USB Host to 5pin MIDI Converters

Started by Elantric, July 31, 2015, 09:23:28 AM

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Elantric

* Raspberry PI $35 + Generic USB to MIDI cable ($15) (Works with Roland  / Boss products - no USB Driver needed)

* iConnnectMIDI (original Black version - discontinued )

* iConnnectMIDI4+  (not the iConnnectMIDI2+ ! ! )
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi


* iConnnectAUDIO4+  / * iConnnectAUDIO2+
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/audio

* Kenton USB Host to MIDI Converter
http://www.kentonuk.com/products/items/utilities/usb-host.shtml

* Primova MIDX-10(Works with Roland  / Boss products - no USB Driver needed)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15758.0

* Disaster Area GHOST Converter USB MIDI Host Interface
http://www.disasterareaamps.com/shop/ghost-converter

* CerebelUSB – USB-MIDI to Serial Converter
https://supr.com/mode-machines/products/cerebelusb-usb/

DOREMIDI High Speed USB MIDI Host Box MIDI Interface Converter (UMH-20)

==

Quote
Why cant I connect a MIDI controller to a Roland  / Boss MFX using only  a USB connection?

Because all USB MIDI controllers with no 5 pin MIDI I/O connection are:

USB Client (EndPoint) Devices

The USB Bus requires One device to act as USB HOST Controller - and those are typically computers
http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/49140/what-exactly-are-the-difference-between-a-usb-host-and-device

The USB Host Controller initiates all communication on the USB bus, the USB Endpoint Device only responds when asked by the USB Host Controller.
For Details see the specs on www.usb.org.
http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/devclass_docs/
http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/devclass_docs/




(And tell anyone you know (Marketing Manager's, etc) to study the USB Specification before they vote to omit the 5pin DIN MIDI I/O jacks from new gear just to save $2.00 cost.
http://www.beyondlogic.org/usbnutshell/usb1.shtml

https://www.usb.org/documents

sine_3000

#1
Looking for a way to connect the Fishman Triple Play USB receiver to send its data to 5 pin midi.  Certainly these devices above will do this.


But - I have one of those "USB-to-5 pin MIDI" converter cables. 
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Midisport-Uno-MIDI-Interface/dp/B00007JRBM

Couldn't I just get a female-USB- to -female-USB adapter cable, then plug my FTP USB receiver into one end, and the cable's USB into the other end?
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters%C2%AE-Gold-Plated-SuperSpeed-Coupler/dp/B00J4NMTMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1443749234&sr=1-1&keywords=female+usb+to+female+usb


Also, what's wrong with the iConnect2?  It's half the price of the 4, and shouldn't it do the same thing?
Ed. I see that it doesn't have a USB type-A port (the narrow one), only USB type-B (the square one with the two cropped corners).  That won't do for the FTP receiver, anyway.

Elantric

#2
Quote
But - I have one of those "USB-to-5 pin MIDI" converter cables. 
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Midisport-Uno-MIDI-Interface/dp/B00007JRBM

Couldn't I just get a female-USB- to -female-USB adapter cable, then plug my FTP USB receiver into one end, and the cable's USB into the other end?
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters%C2%AE-Gold-Plated-SuperSpeed-Coupler/dp/B00J4NMTMQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1443749234&sr=1-1&keywords=female+usb+to+female+usb

Neither above will work - There needs to  be a CPU controlled USB Host , typically this a computer

Quote
Also, what's wrong with the iConnect2?  It's half the price of the 4, and shouldn't it do the same thing?

iConnectMIDI 2 does not included the required USB Host port

QuoteLooking for a way to connect the Fishman Triple Play USB receiver to send its data to 5 pin midi.
Use the Fishman FC-1 USB Host to 5 pin MIDI pedal.
http://www.fishman.com/products/series/tripleplay/tripleplayfc1controller.php

admin

#3
http://audionewsroom.net/2016/02/midi-how-to-connect-a-daw-an-ipad-the-op-1-and-elektron-analog-synths-kenton-thru-5-midi-usb-host.html

MIDI: How to connect a DAW, an iPad, OP-1 & Elektron Analog synths using Kenton Thru-5 & MIDI USB Host


kenton-thru5-midiusb-host

In our article 'More MIDI, Less Computer'
http://audionewsroom.net/2016/01/more-midi-less-computer-how-to-connect-op-1-analog-fourkeys-ipad-with-a-kenton-midi-usb-host.html
we showed how to connect the OP-1 to the Analog Four/Keys (or an equivalent machine) using a Kenton MIDI USB Host.

