USB & MIDI: Everything you need to know to get it right (USB MIDI Host vs Interface explained)

[@richarquis]

"You get to keep your ball." Your videos are always supremely informative and onto it, but every now and then, you throw in these wonderful little jokes. I always look forward to when and what the next one will be.

[@hungryformusik]

Thank you so much for this explanation. I just spent two hours in Media Markt this morning and nobody could explain me that a MIDI host is needed for my purpose. I'm glad that I walked out with empty hands. Great video!

[@dennislacroix9962]

I'm glad this is one of your most viewed videos. People need to know all of this stuff.

[@melodiac]

Ziv. I really appreciate the time you've taken to provide this information. I have accumulated 40 years of midi keyboards and devices and still have something to learn. I will definitely share this with all my midi friends. Thank you. Ange C

[@EchoKraft]

Great video for both beginners and professionals!

[@niktonpanaflex7831]

This is great. I’d have saved so much time and money had this been all explained so simply to me four years ago. This will be extremely helpful for people. Thank you.

[@thomasschmitz3765]

You nailed it! I thought I knew a thing or two about MIDI, but you taught me wrong. For the first time I now get an idea of how I should set up my four MIDI devices on my own by making use of your tricks and hints. Plus, the video is very well made, and that does not just refer to the clear picture, great camera setup and the clear audio, but also to the permanent timeline tabs on the left. Absolutely brilliant stuff, thank you so much for making and sharing. Subscribed :-)

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Sir, I am so glad this KZbin algorithm finally steered me to this, as I have been researching MIDI like a madman for a week. You've just kept me from wasting even more time and money. Beautifully explained....I now 'get it'. Thank you very much. You bet, I 'liked' and 'subscribed'.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Thanks to you I was able to order the correct controller keyboard, one w/ legacy MIDI as I want to trigger a bass synth module. I almost bought a controller w/ MIDI over USB thinking I could use a Roland UM1.......but now I know about device/host w/ USB. BTW: I am not even a keyboard player, I'm just putting together a small studio for people to come over and jam or write. You not only saved me money but a major headache. Much appreciated.

[@richardrife1942]

Thank you! I was perplexed by the multiple MIDI ports on my SLMk iii (as I've been out of the midi loop for years) but your vid answered all my questions. Now I don't to write the manufacturer, who likely wouldn't respond in any event. Great job, sir!

[@57muzic]

I'm very happy when I learn something new ( the Yamaha wireless midi device); it may have been out for years, but I wasn't aware of its existence, I really needed one, about thirty year ago thanks for the info, because I still have my Yamaha KX5! Great presentation my friend!

[@JamesBermingham]

This guy knows everything. 👍👏👏👏👏

[@martintremethick8370]

Why can’t everyone doing a ‘how to’ video explain it as clearly as you! I had exactly this question but the info was more confusing. Excellent.

[@st0rmchild]

Loopop is the best in the business.

[@nigelrogers8690]

For a newb like me this is golden 👍🏾 Thanks for sharing. For someone who obviously has a deep understanding of these things, u have a great way of explaining and demonstrating it to viewers without assuming any prior knowledge 👏🏾 This saved me hours, if not days of head scratching 🙏🏾

[@MattMcConaha]

The organization of this content and clear timestamps is wonderful.

[@tusk1_]

All your videos are so good man. Keep up the great work. You're like the go-to music gear tutorial spot for me on youtube.

[@herranton]

Your voice and vocal cadence are so soothing. Very much reminiscent of cgp grey. And the info is presented well, just like cgp grey. Thanks for doing the youtube thing, your videos are super helpful.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

If your keyboards and synths are “class compliant “ meaning you can use them on your computer, without installing a driver for them, You can plug them into a usb hub, then into an iPad , with camera adapter kit, to record/playback and rout your MIDI signals to the attached devices. If you already have an iPad/iPhone you can use as a host, an inexpensive USB hub, can be a very powerful USB midi merging, splitting, filtering and routing option.

[@jas_bataille]

Interesting. Shame the camera kit is so damn flimsy.

[@koubeats4842]

OMG what a video! This is the best video in youtube or anywhere else (for musicians, composers, songwriters, music producers, beat-makers, sound designers, sound and recording engineers, etc etc) in this planet. Period. This guy can be the director of the video department in Yamaha, Roland, and all music electronics companies at the same time!!!

