By the way: I am using a lot of outside gear with my (12 Samplers/Expanders at the moment) and therefore I am trying to find the best setting.
There we go! I had suspected something like that but all I had to go on was:
what do you mean about "USB convert"? I am only using MidiStuff and internal softsynths (Kontakt ...) for composing. The usb connection is only needed for controlling and transfer samples to my AkaiS6000. What do you mean with "USB convert"?
Now that we
both know what we're dealing with, I can make a few semi-intelligent observations:
• I'm actually surprised that the GPort tests as fast as it does. It appears to interface with the MDD really well. Far better than I would have guessed.
• Part of that is because of the 5LX and its ability to accept a huge amount of data through the single pipe.
• However, all else aside, a 5LX can handle more data through two serial connections than one.
• However, that won't make any difference unless and until you exceed the capacity of the single pipe.
• 12 external devices
all running simultaneously with thick data (continuous controllers, etc.) is very likely enough to exceed that capacity. However, that's likely not a continuous condition - rather momentary "hiccups" here and there and
that depends on the actual notes and such they're playing and
that depends on the genre of music you're creating, how much you're layering synths & samplers and on and on…
• This all works because while USB is also serial in nature, it's waaay faster than MIDI and handles that data with ease. Your GPort is probably interfacing with the MDD on that buss by the way, since, I don't know, where else is it gonna go?
• However, the GPort is emulating an RS-422 port (although not exactly - rather an Apple variant, but that's another discussion) so there's a limit how fast it can be clocked and that limit is probably around 230Kbps SO… two of those are better than one.
So, at the end of the day, if you want to absolutely maximize your MIDI chain for 12+ outboard devices, you should probably be using a Keyspan just so the 5LX can, as they say, "equitably" distribute data across the two pipes.
Final thought, as I said last time, I know of no practical way to determine exactly what your actual total MIDI data volume is from moment to moment. That would require inline monitors capable of reading and (chart?) recording all of the data from all of the modules
individually. Because of the serial nature of everything,
all of the data is going to get through the pipe eventually - the issue is
whether it will be delayed by other data to an extent that the delay becomes audible and detrimental to the music. There are lots and lots of instances when the various MIDI notes want to hit different destinations / modules at exactly the same moment - that's one reason why the 5LX exists! All you can do is try to have as much headroom as possible throught the chain so you don't have to worry about it. Your 5LX is the biggest and baddest MIDI interface there is. Your MDD is the biggest and baddest OS9-capable computer there is. Put a Keyspan serial to USB OR (even better if you can find one) a Keyspan SX-2, SX-4 or SX-Pro Serial port PCI card in between them and that's as good as it gets.
NOW… after all of that, post a picture of all of your stuff - I sure we would all love to see it. AND
I'm curious…what Verax fans / fan kit are you so happy with? I've got my MDD in a quiet box but it could still be quieter…
Best,
Gary