But what if you have a more elaborate setup? Let's say you also use an iPad and a DAW on your desktop computer, and you would like to sync them with an OP-1 and one or more Elektron boxes?
Here's where another little Kenton box comes to the rescue.

High five, Kenton Thru-5
The Kenton Thru-5 is a 1 MIDI in, 5 MIDI out box. It receives MIDI data from a MIDI OUT signal (e.g. a sequencer, a DAW, a master keyboard, etc.) and creates identical copies at the 5 MIDI THRU sockets.

These can then be connected to the MIDI Ins of synths, sound modules or other devices. The Kenton Thru-5 works for ALL MIDI messages including Clock, SysEx, MTC etc.

Using the already mentioned Kenton MIDI USB Host in combination with the Kenton Thru-5 we can easily achieve what we want. Here's how:

In our example Logic Pro (replace it with the DAW of your choice) will be the master clock, so we will connect the computer's MIDI interface output to the MIDI IN of the Kenton Thru-5
Then we will connect an iPad (using a MIDI adapter cable and the Apple Camera adapter) and the Elektron Analog Keys to two of the Thru-5 sockets.
Now we'll use the third one to connect the Kenton MIDI USB Host
Then we will connect the OP-1 to the Kenton MIDI USB Host. Voilà!
Once the cables are all plugged, it's just a matter of configuring the MIDI sync for each device (with Logic Pro being the master and others set as slave, to receive clock and transport messages). Check the manual for each instrument if you are not sure about this step.
Click on the image below to enlarge it.

diagram

Note: as pointed out in the comments, when using a computer, you may also connect the OP-1 to a USB port on the computer itself. Personally, having the Kenton MIDI USB Host I would rather use that for the MIDI routing and spare the CPU some work, but I'll leave it up to you.

Note 2: if you would rather have your Elektron synth to run as the master clock, well, you'll need a different DAW.
Logic Pro doesn't accept MIDI Clock sync messages (only MTC and MMC), like the ones sent by the Elektron Analog synths. Quite frustrating, I know.
Ableton Live works fine for this purpose though (haven't tried other DAWs).

Going computer-free
If we take the computer (and the DAW) out of the equation, the two Kenton boxes make even more sense. We could, for example, let the Elektron synth be the Master Clock (connecting it to the Kenton Thru-5 MIDI in), use the Thru-5 MIDI out to control other synths/drum-machines and/or the iPad, and the Kenton MIDI USB Host to add the OP-1 to our setup.

Conclusion
Needless to say, these ones above are only two of many setups made possible by these little boxes.
The Kenton MIDI Thru 5, like its partner in crime (the MIDI USB Host) is a winner. Reliable and well-built – featuring opto-isolated MIDI in and separate drive for each MIDI out, signal quality restoration circuitry and a power supply – is a godsend for those looking into an affordable and straightforward solution to connect and sync several MIDI devices.

======
Below are equivalent alternatives for the Kenton USB Host to MIDI Converter

* Raspberry PI $35 + Generic USB to MIDI cable ($15)

* iConnnectMIDI (original Black version - discontinued )

* iConnnectMIDI4+  (not the iConnnectMIDI2+ ! ! )
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi

* iConnnectAUDIO4+  / * iConnnectAUDIO2+
http://www.iconnectivity.com/products/audio

* Primova MIDX-10
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15758.0

* Disaster Area gHOST Converter USB MIDI Host Interface
http://www.disasterareaamps.com/shop/ghost-converter

* CerebelUSB – USB-MIDI to Serial Converter
https://supr.com/mode-machines/products/cerebelusb-usb/

Elantric

https://supr.com/mode-machines/products/cerebelusb-usb/

CerebelUSB USB-MIDI to Serial Converter:

Mode Machines is proud to present the CerebelUSB, a tiny USB Host which makes possible to convert USB-MIDI Class Compliant devices in to standard MIDI (5 pin DIN conectors). Ideal for any situation where a Laptop or computer is not desired.

Making use of a wide range of small, portable and affordable USB-MIDI devices is now possible without a PC or Mac.

It´s small size and light weight makes it perfect to fit anywhere, an extremely convenient tool for artist who gig around with just the right setup. CerebelUSB allows you to power other 5V USB Devices using the HUB, like smartphones, tablets, Camera, USB lights etc.