[@BlazshoNikolov]

Im ... Amazed. Lost my words somewhere in the clip. The only reason im making a post i to congrats you for the wonderful job done here and how awesome that tutorial is! Amazing!

[@microsoap2858]

I had to face this problem 3 weeks ago when I bought a Prophet desktop synth. I realized that most of professionals in music stores had no idea about it and were confusing usb to midi cable and midi host. In the US I finally found a midiplus midi host on Amazon. Works perfectly but was hard to find 😱. Very good video ! :)

[@dccasey1]

This was a great video. It answered many of my questions, involving usb and midi, that I was struggling to find answers for. That includes questions I had about my own gear. I now know how i can use my Casio cdp-s100 digital piano as a controller for my Korg Volca Keys synth with a midi/usb host. Im very excited about this. I didnt even know if it was possible until I watched this video. Thanks for the help!

[@timmydillard1633]

I’m trying to use my Volca Keys as well! Are you using a computer? Or a separate usb/midi host?

[@tonywang4572]

Thank you so much for making such a good and intuitive video! I watched it again and again everytime I running into trouble to hook something up.

[@giantsparkplug3462]

The "snap" transitions are so smooth!

[@kedro5]

THANK YOU! I just got a Moog Minitaur today and once I figured out how to use it with my MIDI keyboard I thought, "do I really have to pass this through the computer?" Glad to know that not only are there much more portable solutions out there but also that the basic logic of working with MIDI devices is much simpler than it seems.

[@maxfrahm8407]

Awesome video!!! I have one idea.. you could like colour the timestamps that are already behind, so you would know where you are. Just an idea! Thanks for your vids I love them!!!!

[@frenchismexican]

You are an audio wizard! Thanks for sharing these helpful tips. I'm just learning to route midi across laptop and analog devices. The bluetooth trick is WILD!

[@krazywabbit]

Just jumped into the dawless pool and this was struggling. This video was the life preserver I needed. THANK YOU!

[@mrrafsk]

thanks for your videos. love your work.. been intending to get/read your patron pdf’s asap.. a couple of points on this vid: (please correct inaccuracy anyone) 1) usb, particularly micro/mini breaks and falls out easily (solutions are leash’s and camera tape etc) 2) midi over bluetooth is reputed as not being fast enough for rolls/flams? 3) ios rocks as a usb midi host- i like aum with midiflow or streambyter.

[@loopop]

Thanks so much! Re your points: 1. You are right. I have found some cables are better than others. 2. True - data can get lost 3. True :)

[@sonicaspect7895]

Excellent video on MIDI connectivity, both informative & concise. I'll be sure to link your video to anyone I come across with MIDI gear uncertainties.

[@davmar9923]

Very informative and useful video. I wasn't previously aware that there were standalone USB host devices (but I don't have any such need). One aspect of USB devices that might be important for some devices that was not mentioned in your presentation is the issue of whether the device is "USB class compliant" or not. For a standalone USB host to be usable, any connected device would have to be "USB class compliant". USB devices that are not class compliant require the installation of software drivers specific to that device on a computer, since standalone USB host boxes would not have that capability. Although I have a lot of old school rack mount synths with MIDI I/O on 5-pin DIN cables (which also requires a number of hardware MIDI routing equipment) I do have two devices which use USB I/O. The first is an Akai MPK49 MIDI controller keyboard. The Akai is USB class compliant and requires no drivers to be installed on the studio PC, it is just plug and play. The second product is a Korg Kronos X 88-key workstation that connects to the PC via USB. The Korg is not class compliant and does require the installation of a driver supplied by the manufacturer. Not only does the USB connection carry MIDI I/O, it also carries digital audio I/O.;

[@possiblity8639]

Please midi audio connections, do they Carry noice? this is the issue I'm having using pin cable to keyboard and using earphone pin for laptop only to be experiencing a steady heavy noice. please people should guide me through

[@5argetech56]

I have been a MIDI maniac since 1987.... Yamaha PSS-480! which was a fantastic mini keyboard that transmitted & Received, on all 16 channels. Using a QX-21 then a Brother PDC-100. I miss In/Out/Thru... Yes I am old school! Now in my 60's... Peace and Thanks!

[@DivKid]

Thanks for showing us how to keep our ball :) ... great work as always mate!

[@420xsinging4]

Thank you for clearing up my understanding between host vs. midi to midi connection, now I know what type of cable to buy for my midi drums.

[@cougarman8]

Needed this video forever! Thank you so much for making it!! This is why I'm happy to be your patreon supporter!

