M-Audio MIDISPORT 8x8/s [21/52] Cable test mode

LED will light steadily, indicating that the MIDISPORT is now functioning as a

MAC serial MIDI Interface.

When MAC serial mode is selected, you may select the MIDISPORT patchbay

program via the Remote Control software, or the MIDISPORT front panel RESET

pushbutton. Patchbay operation is described in detail in the "Patchbay

Operation" section of this manual. All SMPTE functions are also available when

the unit is operating as a PC MIDI interface. SMPTE Operation is described in

detail in the "SMPTE Operation" section of this manual.

Cable Test Mode

When the MIDISPORT is in Cable Test Mode, it will not function as a MIDI

Interface or MIDI patchbay, nor will it communicate with the host computer.

Cable Test mode is a stand-alone mode of the MIDISPORT. Consequently, the

remote control software will not be able to communicate with the MIDISPORT

either.

The MIDISPORT may be set to Cable Test mode by successively pressing the

MIDISPORT front panel Mode pushbutton switch until the Cable Test LED

lights. If you left one of the MIDI interface modes (USB, PC or MAC) to get to

Cable Test mode, it may be necessary if returning to that MIDI interface mode

from Cable Test mode, to restart your MIDI application or the remote control.

Once in Cable Test mode, the front panel MIDI In-8 and Out-8 ports can be used

to test a standard MIDI cable. Basically if the Cable Test, In-8 and Out-8 LED’s

are flashing, the MIDI cable is bad or not connected properly between In-8 and

Out-8. If the cable is good, the LED’s will turn on and remain on with no

blinking until either the cable is disconnected or has an error.

Thru Mode

Thru mode is actually a special case of the MIDI patchbay, where the program is

set to "all ins are available at all outs". In other words every MIDI message

received at any MIDI input port on the MIDISPORT will be output on all

MIDISPORT MIDI output ports. This is useful in diagnosing a system

connection problem. When the MIDISPORT is in Thru Mode, it will not function

as a MIDI Interface.

To enter this mode, press the "Mode" pushbutton on the MIDISPORT front panel

until the "Thru Mode" LED is lit. Thru mode can be selected on the MIDISPORT

8x8 at any time, either from an Interface mode or a stand-alone mode. It may be

necessary, if returning to Interface mode from Thru mode, to restart your MIDI

application or the remote control.

Although Thru Mode essentially overrides all other patchbay settings, the

MIDISPORT will still respond to patchbay program changes (On MIDI In-8

channel 16) or to the Reset button program change commands. When the

MIDISPORT has returned to Patchbay mode, this program change can be

utilized.