CerebelUSB only works with USB devices which are MIDI Class Compliant. Even if announced as being so, many available products are non Class Compliant. Make sure you check the product manual of your device or contact the manufacturer to make sure your device is Class Compliant.
Arduino Brain:

CerebelUSB is based around Arduino for a very simple reason, allowing experienced users to upload their own firmware, upgrade the CPU easily or make use of the remaining pins for a huge amount of modifications and add-ons. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the user.

It uses a Max32 Chip for the host functionality, sharing a compatible Pinout with most Arduino USB Host Shields on the market. This makes easy to use new firmwares already available on the internet for non programmers.

With the right firmware, It is possible to connect any USB device such as Joysticks, gamepads, wii-motes, Bluetooth devices, Webcams, DSLR cameras, Android devices and many others.

Features:

Converts any USB MIDI Class compliant device in to Standard MIDI Out DIN.
Perfect for any situation where a computer or Laptop is not desired.
Small and portable, perfect for travelling light.
Ideal way of bringing cheap controller solutions to the world of DIY, Audio-visual installations, performances and analogue or modular synthesis.
Use an USB HUB for a tidy way of powering 5V devices like tablets, phones, cameras, etc.
Arduino based and totally hackable.
Specifitacions:

Power Input: MICRO USB – Type B – 5V – 1000mA. (stable) – use only the supplied adaptor.
Power Out (USB Host Port): 5VDC – 1000mA.
MIDI DIN ports: 1x OUT.
Dimensions: 69 x 51 x 29 mm.
Weight: 90g.
Leads: Micro USB to USB A.
Power supply: A 5V power supply appropriate to the destination country is supplied with the unit.
List of supported and tested devices so far:

AKAI:

MidiMix
MPK Mini Mk2
APC 40
APC 20
KORG:

MPK Mini
Nano keys
Nano pad
Nano control
MS20 Midi controller (Some issues)
NEw Korg Arp Odissey
KMI:

Quneo
LIVID INSTRUMENTS:

Livid Instruments Code V2 with firmware 100 Series.
NOVATION:

Launchpad
Launchpad S
Launchpad Mini
Launch control
ARTURIA:

Mini Lab
Beatstep
Beatstep Pro (Control Mode not working), sequencer does.
VARIOUS:

M-Audio Key Station

Yamaha Portable Grand

Roland UM-one

Tenage Engineering OP-1

iRig Keys

Behringer CMD DC-1

NOT WORKING:

QUNEXUS
m audio oxygen keyboard
openpipe controller

sine_3000

Quote from: Elantric on June 15, 2016, 04:44:34 PM
https://supr.com/mode-machines/products/cerebelusb-usb/

CerebelUSB USB-MIDI to Serial Converter:

Mode Machines is proud to present the CerebelUSB, a tiny USB Host which makes possible to convert USB-MIDI Class Compliant devices in to standard MIDI (5 pin DIN conectors). Ideal for any situation where a Laptop or computer is not desired.

So theoretically I could plug the Fishman TriplePlay USB receiver into this, connect a MIDI cable from the other end of it into my GR-20, and trigger the patches of the GR-20 with the TriplePlay?  This is exactly what I have been waiting for - a simple, one-step USB-to-MIDI converter!  Excited!

Elantric

#6
QuoteSo theoretically I could plug the Fishman TriplePlay USB receiver into {any USB Host to 5pin MIDI Converter box above}, connect a MIDI cable from the other end of it into my GR-20, and trigger the patches of the GR-20 with the TriplePlay? 

Yes - been doing similar - (FTP triggering Roland GR-33 ) with an old iConnectMIDI USB Host to MIDI converter for years.

We explain all this here

FTP FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8427.0

FTP  - Top things to know
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=135.0


Of course the new Fishman FC-1 is the official USB to MIDI I/O converter box for Tripleplay


sine_3000

Quote from: Elantric on June 15, 2016, 08:23:01 PM
Yes - been doing similar - (FTP triggering Roland GR-33 ) with an old iConnectMIDI USB Host to MIDI converter for years.

We explain all this here

FTP FAQ
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8427.0

FTP  - Top things to know
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=135.0

I'm aware of the principle, I just wanted to ask if this device could host the FTP and convert to 5-pin MIDI for it. 

It seems like it should.  The FTP manual says this about "hardware mode":

"Hardware Mode

Fishman's TriplePlay hardware can be used to directly control any MIDI, USB compliant device with a type A
USB receptacle capable of providing compliant power to the Fishman TriplePlay receiver.
Some possible uses for hardware mode are:

• Direct USB MIDI functionality to a computer or personal device, without use of Fishman TriplePlay software. This may include computers and devices incompatible with TriplePlay software.