[@dchampion5576]

Very good. Love the depth and breadth you go into for each vid.

[@arnauddematte8472]

Your content is just amazing. Great video editing, great flow, and you definitely have that "interesting teacher's voice" we want to listen to 😎 This particular video on midi is a life saver as it clears up a lot of crazy confusion regarding midi over usb. Amazing job 👍

[@rockhead11]

Thank you for this video! After viewing this I purchased the MIDI host from Hobbytronics. Works great and was about $60. Now I can use my Nektar controller, which only has the USB port with my Roland Boutiques, IPad, QY70, etc.

[@justingoers]

Essential stuff! I was dying for a video like this about a year ago when all these connections seemed so mysterious! Thanks!

[@ericrankin4165]

I literally just had that little epiphany about usb cables two days ago. Now here we are! I guess I am not the only one constantly trying to put those things in backwards lol.

[@timnordberg7204]

hey this video is an excellent primary resource about the connectivity differences between DIN MIDI and MIDI-over-USB. One thing was missing in my opinion; there was no discussion of latency. My impression is that these latencies differ from device to device, but some basic information and possible testing procedures would have been a major boon so that the end user can test and decide whether DIN or USB is the right choice for them. Maybe in a further video?

[@loopop]

Thanks and indeed that’s an interesting future topic

[@lemelstudio]

Conductive Labs' MRCC (MIDI Routing Control Center) is an excellent modern option (2022). They even have a couple of more affordable units coming as well. Maybe even worth updating this video for. Thanks for your continued work educating us!

[@marcuspearson6214]

I have an iconnectivity mio 10, its awesome, I have my 40year old vintage gear retrofitted with midi connnected with my mac, drum machines, and ipad all talking to each other seamlessly

[@cranstjs]

I vote that you should make all the how too videos on KZbin! You have mastered the manner and detail. Thanks.

[@MeerkatMuzic]

Top stuff, really good info.

[@IMRANnet]

So glad I found your entertaining and educational videos.

[@mixflame9078]

Very good instructional! You are to be commended!

[@TheOneMonk]

The USB-Which-Side-Where-Puzzle is finally resolved. Thank you Loopop! This is actually the only reason I like USB-C. Finally someone was thinking about the user! Ok, the speed improvement isn‘t too bad either. Perhaps it is also worthwhile to mention the ESI M4U/M8U which is also a fab USB 3.0 MIDI-Interface. (I dont have stakes in it).

[@spybloodjr]

I've been using the Retrokits RK-004 which is a "7 channel MIDI Merger/Splitter, 8 channel Sync-hub and clock processor!" They handle analog clock signals, interface with Raspberry Pi, and have a ton of customizable sysex stuff. Honestly the RK-004's capabilities are daunting and I would love to see you break down one of these things!

[@jamesedinger4956]

I absolutely love how USB Midi was supposed to make things easier...at least that's the way I remember the discussions in the early days.

[@ToyKeeper]

That BomeBox is interesting. I didn't know it existed though, so I kinda made my own with a raspberry pi. It auto-routes midi data from keyboards to sequencers, and from sequencers to synths, and also does some processing on that data if desired. No companion app or computer is required to configure it though... remapping is done on the fly by sending midi data to it via a "hint" or control track. With two MIDI keyboards attached, one can be used for hints while the other is used for performance, which allows realtime remapping. Or send the hints from a Digitakt so it can remap itself to match the current part of the song. Or toggle a single keyboard between hints and performance as needed. Eventually I'll probably add a touch screen or something, to allow for more advanced configuration... but even without that it's pretty handy so far. My USB MIDI devices are basically plug and play now, and no matter what my song is doing, I can play in the correct key and scale using just the white keys.

[@douglascarmichael4582]

One disadvantage of the BomeBox is that it can only currently present one stream of MIDI data to the host computer via Ethernet. (You can use a separate MIDI channel mapped to each device, but you are limited to 16 channels.) Personally, I use an iConnectivity mio4 (www.iconnectivity.com/products/midi/mio4) connected to my Mac via USB, and it works very well for both presenting all my devices (USB and 5-pin) to my Mac as individual MIDI ports as well as remapping the MIDI data from my keyboard so I can control any device directly from it. It also can filter MIDI data (both messages and continuous controllers) as well.

[@konceptikon9272]

How did you do the key mapping for this so that its always in key ? Or what scripts did you use to configure in general?

