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Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Product Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Quick Guide to Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Driver Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

MIDI Interface Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Stand-Alone Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

MIDISPORT Mode Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

USB Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

PC Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Mac Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Cable Test Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Thru Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Patchbay Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

SMPTE Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

SMPTE Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

SMPTE Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

SMPTE "Write" Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

SMPTE "Format" Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Setting Up Your MIDI Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Typical MIDI System Set-up: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Using the MIDISPORT in your Application Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

MIDISPORT Remote Control Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Remote Control Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Windows Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Macintosh Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Remote Control Patchbay Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Diagnostics Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Test Results for Mac or PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

SMPTE/MIDI Time Code Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Before Calling Tech Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Limited Lifetime Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Midisport 8x8

™

MANUAL

version: MS8-09092000

Summary of content (52 pages)

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Midisport 8x8 ™ MANUAL version: MS8-09092000 Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Product Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Introduction Thank you for purchasing the MIDISPORT™ 8x8/s multi-port MIDI interface for USB equipped PC and Macintosh computers. The MIDISPORT’s high speed Universal Serial Bus connection to the computer assures reliable and speedy transfer of MIDI data. The MIDISPORT 8x8/s can also be connected to the serial port of PCs and “legacy” Macintosh computers.
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• Can perfectly regenerate even the worst SMPTE Time Code. • Performs "JAM" sync in all modes. Please read the installation instructions thoroughly before physically installing your MIDISPORT 8x8/s. For software driver installation information please refer to the section “Software Installation.” Package Contents Included in the MIDISPORT 8x8/s package are: • This manual. • MIDISPORT 8x8/s Interface. • 1 Standard USB A/B Cable for Mac or PC. • 1 serial adapter cable for the PC.
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MIDISPORT outputs in the event of a stuck note or other confusion from too much MIDI information. 4 MIDI In Indicator LEDs 1 through 8 - These LEDs will light to indicate activity on each MIDI Input port, in response to MIDI data received from external devices. 5. MIDI Out Indicator LEDs 1 through 8 - These LEDs will light to indicate activity on each MIDI Out port, in response to MIDI data being sent from the computer. 6.
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15. USB Connector - used to connect the MIDISPORT to the host computer’s USB port. 16. MIDI In Jacks 1 through 7 – These jacks receive MIDI input from any MIDI device sending information from its MIDI output jack (or ‘Thru’ jack, in some cases). 17. MIDI Out Jacks 1 through 7 – These jacks send MIDI information received from the host computer to the input of any MIDI capable device. Overview The MIDISPORT 8x8/s provides eight independent MIDI input ports and eight independent MIDI output ports.
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Apple Computer USB Requirements: Your Apple must support USB with the physical ports present. Standard iMac’s, G3’s and G4’s with USB ports will work just fine. IMPORTANT: For the Mac, an OMS MIDI driver is provided. You MUST have a sequencer that supports OMS, and have OMS properly installed in order to use the MIDISPORT. While operating as a MIDI interface, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s also provides SMPTE time code read/write capability.
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2. Install the software drivers and Remote Control software (see "Software Installation"). Mac users must first install and configure OMS (included on CD or available by download from the MIDISPORT ‘Drivers’ page of our web site). 3. Connect your keyboards and sound modules to the MIDISPORT (see "Setting Up Your MIDI Studio"). 4. With the proper "Interface" mode selected on the MIDISPORT, power up your computer. 5.
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computer. Take the other end of the USB cable and plug it into the USB port on the back panel of the MIDISPORT. This male end of your USB cable is more square (1/4" x 1/4") and should fit easily into the female USB connector on your MIDISPORT. 2b. For PC serial operation: using the provided PC serial cable, connect the MIDISPORT’s "PC/MAC HOST" port to one end of the cable and the computer’s serial port (which you have already determined is available) to the other end. 2c.
