All user reviews for the MOTU Midi Express XT [2000-2010]

I wanted a full and not too expensive interface to connect a MIDI studio of 16 channels with a PC. I wanted the option of changing my purchases of machinery. As this is not equipment is changed regularly (MIDI interface changes little), he had to meet all possible configurations.
It is used with a CLP Clavinova, XV3080 yet.

UTILIZATION

This device is extremely stable and I never had to do it a RESET running.
I used it with Logic but I'm about to do with SONAR.

OVERALL OPINION

This is my first MIDI interface that I use for ten years I think ...
Excellent value for money.

MOTU MIDI Express XT USB can be racked and it only takes up 1 rack space, and it has enough ins and outs to power your whole MIDI set up! There are 8 ins and 8 outs on this interface, it is very simple to use and set up. You can go to your MIDI settings in our software and it will show that you have this MIDI device connected and installed then just click on it. It is that simple, as long as you understand MIDI and how to use it, it will take no longer than 10 minutes to get Express XT setup.

UTILIZATION

Some of the key features of the MOTU MIDI Express XT are the audio click input, this will just take your click from your DAW and turn it into MIDI data on the Express XT, the MIDI Express XT USB has a merge matrix style to it, this will allow you to unplug MIDI cables and plug them back in with different gear and you wont have to restart anything or even reload it in your software. It is truly plug and play with the Express XT USB. It is compatible with Windows PC’s and Mac’s, it comes with driver software to load either one. It works with Windows XP, Windows 7 or Windows VISTA, and you only need OS 10.3 or higher for Macs.


OVERALL OPINION

The MOTU MIDI Express was a great addition to our garage studio because we have a lot of MIDI gear and needed to get rid of the small USB MIDI inputs that we where using. Now we have all of your keyboards going right into the Express XT, with daisy chaining we can route MIDI through everything now. If we do get one more MIDI instrument then we will get rid of this and look for a bigger unit that has more ins and outs. But until then this is the best MIDI interface that we have used.

This is a rack able piece of gear that you would need in your set up, it really powers my whole set up once I think about it. I am able to have all of my keyboards and drum machines all running with each other and synced up thanks to the Motu Midi Express XT USB. Installing the driver that came with the Motu Midi Express XT USB was very quick and easy. I didn’t have to update it online, im not sure if they even have the updates online for it or not but there was no need because it came with a disk and once I inserted the disk it auto started and installed and then my daw recognized my Motu Midi Express XT then I started getting all of my connections right from my keyboards to drum machines and all my external gear.


UTILIZATION

After having to read the manual that came with the Motu Midi Express XT I finally figured out how to have all the midi running through it. The manual wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to understand, I would rather watch a video on how to do something like this and believe me I looked online and on you tube trying to find a video of someone walking through the steps to set it up but couldn’t find anything. Maybe I will make a video for everyone else on how to do it now since I have it figured out.


OVERALL OPINION

If you have a lot of midi gear than you need something to be the brain of it all, and the Motue Midi Express will handle all of that stuff. This rack able unit surprised me with its ability to help in that department. I didn’t think having one single unit to handle midi would work out this well nor didn’t I think that I really needed it. Boy am I glad I got the Motu Midi Express XT .

What characteristics have motivated your choice? : I thought I could change the preset with the "program change" sent from a pedal noon: it is written in the user manual and I was certified by the importer after direct contact MOTU. But do not buy for why this is wrong!

Otherwise the number of inputs and outputs (8), the fact that I tried an older interface (on which one could recall the preset by noon) but broke down.

What instruments or systems you use it? ... : On stage with a pedal Roland FC300 and 5 or 6 machines controllable by midi (KAOSS, Micro Sampler, GR33 ...)

UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable? The new software works better than the old one: Beware (1) must not try to save a preset on the computer before making any changes in the configuration presets if it crashes! Warning (2): do not put emphasis where no other signs "English" in the name of the preset otherwise it is impossible to save. (There will be no error message)

OVERALL OPINION

How long you use it? Since 9 Months. This is the time it took me to get the answer from MOTU concerning the recall of preset by noon: it is a mistake of the manual there are sorry but it does not work and no, this feature will not implanted by "update". But they think of next to a camera!

What is so special that you like best?
Ben, I believe that there is not much interface with these characteristics in the market (input output).

What is so special that you like least? The fact that I have done despite numerous efforts to make sure that the callback function preset by midday worked!

With experience, you do again this choice? ... : Well I think you understand ... blah, blah ... the recall of preset by noon ... blabla: absolutely not!

Basically on stage, you need the bike near home, or going gently change the preset "by hand": ridiculous for a specialized device in the treatment of noon!