[@marc.lepage]

Thank you for FINALLY explaining it all! (It's surprisingly hard to google for this level of detail, which explains the confusion out there.)

[@5argetech56]

Great Vid! I miss my old hardware Sequencers (Yamaha QX-21, QX-5 and Brother PDC-100 32 track, 64 macro) sometimes modern DAW's get in the way of the music flow... I am still getting used to that.

[@BenA718]

You nailed it! Great video! I had the same issue when trying to slave my BeatStep to my BeatStep Pro without using a computer; a USB/MIDI host just like the one you showed solved the problem. Glad to see this info is out there, I am sure it will help a lot of people.

[@AKJ828]

The reason why we always get the usb wrong is because the first try the usb is in super position, the second try it's in wrong position and the third in the right position

[@bitbotrecords]

Love your work mate, thanks making such cool videos

[@DJdoublevision]

Thank you so much for this vid ,its excellent for me as i've been trying to get into all the music side of things after DJing for 33 yrs ,i bought some roland kit ,and couldn't work it all out connectivity wise ..and trying to stay away from DAW's.i got rid of most of the groovebox's...it was good to have a jam though ...then i went for the Roland Dj 505 ,which i've hardly used ...but has all the Roland drum machines built in ...So i've decided to give it another go ,so been watching more and more videos ,but this has been the most simplest to understand for a Technophobe like myself ,very easy to follow ...now i need an interface and a DAW ....so i can connect everything ...but how do you connect it all to the pc ...is it out of the digitack(?) to the pc ...Via usb to PC ...so you would need either a midi to usb cable ...or end the chain with a usb device to pc ....many thanks

[@mutmunkel]

Oh thank you man, that was so helpful, finally someone sums it all up what I needed but never understood. This is a real KZbin moment😂

[@CaidicusProductions]

Loopop, while I appreciate your trying to make plugging USB plugs in easier, you're forgetting a very VERY important handicap. It is known that the USB Gods have ensured that nine times out of ten, you'll be plugging a USB wire into a hard to reach port, at the back of a hard to reach device, in the dark. Your tips are all good during observation, but as soon as one goes to plug stuff in, it all gets spooky from there on out, and that's how we end up with the power of three. Try, doesn't work, flip and try, doesn't work, flip and try a third time, taddah! Like magic. Like evil evil magic. It is said this is part of the reason USB C hasn't just instantly replaced both ends of a USB cable, because the contract with the devil hasn't expired yet, so we've been cursed with another decade of cables that are wonderful on one side (usb C) and cursed on the other (USB A). This is Caidicus, bringing you the true trues.

[@dynamicdavid]

Caid Johnson it’s TIME you got yourself a Head-worn LIGHT! 💡

[@hanggarigunawan4213]

unless you're placing your hard to reach device in your darkroom upside down, i'm pretty sure that its USB 'tounge' is on top. so, hold the USB with its USB logo stick to your thumb, and reach to the back.

[@rockhead11]

Caid Johnson. Dang, buddy you’ve got some major issues. If plugging in a USB is that difficult, you might want to stick with LEGOs for a hobby.....wait...don’t play with them in the dark. I feel sorry for your wife

[@junesondrab3833]

PC's have front USB ports too... nice and bright!

[@davidaustin6962]

USB C was never required. All they needed to do is make the USB plug designed so the top side could intuitively be determined by feel. The problem with the either-side up design of the USB C is that it duplicates connectors on either side up, so the number of pinouts is half of what it could be (at the cost) ... and therefore the speed or throughput of USB C could have been a magnitude higher had they opted to use an intuitive (by feel) one-side up instead of an either-side up.

[@shpongled587]

Don't ever stop, loopop!

[@waveshapes251]

Should have watched this video a year ago. I've been cursing the unsolvable puzzle of one-way connections... USB it is... Thank you!

[@waveshapes251]

I actually ended up buying Blokas "the midihub" due to continuous issues with latency when trying to run everything via USB-midi and at the same time having both digitakt and digitone via their respective overbridge plugins. Cannot recommend The Midihub enough. Infinite routing options.

[@danandkiko]

This vid helps me as I am quite a MIDI noob.

[@Subzearo]

If it costs around £50 to buy that MIDI host, why not just buy an audio interface which comes with audio ports as well?

[@tigerboy4516]

Sometimes all audio goes to usb thus Jack's can't be used on the soundcard

[@pinstripesteve]

Thank you for all the videos you make, taking time to explain everything properly. This did clear up a question a lot off us had. Keep up the good work!

