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[supernova777]

These interfaces were created between 1990-1999 and are only usable by those who have a mac with a serial port. they came built in on  older beige colored g3 or lower macs! In order to use them on a g3 or g4 mac you need a serial adapter such as the stealth port, g4port, or megawolf pci card, keyspan sx pro pci card, or keyspan usa-28x usb adapter!

is usb too slow for midi?
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Oct04/articles/qa1004-7.htm

MOTU serial MIDI interfaces with Logic, Cubase, Finale and other OMS compatible software on B-W G3s and G4s
http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technotes/document.2000-04-14.9182637522

mac midi interfaces
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/midiinterfaces.html

oms + etc
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_articles/jul95/applenotes.html

Unitor 8 is a synchronizer and MIDI Interface in one sturdy 19" rack unit (1HE) for Windows 9x (prepared for Windows NT) or Mac OS computers. It is designed from the outset to perfectly complement the Logic System and offers a high level of seamless functionality. Each unit provides 8 MIDI inputs and 8 individually addressable MIDI outputs. Unitor8 reads and writes SMPTE as LTC and VITC. The advanced system design allows for accurate reading of LTC within a tape speed range from 25% to 400%, and VITC is even read correctly during reverse and single frame operations. Using the built-in S-Video In/Output, the time code display can be shown on the video monitor, even during LTC mode. In conjunction with Audiowerk8 and Logic Audio 3.0 Unitor8 allows a continuous synchronisation of audio to LTC or VITC master, meaning that even the longest audio regions remain perfectly in sync with the video. The Click Input allows synchronization to external, percussive audio signals.

emagic unitor8 MK I (1998) (mk1=no usb, mk2=usb)



specs: http://web.archive.org/web/20020602002002/http://www.emagic.de/english/products/hardware/u8mk2.html
osx preference pane: http://www.potm.org/software/Unitor/
DRIVERS HERE: http://web.archive.org/web/20020603152527/http://www.emagic.de/english/support/download/toolsmac.html
as per manual; units can be stacked up to 8 daisy chained via the mac serial connection!!!
article http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr98/articles/unitor8.html
http://web.archive.org/web/19981203014746/http://www.emagic.de/english/products/hardware/unitor8.html
X REQUIRES WALLWART PSU
ebay search: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR4.TRC0.A0.Xunitor8&_nkw=unitor8&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Motu Fastlane Serial (1994)
1 in 3 out

http://www.motu.com/products/midi/fastlane
ebay search: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=fastlane&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC2.A0.Xfastlane+midi&_nkw=fastlane+midi&_sacat=0

• FastLane's "MIDI split" feature can split an incoming signal to two outputs.
• No power supply or batteries required!
• Includes serial cable.

Motu Midi Time Piece I (1990)



http://cid-6f2ce1aec0191d74.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/MOTU_MTPII
driver: http://web.archive.org/web/20000712142446/http://www1.motu.com/english/download/autodown/action.lasso?-database=dldb&-layout=main&-response=searchresults.html&-op=eq&product=MIDI+Timepiece&-op=eq&platform=Macintosh&-maxRecords=all&-sortfield=description&-sortorder=ascending&-search
X REQUIRES WALLWART PSU
http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technotes/document.2000-04-07.3892261088
The MOTU MIDI Timepiece I, the MIDI Timepiece II and the MIDI Timepiece AV all have networking capabilities. You can network or daisy-chain (daisy chain) any two of the above interfaces for a total of 256 MIDI channels. The Express line of interface (the MIDI Express, the Micro Express and MIDI Express XT) do not have a networking feature.
how to network: http://web.archive.org/web/19991127201302/http://motu.com/english/hardware/mtpav/net.html

Motu Midi Time Piece II (1992)



windows drivers: http://web.archive.org/web/20000516161717/http://www1.motu.com/english/download/autodown/action.lasso?-database=dldb&-layout=main&-response=searchresults.html&-op=eq&product=MIDI+Timepiece+II&-op=eq&platform=Windows&-maxRecords=all&-sortfield=description&-sortorder=ascending&-search
partial manual:
http://www.macos9lives.com/downloads/_img/MTP_II_ManualChapter12.pdf (using front panel controls)
http://www.macos9lives.com/downloads/_img/MTP_II_ManualChapter02.pdf (illustrates networking possibilities)
* Uses standard power lead!
The MOTU MIDI Timepiece I, the MIDI Timepiece II and the MIDI Timepiece AV all have networking capabilities. You can network or daisy-chain (daisy chain) any two of the above interfaces for a total of 256 MIDI channels. The Express line of interface (the MIDI Express, the Micro Express and MIDI Express XT) do not have a networking feature.
how to network: http://web.archive.org/web/19991127201302/http://motu.com/english/hardware/mtpav/net.html
motu midi express (1994) mac version 4in 6out 96 channels


* uses standard power lead
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1994_articles/mar94/motuexpress.html
http://web.archive.org/web/19970113175327/http://motu.com/pages/MXP.html
Motu Pocket Express (1995?)