• Direct control of MIDI capable hardware (sound modules and keyboards, for example).  In this case, note
that there are very few sound modules and keyboards that allow type A USB input or are prepared to receive
MIDI from a USB MIDI device in this way.  The most straightforward way to access 5-pin MIDI devices would
be to connect the Fishman TriplePlay receiver to a unit that can convert USB type A input to 5-pin MIDI.  The
USB MIDI HOST by Kenton, is a device that has been tested and is approved for use with TriplePlay in this
application.
"

admin

#8
USB Host to 5pin MIDI Converters  - Which ones works with Roland / Boss gear?

* Raspberry PI $35 + Generic USB to MIDI cable ($15)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11998.0

* Primova MIDX-10
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15758.0


* Primova MIDX-20
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17561.0

*Android 6.01 ( or newer) tablets and smartphones +USB OTG adapter+ + Generic USB to MIDI cable

teejay

Quote from: Elantric on March 16, 2016, 05:06:04 AM
Neither above will work - There needs to  be a CPU controlled USB Host , typically this a computer

iConnectMIDI 2 does not included the required USB Host port
Use the Fishman FC-1 USB Host to 5 pin MIDI pedal.
http://www.fishman.com/products/series/tripleplay/tripleplayfc1controller.php



WHY WHY WHY did they not fit this unit with a 13 pin out socket?

I'm sure it would have answered many other players prayers as well as mine!!!!
Custom KGB headless, internal GK2a and sustainiac stealth plus. GR55 straight into PA.   Guitar out (COSM) feeding digitech VL4 vocal harmoniser.

cags12

#10
After a search I do not see this one listed on this post or mentioned much on the entire Forum. It is a low cost option for a basic USB host to 5pin MIDI

* Keith McMillen Instruments MIDI Expander
https://www.keithmcmillen.com/products/accessories/
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MIDIExpand

admin

#11
Quote from: cags12 on August 16, 2017, 04:31:08 PM
After a search I do not see this one listed on this post or mentioned much on the entire Forum. It is a low cost option for a basic USB host to 5pin MIDI

* Keith McMillen Instruments MIDI Expander
https://www.keithmcmillen.com/products/accessories/
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MIDIExpand

its not listed because the Keith McMillen Instruments MIDI Expander is NOT a  USB Host to 5pin MIDI Converter

Its a proprietary 5 pin MIDI I/O expander exclusively for KMI products  - does not work with anything else - ( ive tried)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=9426.msg68477#msg68477

cags12

Great to know, thanks. I was mislead by some reviews outside this forum.

cags12

In my search for the lowest cost and simplest straight USB to 5pin MIDI converted I have stumble on with this device:

http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-midi-converter





MIDI USB - DIN Converter

The MIDI USB Converter allows you to connect a USB midi device to standard MIDI equipment which uses 5-pin DIN connectors. Many MIDI devices now connect via USB, but if you don't have the facility to accept USB devices in your equipment, then this adapter will convert the USB device to standard MIDI DIN connectors. So you can connect a USB peripheral (such as a keyboard or synthesizer) to older equipment that only has a 5-pin DIN connector (such as an amplifier).

It translates the USB MIDI data packets to/from MIDI Din at the MIDI baud rate of 31250.

Use your USB MIDI device without having to connect it to a computer.

Features

    Converts USB MIDI device to MIDI Din
    Operates at 31250 BAUD
    Optional Configuration Settings
        Filter out MIDI Realtime messages
        Filter MIDI Channel data
    Dimensions: 6cm x 5.7cm x 2.6cm (H)

Supported Devices

    Standard MIDI compliant devices are supported.

We have a list of known supported devices
Un-Supported Devices

    Some Complex MIDI devices use a built-in USB Hub. These MIDI devices are not supported and will NOT work with our MIDI USB - DIN Converter. You can determine if your device has a built-in hub by running the free Windows program USB Tree Viewer. If, when you plug in your MIDI device it appears as a new Hub plus one or more devices then it will not work with our MIDI - USB Din Converter.

