MIDI Splitter

MIDI Splitter logo

MIDI Splitter is a 1-In 4-Out MIDI thru box. It allows the user to control up to 4 devices using just one MIDI controller. It can be used with one of AmpTone Lab controllers (XY MIDIpad, XY MIDIpad mini, MIDI Strip) or any other MIDI controller equipped with a standard MIDI port.

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Power source

KEY FEATURES
  • 1-In 4-Out MIDI thru box
  • Connect up to 4 devices to your favourite MIDI controller
  • Opto-isolated active MIDI input
  • Easy plug-and-play setup
  • Low power consumption
  • All MIDI channels & messages
  • Powered by a battery (included) or a standard 9V AC/DC adapter
  • 100% hardware compatibility with any device equipped with MIDI port
  • Ultra low MIDI data latency

MIDI Splitter can be powered by one of the 2 power sources – a battery or a standard power supply. Power supply is the primary power source and battery will not be used when it is plugged in. Device operates at 9V, meaning it can be powered by a typical 9V power supply (2.1mm center negative) or a 9V battery (high-quality battery included in the package).

Making MIDI Splitter a MIDI-powered device was never an option, as it causes some serious compatibility issues. Many MIDI controllers and interfaces are not supplying enough voltage to power a thru-box. Many of them don’t supply voltage at all, making it impossible to use with a MIDI-powered thru-box. Therefore a real power source is necessary to make sure all MIDI devices are supported.

Features

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
MIDI Splitter package includes:
  • MIDI Splitter
  • Battery
  • Rubber pads
  • Velcro strips
  • User manual

MIDI Splitter is equipped with a status/data LED flashing on every incoming MIDI message. It works on all 16 MIDI channels and supports all types of messages (including CC, NoteOn, NoteOff, SysEx, Clock etc.).

MIDI Splitter features an opto-isolated MIDI input circuitry which ensures high quality data transmission even over long cables. The IC inside the box cleans up the MIDI data to make sure any unwanted partial MIDI messages are not transmitted to the end devices.

MIDI Splitter comes with adhesive backed rubber pads and adhesive backed Velcro strips, which can be attached to the back of MIDI Splitter. Rubber pads will help MIDI Splitter stay firmly on any surface and Velcro strips can be used to attach MIDI Spliter to a pedalboard. Two types of Velcro strips are included, which means you can also use them to mount your MIDI Splitter under a desk or on the floor.

Usage

MIDI Splitter works with any MIDI device equipped with a standard MIDI port (DIN-5). Just plug your MIDI controller or a device transmitting MIDI messages to MIDI IN port, then plug the receiving MIDI devices to MIDI OUT ports and your MIDI Splitter is ready to work!

MIDI Splitter specification

Number of inputs 1
Number of outputs 4
Power sources
  • 9V battery (included)
  • power supply (2.1mm center negative, not included)
Battery life up to 33 hours
Input voltage 9V DC
Dimensions 49 mm x 128 mm x 72 mm (H x W x D)
Weight ~180 g (without battery)
Included items
  • MIDI Splitter unit
  • 9V battery (non-rechargeable)
  • 4 adhesive backed rubber pads
  • 4 adhesive backed Velcro strips
  • User manual
  • MIDI Splitter box
  • MIDI Splitter unit
  • MIDI Splitter box
  • MIDI Splitter set
  • MIDI Splitter unit
  • MIDI Splitter set
  • MIDI Splitter unit

MIDI Splitter – Frequently Asked Questions

  • In short – yes. We made sure that MIDI Splitter works with ANY device equipped with a standard MIDI 5-pin connector. This applies not only to MIDI controllers, but also to devices that you want to control.
  • While technically MIDI should provide power through the MIDI connector, there are 2 major issues connected with this.

    1. Not all devices provide power over MIDI connector.

    2. Even when they do, using it to power other devices may cause serious ground loop problems.

    And to explain it further:

    1. Even though MIDI specifiaction suggests they should, many MIDI controllers and MIDI interfaces are not supplying any current through the MIDI connector. On other occasion, they may be providing current that is not enough to power the MIDI Splitter.

    2. MIDI standard is very strict about connection circuitry – every input has to be optically isolated (opto-isolated). What it means is that each devices’ grounds must be separated from each other. This is necessary to make sure there is no ground loop problem between any of the devices in chain. If we decided to use the current transmitted through MIDI connector to power MIDI Splitter, it would mean that MIDI Splitter would not be compliant with MIDI specification, because we would have to get rid of the opto-isolator. And this in turn may cause grounding issues.

    Due to aforementioned reasons, a separate power source in a form of a battery or a wall-wart power supply is necessary to make sure all your devices work the way they should and they are not causing any problems.

  • Not at all! IN MIDI Splitter we used automatic power switching. What it means is that the primary power source is a power supply, with battery being the secondary one. Once you plug in your power supply, the battery gets disconnected automatically and it will not be used by the MIDI Splitter.
  • It will, as long as you have a 9V DC power supply with a 2.1 mm center negative plug. If you are by any chance a guitarist, you should be able to use one of your stompbox effects power supplies – most of them use exactly this type of power supply.

Files connected with MIDI Splitter can be found in Downloads & manuals section