Pocket Express is a 2-in, 4-out, 32-channel MIDI/SMPTE interface.
midi timepiece av (1996) (original "AV" version, the usb revision was produced later in 2000, )


http://web.archive.org/web/19991127184611/http://motu.com/english/hardware/mtpav/mtpav.html
http://web.archive.org/web/19970113172637/http://motu.com/pages/MTPAV.html
http://www.sweetwater.com/sweetcare/articles/motu-parallel-midi-interface-work-windows-xp-updated-1/
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jan97/motumtpav.html
* uses standard power lead
ebay search: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/?_nkw=midi%20timepiece%20av&clk_rvr_id=556590854922&mfe=search
The MIDI Time Piece AV provides eight discrete MIDI cables (in and out) for your computer. This allows you to use 128 independent MIDI channels. To expand beyond this, you can network up to four MTPs for a total of 512 MIDI channels. You can even connect two computers to an MTP AV network.
how to network: http://web.archive.org/web/19991127201302/http://motu.com/english/hardware/mtpav/net.html

NETWORKING

For those of you with larger MIDI rigs, the MTP AV's Network serial port can be used to connect a second MTP AV to provide connections 9-16, or even to link up to a standard 16-channel MIDI interface. It can also serve as a second connection to the Macintosh, although this is not normally necessary with most applications which can use the multi-port capabilities of the unit. This capability is provided for compatibility with software which does not support the multi-port MTP standard.

It's actually possible to connect up to four MTP devices to your Mac, using two on each serial port -- modem and printer. In this case, there would be a free Mac port on each box providing connections 9-16, as the pairs of MTPs are connected using the network socket. You could use these to hook up a second Mac, which would then have equal access to the complete MIDI system. You can even connect both a Macintosh and a PC to the MTP AV at the same time, connecting the PC to the parallel port and the Mac to the network port; with this setup, the computers can even send data to each other.

Motu Micro Express (1996?) (original serial/parallel version)


Motu Midi Express XT (1996) (not to be confused with the orange midi express mac, midi express pc, from 1994)


* uses standard power lead
driver: http://web.archive.org/web/20000304022057/http://www1.motu.com/english/download/autodown/action.lasso?-database=dldb&-layout=main&-response=searchresults.html&-op=eq&product=MIDI+Express+XT&-op=eq&platform=Macintosh&-maxRecords=all&-sortfield=description&-sortorder=ascending&-search
opcode Studio 3 (1992)

2 ports, 2 In, 6 Out
Each MIDI Out is assignable to either the printer or the modem port
reads and writes SMPTE and sends MIDI Time Code(MTC) to the Mac for synchronization.
* uses standard power lead

the studio 3 can be connected to a studio 4 or studio 5 interface (or any other opcode interface that features A/B pairs of ports on the back.
opcode Studio 4 (1992-1998?) 8x8 MIDI Interface w/SMPTE I/O


8 ports, 8 In, 10 Out
http://archive.cassiel.com/space/Gearhead/Opcode+Studio+4
http://archive.org/stream/OpcodeStudio4/studio_4_manual_djvu.txt
X REQUIRES WALLWART PSU requires 9vdc @ 1500ma(1.5a) or 2000ma (2a)
manual: www.houseofsynth.com/hos-downloads/manuals/Opcode/Opcode-Studio-4-Manual-1995.pdf
read&writes SMPTE all formats incl. 29.97 non-drop
when using a Mac, (OMS) has extended functionality including:
filtering, channelization, note range splitting, controller mapping, velocity and control value modification, and other processing.
8 MIDI INs/OUTs 128 MIDI Channels
**Networkable / Daisy chainable - Up to four Studio 4s can be used together for 512 MIDI channels**
2 Peripheral Thru Switches
2 pairs of MIDI INs/OUTs on front panel
Full MIDI Time Piece emulation

the studio 4 has lots of networking potential to expand... its A/B ports allow u to connect to an additional serial midi interface. the 1in/3out interface in the diagram above looks like it could be a motu fastlane but this is just for illustration purposes, literally any other serial midi interface can be connected in this way. visit this link to learn more:  http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php?topic=473.0
opcode Studio 5 (1992)
15 ports, 15 In, 15 Out
manual : http://www.houseofsynth.com/hos-downloads/manuals/Opcode/Opcode-Studio-5-Manual-1997.pdf
Opcode Studio 5LX Multi-port MIDI Interface/Patchbay (1996)


