M-Audio MIDISPORT 8x8/s [6/52] Quick guide to getting started

Apple Computer USB Requirements: Your Apple must support USB with the

physical ports present. Standard iMac’s, G3’s and G4’s with USB ports will work

just fine.

IMPORTANT: For the Mac, an OMS MIDI driver is provided. You

MUST have a sequencer that supports OMS, and have OMS

properly installed in order to use the MIDISPORT.

While operating as a MIDI interface, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s also provides

SMPTE time code read/write capability. SMPTE time code is converted by the

MIDISPORT to MIDI time code (MTC), allowing you to synchronize your

sequencer or recording software to incoming SMPTE. Remote Control software

included with your MIDISPORT may be used to configure and control the

SMPTE functions. The convenient front panel switches may also be used to start

and stop SMPTE writing, or set the current SMPTE format (frame rate) and start

time. For those of you not familiar with SMPTE, or just need a quick refresher, a

SMPTE tutorial is included later in this manual.

Finally, when not being used as a MIDI interface, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s

operates in "Stand-Alone" mode. The stand-alone mode is active whenever:

1. the MIDISPORT is powered up but disconnected from the computer, or

2. the MIDISPORT front panel mode is set to "Cable Test" or "Thru Mode", or

3. the MIDISPORT is connected to the computer but the front panel USB, PC, or

MAC mode does not match the driver installation/settings on the host

computer.

When standing alone, the MIDISPORT operates as a dedicated MIDI patchbay

and SMPTE writer. The MIDI patchbay programs, which are set up by the

MIDISPORT remote control software while the MIDISPORT is being used as a

MIDI interface, may be selected in stand-alone mode via the MIDISPORT front

panel RESET button. The SMPTE format, write start time, and SMPTE writer

start/stop may also be controlled directly from the front panel. Their stand-

alone operation is described in greater detail in a later section of this manual.

Two diagnostics are available in stand-alone mode: Cable Test and Thru Mode.

The first allows you to test and verify a MIDI cable. Thru Mode provides a

means for routing all MIDISPORT MIDI input ports to all MIDISPORT MIDI

output ports, essentially connecting all MIDI devices connected to your

MIDISPORT.

Quick Guide to Getting Started

Here is a brief outline of the steps required to use your MIDISPORT with an

Apple or PC computer:

1. Attach the MIDISPORT to your powered-off computer and attach the

included power supply to the MIDISPORT (see "Hardware Installation").