[@RobertDorschel]

5-Pin DIN FOR LIFE FOR EVAAAAAH

[@ostelaymetaule]

USB is kinda 5 pin din normed D;

[@ChrisBellingham]

MIDI Host/Device is exactly the information I was missing. I now know how to get my M-Audio keystation to control my Yamaha reface CP. Thank you!

[@ionianechoes]

Conclusion: 36 year old old school midi is more advanced than usbmidi

[@loopop]

Yeah - the old school is less advanced, but in terms of direct connectivity, way better for sure

[@ionianechoes]

@@loopop same result+less complex=better

[@loopop]

yep agreed

[@davmar9923]

Not really. All MIDI devices use the MIDI 1.0 serial protocol. MIDI over USB has advantages in that one cable can carry MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, and 5 VDC power, a significant reduction in cable clutter. In addition to MIDI I/O and power the same USB cable can also handle digital audio I/O, e.g., as implemented on my Korg Kronos X workstation (in that instance MIDI and audio I/O, not power). I've never seen a PC with a direct 5-pin MIDI I/O. You either have to use a USB device to USB host (the PC) direct connection or a MIDI interface,e.g., a MIDIsport 4X4, that accepts 5-pin MIDI I/O and then connects to the computer via USB. Obviously, if you are not using a computer and only have old MIDI gear with 5-pin DIN I/O then all you need is a pile of MIDI cables, modular power cords and 1/4" phone or XLR cables, if there is any audio output. P.S. MIDI is the acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, midi is the French noun for afternoon.

[@simonjefferytaylor]

​@@davmar9923er no

[@rockstar450]

Love your videos mate - best channel I've found this month :)

[@moistpeanut5986]

Unfortunately people in forums will still be asking how to do this.

[@Phlow]

Than just post the link to this video ;) and save yourself some time!

[@kris-lv7ql]

the usb advice i would have needed to know decades ago

[@JoshRichmanDesign]

You missed the fact that USB MIDI isn’t grounded and cusses ground loops and hums. This is a big deal!!

[@patrizio7]

Damn you ground loops and hums.

[@loopop]

Check out my video about solving those problems

[@NevilleHayfield]

Bro, your so slick with this ish 👊🔥 and I don't believe for one minute that was it with your finger drumming skills 👏💪👊🔥🔥🔥

[@longcat]

timely, as i was just looking at my rpi0 and remembered i intended it to act as a usb midi host between keyboard & synth... well explained as always x

[@Funkbutterfly]

One of the reasons I love the mpc live so much! It can support up to two midi devices over usb

[@JomenoVona]

Thank you so much for your reply. Your tip on how I might connect an Android phone to a piano using a USB A adapter is very highly appreciated.

[@strangequark420]

This is a confusing topic that's difficult to figure out on one's own. Thanks for helping me understand some key facts!

[@SyncdAlien]

Thank you! Very important video, I will be referring people to it for years to come, I'm sure. 😍

[@malabari40]

Brother, you really are the best!!! Keep on making our lives easier :) Thx for giving all of the simple, solid and USEFUL information with vids like this. learned in this channel most of the knowledge I needed so I could then explore and expand on my own in so many different subjects (digitakt for example and others) Cheers to you!

[@wildvortex4565]

Thanl you soooooo much! I thought I'd have to buy a whole new keyboard to control my new synth! This video is insanely helpful and comprehensive

[@jtBrander]

I was going to write the same thing, cheers!!!

[@AndyChannelle]

For hardware I went with the lazy option of a Roland MX-1, lots of Roland gear on USB, USB to PC, and then a USB/Midi hub to connect Launchpads, etc. THE USB/MIDI hub also goes into a standard powered USB hub which allows for connection to an iPad. I don’t know how it all works, but it does. The Yamaha Bluetooth MIDI is great too.

[@SIKKYBEATS]

7 of your video are recommended on my home feed! I think KZbins liking your video.

[@perrypelican9476]

There is a very cool gadget called the PUC+. Check it out. You can make any wired keyboard or other controller or MIDI source into a Bluetooth MIDI source. You control it with its own app instead of trying to figure out MIDIFlow. I love MIDIFlow and even more MIDIFire, but not everyone is like you and me. Another cool thing is a midi thru box made by Amptone called MIDI Splitter Box. There are others but this one is powered either by plugging it in or using a 9V battery. So it has one 5 pin DIN MIDI In port and four 5 pin DIN MIDI out ports. The beauty is that there is never any problem that the controller doesn't provide enough juice so the MIDI out is always exactly as expected. Way better than daisy chaining and more reliable than other non-powered thru boxes. I really like your videos. You explain things so clearly with no bull.