15-in/15-out  240-channel compatibility | MIDI interface with synchronization and patchbay
* uses standard power lead
**Networkable / Daisy chainable  up to 6 Studio 5LXs together for 1440 MIDI channels
http://web.archive.org/web/19990428221402/http://www.opcode.com/products/machardware/studio5.html
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/oct96/opcode5lxpt1.html
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/nov96/opcodestudio5lx2.html

• Fifteen independently addressable
  MIDI inputs and outputs—this allows
  access to 240 separate MIDI channels
  with programs that support either
  OMS or Mark of the Unicorn’s MIDI
  Time Piece™
• OMS Studio Patches support—the
  Studio 5 has a built-in 16MHz 68000
  microprocessor for processing Studio
  Patches. Studio Patches allow MIDI
  data to be split, transposed, modified
  and mapped in many useful ways
• Storage for up to 128 OMS Studio
  Patches—the Studio 5 has 256K of
  RAM for storing Studio Patches
• Networking—connect up to six
  Studio 5’s for 1,440 separate MIDI
  channels
• Standard (1MHz) and Fast communi-
  cation speeds
• Emulates either a standard MIDI
  interface or a MIDI Time Piece
• A pair of MIDI activity indicators for
  each MIDI port;
• Patch number display and program
  change buttons
• Front panel MIDI/Thru switches—
  these let you use external peripherals
  (such as printers or modems) without
  changing cables
• Two assignable footswitch inputs and
  a foot controller input

Opcode studio 64x (1997)


http://web.archive.org/web/19980212074626/http://www.opcode.com/products/cross_plat_hardware/studio64x.html
windows drivers: http://harryaxten.webs.com/opcodestudio64x.htm
pc drivers: http://web.archive.org/web/19980212062017/http://www.opcode.com/downloads/pc_hardware/
manual: http://harrypagerubbish.webs.com/studio64x/Studio64xManual.pdf
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/may97/opcode64x.html
win xp driver: http://members.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=121455
X REQUIRES WALLWART PSU
possible to make a 1->3 merge by wiring 1BOut to 2in & using 1A+2A+2B to control 3 units from 1Ain

Opcode studio 64xtc (1998)


http://web.archive.org/web/19980212060207/http://www.opcode.com/products/cross_plat_hardware/64xtc/
pc driveR: http://web.archive.org/web/19980212062017/http://www.opcode.com/downloads/pc_hardware/
connects via serial | 4 in 4 out (the 2 extra outputs for the first 2 ports, allow this box to send the same midi notes to 2 devices (1 source, 2 destination) this is usefull for layering synths or possibly layering drums if using a GM kit.
http://www.popeye-x.com/tech/review_of_opcode_studio_64_xtc.htm
http://web.archive.org/web/19980212060207/http://www.opcode.com/products/cross_plat_hardware/64xtc/
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr98/articles/studio64xtc.html
manual: http://www.audioschematics.dk/downloads/manuals/midi/Studio64XTC_Manual.pdf

re: network port featured on the 64xtc (and not the 64x)
This RS-422 serial port lets the Studio 64 XTC network to an Opcode
Studio 4, thereby allowing both interfaces to share the same computer port

Opcode studio 128X (1998)


http://web.archive.org/web/19980624093713/http://www.opcode.com/products/cross_plat_hardware/studio128x/

X REQUIRES WALLWART PSU
Opcode-Studio-128x features smtpe i/o rs422 mac, thru, 8x8
http://web.archive.org/web/19980624093713/http://www.opcode.com/products/cross_plat_hardware/studio128x/
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep98/articles/opcode.html
manual: http://www.scribd.com/doc/60805228/Opcode-Studio-128x
xp driver: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much-gear-so-little-time/43986-opcode-midi-interface-xp-driver-here.html

opcode translator II

http://web.archive.org/web/19980624105341/http://www.opcode.com/products/machardware/midi2.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Midi-Translator-II-Opcode-Mac-Apple-New-Old-Stock-/370980299662
1 port, 1 In, 3 Out £58.
http://web.archive.org/web/19990427022122/http://www.opcode.com/products/machardware/midi2.html

Opcode Translator pro

http://web.archive.org/web/19980212063848/http://www.opcode.com/products/machardware/transpro.html

2 ports, 2 In, 6 Out £105.
http://web.archive.org/web/19990428223109/http://www.opcode.com/products/machardware/transpro.html

