connecting a keyboard master, but in my case, everything is Racké and I have to bring a cable to the front because of this lack at the rear.
-The graphical representation of virtual routing cables in the editor is not very readable. Indeed, the cables are represented by single-crossing lines between right-angled and overlapping each other so it is impossible to determine visually which is connected to what. The line has indeed the m ^ m color. In case of complex configuration, you get lost completely and it is then necessary to prepare the connections on paper before moving to implementation.
On-editor software, inability to change the name of the inputs / outputs. Yet it is a necessity to be able to name the connectors according to the device that connects to it. The blow obliged to keep a reminder close at hand. It may seem silly as demand, but when you have to get back into the bowels of our system after several months without having to make any changes, it quickly becomes problematic and you end up having to set foot in the ass to the rack follow each spaghetti and see where it goes ...
-The price ... in nine ...

Did you >>> tried many other models before buying it?
Not much in Class 8 in / out. Before it, I owned a Midisport 8x8 which soon proved too small compared to sea needs. Despite this experience "limited", I think that the pouvir Midi Express XT USB is certainly one of the coolest on the market.

How do you >>> the price / quality ratio?
Very good if one brings in the secondhand. A bit too expensive new.

>>> With experience, you do again this choice? ...
In theory, yes. But you never know what the future holds and it remains possible that a new product comes the upgrade.