Connections

Power to the device is supplied via the mini-USB connector and supplied cable. A suitable 5V USB power source is needed which could be a computer or seperate mains adapter. Because mains adapters vary throughout the world we don't supply one, however a suitable mains adapter for use in the UK can be found here UK Mains Adapter

If you want to make your own MIDI Din cables we have suitable MIDI DIN plugs and suitable 4-core cable
Configuration

Configuration is not necessary for normal operation, however the following Configuration commands are available. Connect the MIDI Converter to a computer using the supplied mini-USB cable and run a terminal program set to 31250 BAUD. The Help screen and configuration settings can only be made when there is no MIDI device attached.
FILTER <value>    Filter incoming MIDI Channel data
[0-OFF|1-16 Channel to be filtered]
REALTIME <value>    Turn ON/OFF MIDI REALTIME messages
[0-OFF|1-ON] - Default is ON
HELP or ?    Display Help Screen


FILTER

The FILTER option allows you to block ALL incoming MIDI channel data received on the MIDI DIN IN connector EXCEPT for the MIDI channel selected.

This is useful for MIDI Effects devices which run in OMNI mode only (which means the effect would be applied to ALL channel data)

REALTIME

This option allows you to turn MIDI Realtime messages On or OFF. The default is Realtime messages ON





It would seem this would do the job. What do you think?

admin

#14
worth a try

the typical caveats apply  - some MIDi SYSEX streams might get clobbered

and pay attention to the warning they state ( true for most USB Host to MIDI converters 
QuoteUn-Supported Devices

    Some Complex MIDI devices use a built-in USB Hub. These MIDI devices are not supported and will NOT work with our MIDI USB - DIN Converter. You can determine if your device has a built-in hub by running the free Windows program USB Tree Viewer. If, when you plug in your MIDI device it appears as a new Hub plus one or more devices then it will not work with our MIDI - USB Din Converter.

they have several options
http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-midi



http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/audio-midi/usb-midi-converter

cags12

Quote from: admsustainiac on August 17, 2017, 12:10:55 PM
worth a try

the typical caveats apply  - some MIDi SYSEX streams might get clobbered

and pay attention to the warning they state ( true for most USB Host to MIDI converters 
they have several options
http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-midi

Yeah, they have a few options for kit parts, but the one in my previous post is already integrated.

Thanks for the caveats. For my applications I only need CC and PC messages so I am not too worry about SYSEX. I will keep digging around.

Elantric



QuoteIn my search for the lowest cost and simplest straight USB to 5pin MIDI converted I have stumble on with this device:

http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-midi-converter

Did this work with Roland / Boss gear?

cags12

Quote from: Elantric on October 04, 2017, 11:21:30 AM
Did this work with Roland / Boss gear?

I have not tested it yet but I suspect it will not. This is a dumb USB compliant host. If I understand correctly (you do for sure) Roland is not USB compliant and needs drivers.

I am only interested on this device for being a low cost interface for the Quiccosound mi.1 through the Widi-bud to regular 5 Pin Midi. However, since I am starting to invest money on Roland/Boss gear, I may go with Primova Sound instead (much more useful).

Elantric

Its a changing world  - because Arduino's used to have a battle with Roland/ Boss gear 

Suggest follow member MrHaroldA's progress with an Arduino based USB Host to MIDI adapter for Boss MS-3

Boss MS-3 - MIDI over USB Sysex Reverse Engineering
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=21864.0


gumtown

Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/

Elantric

Quote from: gumtown on October 13, 2017, 12:29:57 PM
Do these work with Roland/Boss USB/midi which are NOT CLASS COMPLIAINT?

I'll try to test this soon - recently took delivery
http://compasflamenco.com/midi-c-3/usb-host-midi-router-uhmr-p-8.html

jesusv

Only work with usb class compliat MIDI devices. If I had a Roland Boss USB midi, I could study how to implement it.
Any non-compliant device needs a driver.

JoBoss

Quote from: admsustainiac on April 28, 2017, 09:37:32 AM
USB Host to 5pin MIDI Converters  - Which ones works with Roland / Boss gear?

* Raspberry PI $35 + Generic USB to MIDI cable ($15)
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=11998.0

* Primova MIDX-10
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=15758.0


* Primova MIDX-20
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=17561.0

*Android 6.01 ( or newer) tablets and smartphones +USB OTG adapter+ + Generic USB to MIDI cable

This means I can connect the FCB1010 to GP-10 via Android if it is 6.01 "or higher."  Please correct me if I m wrong.  My Android phone has a 7.0 version OS.  Is there anything else I need to look out for....??

admin

Be sure to use the USB OTG Adapter that supports USB 2.0 high speed for your specific Android 6.01 (or higher) device.