2 ports, 2 In, 6 Out
opcode hardware:
http://web.archive.org/web/19990508143913/http://www.opcode.com/products/

[supernova777]

re: motu interfaces with networking
from what i understand it is very clear that time piece models haven networking options
and the XT/Xpress models do not
however im wondering if its possible to network an xt/express into a time peice model
(using the networking feature of the time piece) to have an expanded number of midi
ports + channels or if it would even work to connect an opcode interface to this networking
port of the midi time piece models.. or if the timepiece networking only works using host-slave connections
between time piece models

did anyone understand that? lol

i am making an inquiry to motu to clarify this
will report back my findings
heres a link to the thread i created:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/music-computers/893950-networkability-old-motu-serial-midi-interfaces.html#post9709389

[supernova777]

ok after checking http://www.macos9lives.com/downloads/_img/MTP_II_ManualChapter02.pdf
i see that the motu mtps actually get connected by 1 cable that connects the network port to the oter units same network port.
so my questions about networking were way offf because it doesnt get used the way i thought where u would plug 1 side in network port and the other unit into the regular port it would use as if it was connected to a pc.. it doesnt work that way from the documentation so its only possible to use two fo these if u have two mtp units after all..

[supernova777]

i wrote motu + received a reply basically stating that the motu MIDI TIME PIECE series are the only models that allow multiple units networked.. up to 2 units per port and a maximum of 4 units on 2 seperate serial ports (2 x 2 daisy chained) ie: they will not network with anther interface such as an opcode etc

[supernova777]

it is possible to network Opcode -> Motu units as per the opcode manuals for the studio 4 + 5.
 i have added this content to their own threads, visit them for detailed info + to learn how
these interfaces can be used in combination to have a large number of midi i/o available
to one or two macs at a time!



opcode studio 4:
http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php?topic=473.0

opcode studio 5:
http://macos9lives.com/smforum/index.php?topic=474.0

[English_Mac]

Interesting list, helps with shopping 

I question the inclusuion of the Midiman Portman 2x4/p (parallel), I have one and it only works on Win pre XP (as in the drivers don't work in XP) and the box uses a parallel printer port (DB25) so and Mac would need a PCI card installed, and then there are no Mac drivers. So unless I've missed something this device cannot be used with any Mac. Hopefully someone might correct me as it's a nice box sat on my shelf.

[supernova777]

Interesting list, helps with shopping 

I question the inclusuion of the Midiman Portman 2x4/p (parallel), I have one and it only works on Win pre XP (as in the drivers don't work in XP) and the box uses a parallel printer port (DB25) so and Mac would need a PCI card installed, and then there are no Mac drivers. So unless I've missed something this device cannot be used with any Mac. Hopefully someone might correct me as it's a nice box sat on my shelf.

yes english mac, u would be correct.. the thing is, my friends on the forums dont like the idea of me having a windows area to put this windows devices info in so its mixed in with the powerpc info..
i would like to have a small legacy windows area eventually on the site for me to place that relevant info as i come across it in my research! to keep things sorted.. for me, information is still valuable, especially to know the difference of what works with what, and what is possible... etc as u can see already i made a hackintosh area on the site for me to deposit my relevant research in its own section away from the powerpc and its already met with complaints;) sigh
i will keep trying;)

re: the midiman portman device.. its probably best put to use under win98se or even windows 95
i am interested in exploring this platform aswell and i have been making a system for this os! i had good results on a Penium III 700mhz using some legacy apps so i will be trying more once i complete my intel core 2 duo win98se box!

[supernova777]

windows only interfaces have been removed from this list and moved to the "offtopic" section

[MacGuy]

I have the MOTU micro express ( 4-input, 6-output MIDI interface MIDI patch bay and SMPTE-to-MIDI synchronizer for Macintosh. The micro express connects to a Macintosh serial port (modem or printer).

Have not used this MIDI interface for several years having switched to USB MIDI gear.

According to my  user's guide for Macintosh it came with one micro express Macintosh software disk.

Can't find it: it's lost according to MR MAGOO.

Any here share the micro express Macintosh software disk with me please so that I can use it with my G4 and legacy MIDI keyboards ?

Thanks guys.

[supernova777]

Any here share the micro express Macintosh software disk with me please so that I can use it with my G4 and legacy MIDI keyboards ?

