I have couple of software titles that are not VSTs, so it gets very tricky trying to route them to DAW. LoopMidi and couple of others software solutions do work to extent, but there are several issues that come up. If sequences are pre-programmed then it kind of works but... if you are using a second screen to have both software GUI triggering "live". That is where things get messy. Mouse gets "stolen", I/O drag and other issues.
So... I was looking for simplest & reliable wired solution to connect 2 computers. I don't want to consider network cable solution, wireless or going with audio interface routing. The simpler, the better. Looking at a few options I found this piece of hardware: https://compasflamenco.com/midi-usbusb-p-4.html
----------------------------------------------------------------- I have three questions for somebody who used something similar. 1) Are these reliable? 2)Are there anything else of small form factor that does similar, perhaps newer (this unit is ~9 years old) 3)As I understood a direct connection (like USB A -> USB A) is not possible between computers for MIDI usage.
I don't know if 2 of these would work connecting midi In to midi Out ? you would need a female to female 5 pin din to connect male midi Out to male midi In.
Musocity, how is this common adapter will connect two Computers together through USB ports? I am not trying to connect a device to computer. I am trying to connect two computers together through USB ports, eliminating Audio interface and wireless MIDI (BLE or network) out of equation.
USB ports for MIDI Maybe I have the wrong idea ? I thought you wanted to send midi to another PC via USB ? This would be the same as sending midi from one keyboard to another. Maybe you are trying to do something else ?
Musocity, how is this common adapter will connect two Computers together through USB ports? I am not trying to connect a device to computer. I am trying to connect two computers together through USB ports, eliminating Audio interface and wireless MIDI (BLE or network) out of equation.
Mario, Thanks. While these look similar, I doubt they have MIDI hardware protocol. Probably there are "ways" to make them work, but the small piece of hardware I found made specifically for MIDI. From what I understand, it even allows for wired bi-directional MIDI connection between iOS and Windows devices.
I am actually very surprised manufacturers slept on this. While folks use network and BT connections, my take, wired is more reliable.
I think you need to give an actual example of what you want to do exactly. I gave an example how to connect 2 PC's together sending midi from one midi port on one PC to another midi port on another PC using a wired usb cable.
While folks use network and BT connections, my take, wired is more reliable.
I agree wired connectivity is more reliable than wireless. But the best wired computer connection for communication is the ethernet port.
MIDI can be broken down into two components, protocol and transport. Protocol is the MIDI language while transport is the highway used to move language.
The issue is transport related. There is no single transport standard for two connected PCs to communicate with each other over a USB connection. There are several proprietary methods. The issue is one computer has to manage the communication but, by default, both computers want to manage the communication. No one can agree on a transport specification where one computer understands it is the communication manager and the other computer agrees to be managed.
The MIDI Association has several committees working on creating standards for MIDI over wi-fi, bluetooth, USB and ethernet. Because midi is a serial communication and there must be a communication manager it is difficult to get all manufacturers to agree. They each have method and "their way" is the best way.
On a side note, computer operating systems have had a standardized way for bi-lateral communication over an ethernet port since back in the DOS days.
Quote:
I think you need to give an actual example of what you want to do exactly.
I agree with Musocity. What are you wanting to do with midi over USB?
Arranger sequencer program(s) on computer "A" with clock "in" from computer "B". Sending MIdi data live from computer "A" to "B",⁸ directly to Daw track.
If you read initial request, I mentioned that loopbe,midiloop works for pre-programmed sequences. But it created several problems, such as "stealing" mouse when switching between programs, I/O latency and couple of others.
By having a tablet PC or a laptop act as independent performer, with sharing midi stream only, I am hoping to eliminate most issues when a non VST program is ran parallel with DAW on a single computer.
The small device I found seems to do exactly what I want, but, It is made by 1 person company...years ago. I was wondering if anything else similar to that exists.
I tried messing around with network and Bluetooth solutions for similar tasks in the past, but I didn't like it.
So the DAW will receive the incoming midi stream and apply the data to a VST?
Which device controls the other? Will the DAW send midi transport commands (MCC) such as start, stop, rewind, to the external device or will the external device control the DAW transport?
There are some programs that allow remote control of a DAW from a smartphone or Ios tablet.
So hows the method I showed not work to send midi from one PC to another ? If I can send midi from one keyboard to another with a "wired" connection would it not work from one PC to another ?
"So the DAW will receive the incoming midi stream and apply the data to a VST?" Jim, I don't follow...
Daw will record incomming Midi to track, like it would do with hardware arranger.
Daw will likely be the one to control MMC. I am not too concerned of "remote" functions.
With hardware arrangers, it is a matter of a simple connection. I want to use a second laptop as an independent hardware arranger with USB to USB simple connection to second computer as the device I posted in initial post.
If/ When replying, kindly look at the device in initial post, you will have a better understanding what I am after.
The device you linked to in your first post will work since there are four midi In & OUT connection ports and it is acting as a hub. The hub is responsible for managing the midi communication. However it's overkill as you should need only two midi connection ports. Since most DAWs can be configured to use multiple midi ports you likely do not need a midi hub.
Musocity's cabling should work and is likely cheaper.
Jim, I know it will work It is not overkill, since it is the most basic one I found to connect two computers by USB>USB for MIDI work bypassing interface. I have seen larger USB MIDI routers, they are the complex ones But I have not seen anything close to simplicity, features, size and price to the one I posted. My concerns are: it's a one man company, device is ~9 years old and it is not available in US (I guess they will ship)
If you have a better USB to USB MIDI solution, please share, as this is the only one I was able to find.... and the reason for this post.
Musocity, you didn't read post well. I don't want to go "through interface" route.
"or going with audio interface routing" "runs on any operating system without installing drivers, plug and play" It is the same thing that I posted, it's the same deal it just don't have the cables, I can take the pcb out of them, solder it together and put female usb sockets on it and it will do the same thing.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
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Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
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With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
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-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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