The original MIDI specification was established thirty years ago, and with some modifications has remained unchanged since then. Of course, its mere introduction revolutionized music creation in the early 1980s and cemented the use of electronics firmly in our musical lexicon. But a second revolution in computer audio has come about with the use of m
usical apps on Apple’s phones and handheld tablets.
So how does one connect the old with the new—USB-MIDI instruments, 5-pin DIN MIDI instruments and effects, iPads, iPhones, iPods and Macs or Windows computers? The answer can be found in an unassuming and compact interface called the iConnectMIDI from iConnectivity. But don’t let the size fool you. The device packs a lot of functionality inside its small but very sturdy metal housing.
The unit is fully compliant with the iOS 4.2 CoreMIDI framework, and is capable of handling tens of thousands of MIDI events per second, with extremely low latency. It has a fully configurable MIDI routing engine, but will also function as a stand-alone device, capable of bridging traditional 5-pin DIN equipped hardware and USB 1.0 devices. Additionally, MIDI data filtering is available on either the In or Out ports.
The iConnectMIDI features eight LED indicator lights, a standard Type A USB and two mini-USB connectors on the front panel, and four MIDI connectors on the rear panel. The interface ships with a power supply and a single 30-pin to mini-USB cable for connecting a single iOS device. An additional cable must be purchased for connecting a second iOS device, along with USB, mini-USB and MIDI cables as required.
Loading and running the PortManager app (downloadable from iTunes) on an iOS device, allows the unit to be set up with a custom routing configuration that is remembered by the iConnectMIDI on subsequent power-ups. Additionally, a powered USB hub can be connected to the unit for connecting an additional eight USB devices. The interface is fully user upgradeable using firmware updates available through playable MIDI files that can be downloaded from the Internet.
| mini-USB Ports | 2 x mini-USB device ports Supports iOS devices including iPhone (3GS and up), iPod touch (3G and up) and iPad devices running at least iOS 4.2 Supports computers with Mac OS X or Windows XP or greater, and Linux using standard MIDI-compliant drivers Each port supports 12 Mbps full speed USB and presents as standard USB MIDI 1.0 device |
| MIDI DIN | Standard MIDI 5-pin DIN at 31250 bits/second 2 x In ports 2 x Out ports |
| USB A Host Port | Standard full speed USB Type A host port Supports any USB MIDI 1.0 class compliant device 12 Mbps full speed USB Supplies up to 500 mA power Supports standard powered USB hub (up to 8 devices) |
| Power Requirements | 5 V DC, 1 A via external adapter |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 2.8 x 1.4" (109 x 71 x 36mm) |
| Weight | 0.7 lb (320 g) |
| Housing | Durable construction Rugged steel body Black powder coat finish |
| Certification | Apple MFi Certified Tested to comply with FCC Standards for indoor use |
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