MOTU MIDI Express 128 8x8 USB MIDI Interface

The MOTU MIDI Express 128 is a USB MIDI interface that provides 8 MIDI inputs and 9 outputs, with up 128 MIDI channels of operation -- powered via USB.

Built from the same technology found in MOTU's flagship MIDI Timepiece, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 is a professional MIDI interface that provides plug-andplay connectivity to any USB-equipped Macintosh or Windows computer. The Express 128 provides 8 MIDI IN, 9 MIDI OUT, 128 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Macintosh and Windows software.

The MOTU MIDI Express 128 takes full advantage of USB, giving you high-speed MIDI throughput, sub-millisecond timing accuracy, support for 'hotswapping' and plug-and-play expansion. Need to connect another sound module or synth? No problem. Just add another MOTU USB MIDI interface via any available USB port. And the Express 128 is powered by USB -- no wall wart or AC plug.

No other MIDI interface offers this much value and performance at such an affordable price.

Features:

- MIDI connectivity: Provides eight independent MIDI inputs and outputs for a total of 128 MIDI channels.
- Expansion: MOTU MIDI interfaces grow with you. Expansion is simple. Add additional MIDI ports by plugging in another MOTU MIDI interface.
- Compatibility: Works with your favorite software. Includes drivers for Mac OS9, Mac OS X and Windows Me/2000/XP/Vista. High-speed USB connection.
- USB-Powered: Bus-powered from USB connection. No additional power necessary.

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 6 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 24 x 12 x 5 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 4857

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 617-576-2760

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (22 ratings)
Submitted November 25, 2008 by a customer from shaw.ca

"Simple and effective."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
This device is pretty much it for me when it comes to MIDI interfacing. It does the job well, I would replace it if it died, and the ports are already full to maximum so I would consider buying another one if the need arose. If you're looking for a MIDI to DAW interface and can't fit your gear in a 1 or 2 bus box, I feel this is a more than adequate option.

Features
It's a very simple piece of gear, but it does what it should do. It's powered from the USB port so there's one less cable knotting up the back of your rack. Also, they managed to pack in a useable USB cable (ie: not one of those tiny 3 foot jobs, this has plenty of length.) There are no switches or dials of any kind, and it could have done better with at least a power switch. If you want to turn it off the only option is to unplug it or shut off your computer.

Ease of Use
A real no brainer. I'm running it on a Windows XP PC and it was simply install drivers, plug it in, and go. I've used it on Cubase, Reason, and Sony Acid Pro and it has always performed transparently.

Quality
I've used mine for 4 months now in a studio environment and it's never let me down. The case is plastic, so it might see some wear if you took it on the road, but it seems strong enough. Front and rear MIDI jacks are all solid.

Value
At the end of the day, good bang for your buck.

Manufacturer Support read more
The only support I have used from MOTU is the download pages on their website. The downer here is you have to sign up for a password to their support section and their e-mailer has a very hard time getting past any kind of spam filter. I had to turn off the filter on my antivirus program AND at my ISP's side before I could receive the confirmation message. If you're listening MOTU, what are we gonna do with your drivers? Just let us download them!

The Wow Factor
This can address a rack full of multi-timbral synths over 128 MIDI channels. All the synth geeks will drool, but really there's not much here. Nice flashy lights on the front panel show data activity in and out, good for troubleshooting AND adds a little to your rack lightshow if you're into that. It's really just a simple, practical product that makes my day a little easier.

Musical Background:
Composer/engineer

Musical Style:
whatever's paying
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