[@VsSrg]

Great video once more!!

[@esmoroglu]

Excellent, always clear, I learn so much from your videos.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@themennoknight]

This is so helpful and so clear - thank you! Time to next 10 pieces of midi gear :)

[@ShadowriverUB]

5:30 just look inside the plug, there plastic peace and is should be go opposite to plastic piece you called "Tongue" in the port, that plastic piece is what covers that holes on the plug. On empty space side of that plastic pieces are pins and those plastic pieces in port and plug need to face each other to connect the pins, those pieces are also also work as keying mechanism, you wont be able to plug opposite way and you hit plastic pieces on there head. All full size USB-A plugs and ports have them, if they don't they are not USB.

[@paddyware4466]

Your guides and reviews are first class. I love this midi one especially as this has answered so many previously searched questions. This is my new favourite channel. Just going through the Roland series Looking for the MC 101?

[@loopop]

Thanks and it's there! (I think in a vs 707 video...)

[@thedelacruz]

Where have you been all my post regular midi life? Thank you!!!!

[@ludwigkopp8130]

Great insights. Gives a full comprehensive tour. Now you can choose what you like best.

[@PM-yz8fx]

Once again you are very helpful! A true source of inspiration and help! A big thank you

[@danielgreen2348]

I'm just now getting into hardware synths and bless you for this!!!

[@laika25]

Wow. Right on the money! This is EXACTLY what i was fishing for/wanted to have explained

[@ShaighJosephson]

The "Loopop Strikes Back" episode... Lol... 😂

[@vespo3578]

glad i found your vid. got a new rack mount and saw your Arturia keystep and immediately grabbed on on sweetwater. thank you sir.

[@josecarlosortiz8519]

Thanks for this! I was having trouble understanding language between devices, this helped a lot clearing doubts.

[@Laptops1781]

Admittedly, I didn't watch the entire video, but here's my question. I'm using a roland drum module to connect to my laptop. The roland module has both USB out, and midi in/out. Is there a benefit to either of these over the other? Both would be going into my computer via USB. Just curious if there's any benefit of using either or

[@chabeloesdios]

one more instance of why this is the best synth channel out there :) have you found any latency problems with the yamaha midi cable?

[@loopop]

thanks! I didn't really try to isolate it compared to bluetooth latency overall - I treat MIDI over bluetooth as a "fun to have" rather than "mission critical"... my tests did show it definitely can't handle a lot of high speed data

[@Rustik1722]

Agree!

[@lozza9789]

Superb info, as always. Thank you LP!

[@blackbeatsentertainment]

I know it’s a 3yo video, but glad I found it. Been making music since I was in highschool, but I never got into actually having all of what I’d need to start producing like most others. It’s kinda like a Nick Cannon in drum line moment for me (if anyone understands his “issue” with learning music from the plot) everything is pretty much luck and comes by ear, but I’m trying now to actually start where I need too, learn needed software, devices, etc. and I’m still pretty confused but this video is a pretty good start. I just ordered a 25 key MIDI but I was also given a regular Alesis synth for free about a year ago but was never given the cords for it. So now I’m scrambling trying to figure out what I need 😅.

[@geoffarcher46]

Thanks for making this video. It helped me a lot. I was struggling to connect a controller to a mini synth.

[@mikesharpsongs]

I recently purchased a Fishman Triple Play wireless MIDI guitar controller, which transmits from a guitar mount to a USB dongle. I also purchased their FC-1 footswitch control device. There are a couple of ways to send the data between these devices. The USB dongle can be connected to either a computer or iPad (via a USB/camera kit adaptor), or directly into the FC-1, which in turn sends the data over a USB cable to the aforementioned destinations. That way, you can control soft synths on either platform. The problem I have been having is that the FC-1(which allows you to footswitch through presets, add an expression controller, and/or footswitch a hold function) doesn't fully function with the iPad. This is likely due to a lack of MIDI host along the USB cable connection. So today I purchased a Keith McMillan MIDI Expander to serve this function. Your video has confirmed my hopes and taught me why along the way; thanks & kudos!