M-Audio MIDISPORT 8x8/s [5/52] Overview

15. USB Connector - used to connect the MIDISPORT to the host computer’s USB

port.

16. MIDI In Jacks 1 through 7 – These jacks receive MIDI input from any MIDI

device sending information from its MIDI output jack (or ‘Thru’ jack, in some

cases).

17. MIDI Out Jacks 1 through 7 – These jacks send MIDI information received

from the host computer to the input of any MIDI capable device.

Overview

The MIDISPORT 8x8/s provides eight independent MIDI input ports and eight

independent MIDI output ports. Each individual MIDI port supports 16 MIDI

channels; therefore the MIDISPORT is capable of receiving 128 channels (16x8)

and transmitting 128 channels. MIDI is the acronym for “Musical Instrument

Digital Interface” and is the protocol used when MIDI keyboards and devices

that record and playback the MIDI information, such as computers and

hardware sequencers, communicate with each other.

The MIDISPORT may be connected to your computer using either USB or

"legacy" serial connection. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a powerful new

technology that allows easy connection between a computer and its peripherals.

USB allows connection of multiple peripheral devices running simultaneously —

all without having to open your computer and configure jumpers, I/O

addresses, DMA channels, etc. It also allows "hot plugging," i.e. connecting

and/or disconnecting a peripheral while the computer is powered up.

Although USB is the more modern, faster transfer mechanism, you may choose

instead to use the "legacy" serial connection if your computer does not meet the

requirements for USB operation, which will be outlined below. Legacy serial

connection may be made between the MIDISPORT and a PC’s serial (also known

as "COM") port, or between the MIDISPORT and an (older) Macintosh

computer’s printer or modem port. When using the legacy serial connection,

different software drivers must be installed from when you use the USB

connection. However, the MIDISPORT remote control software is the same

regardless of USB or legacy serial connection.

PC USB Requirements: You must be running Windows 98 to properly install the

MIDISPORT 8x8/s. Also, either your motherboard must support USB or you will

need to install a PCI-to-USB host adapter to provide the USB ports. It is possible

for a motherboard to support USB and yet not have the physical port connectors

installed. A simple USB back panel extender can be purchased at a computer

supply store and can be easily installed and connected to the motherboard to

provide USB port connectors.