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'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.

- MIDI interface for Macintosh and Windows.
- Can be used without a computer as a MIDI patch / merger / processor data -
- Synchronize all SMPTE formats
- MIDI Matrix 8 x 8
- Memory directly accessible from the front
- 8 independent MIDI inputs
- 8 independent MIDI outputs (output 9 in total)
- Input / Output MIDI front
- 128 MIDI channels
- MIDI Machine Control
- Foot pedal input
- Enter to "click" sound with MIDI conversion
- Battery powered Memory: 16 presets, 8 modified
- Recall of configurations-Change Program
- Software for Mac and Windows included
- Internal power supply

MIDI Processing
Merge: merge any input to any output
Routing: ability to route any input to any output
Mute: filtering any kind of message on any MIDI connection
Re-Channelization: change the MIDI channel message on input and output

Synchronization
Reader-generating SMPTE time code (LTC)
Conversion of LTC to MIDI Time Code (MTC) and vice versa
Conversion and generation of all formats of SMPTE (24, 25, 30, 29.97 drop and non-drop)
Jam-Sync with SMPTE "freewheeling" adjustable to sync with no drop-out
Mode "Quicklock" LTC: lock to SMPTE high speed.
MMC: Can be master or slave MMC and distribute transportation orders

Specifications & Connectors
VLSI technology using proprietary MOTU
LEDs and buttons to select the configurations
Button dedicated to the generation of the SMPTE
Diodes SMPTE lock on the front
Setting the SMPTE output level through software
LED indicating the activity of MIDI input and output
MIDI in and out in front: 17 MIDI
Button "panic"
2 jack 6.35 mm for the SMPTE (line level)
An input jack on the front (pedal / input click)
1 USB port
An outlet format 3-pin IEC



Quick Installation on OS 10.4. It connects devices in CoreAudio, we can do merge, the splits, filters through Clockworks. It has some presets available configuration, plus 8 personal memories. It's enough for me.
Operates in standalone, with different configurations of call on the front. Manages the SMPTE, and has the Motu MTS system offering the lowest latency Midi market (according Motu).

UTILIZATION

It is stable, update (intel mac driver already available).
I use it with Logic Express.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for several months. I wonder how I managed to do without it all these years! This is a flexibility.
The design is consistent with the rest of the range Motu (828mk2, ultralite, 896HD ...). It is sturdy and comfortable.
Is positioned in the same price range as an Edirol and M-Audio, a little more expensive, certainly, but I prefer the reputation of Motu.

Interface quite complete, 8 In / 8 Out or 128 channels.

Perfect for big setup on the other hand, if you are a master keyboard and virtual instruments (or mobile use) rather go on a 2 x 2 or a master keyboard with a USB port.

UTILIZATION

As for drivers, MOTU is very reactive in case of system updates, the update is available in 48 hours (in beta or final version).


Question stability nothing to say on top!

OVERALL OPINION

I use since 2003, with no worries, no failure.


The quality / price ratio is (was, it no longer made, replaced by midday Express 128) very good.


This choice I would do without hesitation!

The MOTU MIDI Express XT USB is an eight by eight MIDI interface, consisting of 128 channels in total. It is designed for any type of use with MIDI that you so choose. In terms of connections, it has a MIDI input and output in the front, and eight MIDI inputs and outputs in the back. It also has a USB port and SMPTE 1/4" connections for input and output for SMPTE synchronization as well. It will indeed fit in a rack casing, and will only take up a single space. Lastly, it has a 1/4" output in the front for a pedal controlling option. There is another version of the XT, but it doesn't have the digital screen and has a different look and make up in general.

UTILIZATION

Setting up and using the MOTU MIDI Express XT USB isn't a hard task at all. It does however provide you with a good amount of options and features to use here. However, making your basic connections and using this as a simple MIDI interface should prove to be very easy for most users. You can store and save presets, as it has a button for it and also one for going through the different banks. They've made it really easy to do all sorts of routing with the MIDI Express XT, but having the manual around would be a good idea for those who are new to MIDI interfaces.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, the MOTU MIDI Express XT USB is a very solid MIDI interface that has above average characteristics and make up. This goes beyond just being your simple MIDI interface, as there are a lot of features that this has to offer that others do not. If you are someone who uses a MIDI interface a lot and needs a good amount of channels and connections, the MIDI Express XT is definitely something worth looking into. The price is somewhere in the middle, as it isn't too expensive but isn't the cheapest out there, so the price shouldn't be a huge factor in determining if it is right for you. If you're looking for a great looking MIDI interface that has the features to back it up, definitely check out the MOTU MIDI Express XT USB interface.