MOTU MIDI EXPRESS 128 8x8 USB MIDI Interface

by Mark of the Unicorn (MOTU)

Product Features

• Provides eight independent MIDI inputs and outputs for a total of 128 MIDI channels
• MOTU MIDI interfaces grow with you. Expansion is simple:
• Add additional MIDI ports by plugging in another MOTU MIDI interface
• Works with your favorite software. High-speed USB connection
• Bus-powered from USB connection. No additional power necessary

Product Details

• Item Weight: 6.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0002J1PNK
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,041 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #18 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Computer Recording > MIDI Interfaces
  • #97 in Musical Instruments > DJ, Electronic Music & Karaoke > DJ Equipment > Mixers

Product Description

Built from the same technology found in MOTU's flagship MIDI Timepiece, the MIDI Express 128 is a professional MIDI interface that provides plug-and-play connectivity to any USB-equipped Macintosh or Windows computer. The Express 128 provides 8 MIDI IN, 9 MIDI OUT, 128 MIDI channels and compatibility with all Macintosh and Windows software. The MIDI Express 128 takes full advantage of USB, giving you high-speed MIDI throughput, submillisecond timing accuracy, support for 'hotswapping' and plug-and-play expansion. Need to connect another sound module or synth? No problem. Just add another MOTU USB MIDI interface via any available USB port. And the Express 128 is powered by USB - no wall wart or AC plug. No other MIDI interface offers this much value and performance at such an affordable price.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars easy to use, performs well, May 19, 2011

By 

Bob (Pleasant Hill, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: MOTU MIDI EXPRESS 128 8x8 USB MIDI Interface

I purchased the Express 128 to replace 3 UM-3G interfaces. I grew tired of dealing with the UM-3G's quirks; what finally decided that I get rrid of it was when I couldn't ccess the other two UM-3Gs connnected to the central one.

The difference between the Expresss 128 and the UM-3G is like night verwuw dqy. I plugged in all my MIDI devices, plugged it into my computer, and it just worked. A few quirks were cured by installing the latest drivers (available from MOTU's website). It's been 100% reliable after the driver upgrade.

Cons: It doesn't do very much, it just acts as a MIDI-USB interface. Makes it easy to use, but if you need filtering or some way to connect two devices without the computer interevening, the Express 128 is not for you.
I don't like the factthat it's USB Bus poered. I have tooo many bus-powered gadgets already
It responds to Active Sensing, which means there are constant blinking lights on the front panel.

these are minor issues, however.The Express 128 is worth it, if you nee/d that many ports.