Thanks guys.

i reccommend emailing motu customer support directly.
they should send u the driver.. its their fault for not posting this driver on thier site!

but wait i just looked it up on : http://www.motu.com/download/
and noticed a small link saying "older versions"  http://www.motu.com/download/download_matching_downloads.html?product_id=16

i believe what u need is on this page - the mac os 9 freemidi download should have the driver for the microexpress built into it

[supernova777]

re: griffin g4port
translation frm german to english
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicfarm.org%2Finput%2Ftest%2Ft4-g4port.html

[supernova777]

"Why is MIDI timing on a Mac so bad?"

The Macintosh has been around almost as long as MIDI itself and has long been the computer of choice by the majority of music industry professionals. Why then is a MIDI timing accuracy that leaves a lot to be desired tolerated?

Firstly, there is not much choice, whatever criticism can be levelled against the Mac other platforms are worse - far worse! Secondly, until recently there was nothing much that could be done about it.

http://web.archive.org/web/20010812203015/http://www.hinton.demon.co.uk/mac/macmidi.html

Whatever Happened to MIDI Manager?

MIDI Manager was Apple's OS Extension for supporting multiple MIDI applications, but it was never finished. When Apple started they obtained the right to use the name from the Beatles' Apple Records company and part of the contract was that they must never use the trademark on products "adapted for use in the recording or reproduction of music or of performing artist works". When Apple Records' lawyers discovered what MIDI stands for they pounced and a lengthy and bitter legal battle ensued, work on MIDI Manager ceased and it was eventually abandonded. Apple had to settle for a rather large sum and the only thing left from this episode is a System Alert of a xylophone recording called "Sosumi"...

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:AldxiTNFnxsJ:boingboing.net/2005/03/24/early-apple-sound-de.html+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4J8AF25PjA[/youtube]

[supernova777]

for reference purposes: psu for the opcode studio4 looks as follows:
im including tehse because so many are sold "without the psu"

[mrhappy]

i have one of those MOTU Pocket Express interfaces that I bought so I could use Logic VS with a PC laptop that I had. The PC was too slow to be of much use though.

[Irisman]

Hi,

Have someone tried this?   :   

"OMS installed; serial connection (no usb) -> stacking Unitor8 with Opcode Studio4, via rs422"

[Pushpull76]

Another one from the past. As you can easily see, it was made to work with compact macs.

[smilesdavis]

interesting, didnt know the original 1990 MTP & 1993 MTPII supported IBM PC, XT, AT, PS2 and Compatibles

MTPIBM REV-A (1991) FOR USE WITH MIDI TIME PIECE (8-bit)
MIDI EXPRESS CARD REV-2 - EXPRESS PC & MTP CARD (1993) - without MPU401 near DIP switch
MIDI EXPRESS CARD REV-3 - EXPRESS PC & MTP CARD (1993) - with MPU401 near DIP switch
PC Link ISA Card

this is the isa card that can use MTPI&II and Express PC interfaces *and* supports MPU401. this card is the most rare card ever. priceless.

this also means that the above chart is wrong as Midi Time Piece I & II should say PC yes

[teroyk]

interesting, didnt know the original 1990 MTP & 1993 MTPII supported IBM PC, XT, AT, PS2 and Compatibles

MTPIBM REV-A (1991) FOR USE WITH MIDI TIME PIECE (8-bit)
MIDI EXPRESS CARD REV-2 - EXPRESS PC & MTP CARD (1993) - without MPU401 near DIP switch
MIDI EXPRESS CARD REV-3 - EXPRESS PC & MTP CARD (1993) - with MPU401 near DIP switch
PC Link ISA Card

this is the isa card that can use MTPI&II and Express PC interfaces *and* supports MPU401. this card is the most rare card ever. priceless.

this also means that the above chart is wrong as Midi Time Piece I & II should say PC yes

Where you find that information? As far I know PC MTP Card has connection to interface box and to Mac serialport (yes, you can connect PC to Mac talking MIDI) and not to Time Piece box. Correct me if I am wrong.
But also I want know more information manuals, drivers, programming hints, etc. about MTP devices before 1995 both PC and Mac.
Only I have found so far is liked here:
http://www.oldschooldaw.com/forums/index.php?topic=566.0
The manual that is linked in the page missing pages (I think about 30 pages missing)
And no files from disks that are in pictures in page.

And hint, don't confuse MOTU Express PC with ISA-card to later Express devices that is connected to Paraller-port.

[robespierre]

The text on the card says "Express PC and MTP Card" and there is a jumper to select "PC EXP" or "MTP" mode.
Since the MIDI Timepiece has its own S&S MIDI Processor (in addition to the one on the card), the MTP mode must work mostly as a passthru to pass data over the RS422 port. The DB25 port likely becomes inoperative in MTP mode.

However, I don't know if the MPU401 emulation is available in MTP mode.