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.
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We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
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