I have a few different pieces of MIDI equipment and I want them all to be able to talk to each other. Some of my gear uses USB for both communicating and powering (I have a couple of CME X-Keys, an Arturia Beatstep and a Beatstep Pro).
Thomann have a good range of MIDI interfaces but I realised I need something that can *host* usb MIDI devices. This is a specific and important term to understand. Some of the usb interfaces will be passive, they can carry a usb signal if your MIDI device is already powered, but will be useless for anything unpowered.
That's where this little box of wonders comes in, it has assignable inputs and outputs in the traditional 5-pin MIDI format but also has four usb Host slots for your unpowered usb MIDI gear. Now I can connect two X-keys to multiple synths / sound modules and have drum pads and sequencer controlling a drum machine. There are opportunities for creating more advanced MIDI routing, including creating virtual MIDI assignments, but I've not needed to use those yet.
This hub comes in a larger size which I would consider if I ever need to expand my MIDI connections as I add new gear, but for the moment this smaller size has enough assignable inputs and outputs for my needs, and its small size means it can sit under my screen stand without cluttering up my already busy desk.
The software for assigning MIDI routing is really easy to use and allows you to prevent cross-talk. By that I mean you can have keyboards sending note messages to multiple synths but not a drum machine (for example) and some MIDI pads sending note information to a drum machine but not synths.
Do be aware there may be limitations on compatibility with certain usb gear. For example a Launchpad X doesn't work with this, you would need the Launchpad Pro. I don't know why this happens, I'm not an expert in MIDI programming. Best to check with manufacturers or look in some MIDI forums if you're in doubt.