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To do this, go to www.midiman.net and click on the “Drivers” button. Locate the MIDISPORT 8x8/s in the list and then click on either the PC or the Mac driver. These are self-extracting files and must be expanded to a folder or floppy for installation. USB Driver Installation for Windows 98 and Higher This driver for the MIDISPORT 8x8/s USB interface requires Windows 98 or higher. Please make sure that the Windows operating system is installed on your system, and that your USB port is enabled.
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software), the click the "Next" button. 11. On the next screen, Windows will indicate it has searched for the driver files for the "Midiman USB Midisport 8x8/s Midi Driver" and is now ready to install the driver. Click the "Next" button to continue. 12. Windows will copy files and then once again indicate it has finished installing the software that your new hardware device requires. Click the "Finish" button. The software drivers are now all loaded and functional.
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Before you can use the USB Midisport under Windows 2000, you must manually install another portion of the Midisport drivers. 11.Click on the "Start" button in the task bar. 12.Click open the "Settings" item. 13.Select the "Control Panel". 14.Click open the "Add/Remove Hardware" icon. 15.Click the "Next" button on the first Add/Remove Hardware Wizard screen. 16.Select the "Add/Troubleshoot a device" item and push the "Next" button. 17.
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owners. Please check the Apple website at http://asu.info.apple.com for update information. NOTE: As of yet, only two MIDISPORTs can be configured and used with OMS in USB operation. Please check the MIDIMAN website for driver updates at www.midiman.net. OMS is a MIDI manager program that is made by Opcode. We have included it on the CD disk for your convenience, and also offer it as a free download from our website’s Midisport drivers page.
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Applications folder, then OMS Setup. Double click on OMS Setup. 2. OMS will inform you that it has not yet been configured. Click OK. 3. The Create A New Studio Setup dialog box now appears. Click OK. 4. The "OMS Driver Search" box asks you to choose the port on which you've attached the MIDISPORT (either Modem or Printer). DO NOT choose a port, just click "Search." OMS begins Searching. IMPORTANT: If the USB cable is not correctly hooked up to the MIDISPORT, setup will fail. 5.
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4. If Windows does find one or more PnP devices, select No, the device isn’t in the list and select Next>. (The MIDISPORT 8x8/s is not PnP on the serial port, and will never show up in this list.) 5. Windows then asks if you would like it to search for the new hardware. Select “No, I want to select the hardware from a list” and press the Next> button. 6. Windows wants you to select the type of hardware you are installing. Scroll down the list and highlight Sound, video and game controllers.
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6. Insert the Driver Software CD or diskette in the proper drive and click on OK. Type in (or browse until you locate) [your CD ROM drive letter]:\8x8MIDISPORT\win98&w2k. In most cases this will be d:\8x8MIDISPORT\win98&w2k, but your CD drive may be a different drive letter. If your unit came with a floppy disk, use the drive letter of your floppy drive, most often A:\. 7. When the next dialog appears, click on OK to the MIDISPORT 8x8/s. 8. When the next dialog appears, click on Finish.
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The “COM Port” listbox allows you to select the COM port that is connected to the MIDISPORT 8x8/s unit. For proper operation, this setting must match the actual COM port that is connected to the MIDISPORT 8x8/s. The “Configure Input Connection” section allows you to operate the MIDISPORT MIDI inputs in the typical fashion, or merged together into one stream.
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“Search.” OMS begins Searching. 6. “OMS Driver Setup” now shows the MIDISPORT (and the port to which it is attached) in a list when OMS successfully finds the driver. Click OK. OMS will now define (shows “Identifying”) all of the MIDISPORT output ports. OMS will see the MIDISPORT ports 1 through 8. 7. The “OMS MIDI Device Setup” dialog box will appear showing the MIDISPORT’s eight available output ports with check boxes to the left of each port.
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To command the MIDISPORT into Interface Mode using the USB connection and drivers: 1. Power up the MIDISPORT while connected to the PC or Mac host computer’s USB port, then select USB mode by pressing the Mode switch on the front panel. The USB LED will blink, indicating that the MIDISPORT is not yet in Interface Mode, but rather in stand-alone (Patchbay) mode. 2. Power up the host computer.
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• CABLE TEST Mode. This allows you to test a MIDI cable by connecting it between IN-8 and OUT-8 on the MIDISPORT front panel. • SMPTE Writer. The MIDISPORT may be used to stripe a tape with SMPTE time code by pressing the SMPTE Write button. Each of these functions is described in detail in later sections of this manual. MIDISPORT Mode Assignments The five primary modes of MIDISPORT operation are selected via the front panel "Mode" pushbutton, and indicated by the 5 green LED’s to the right of that button.
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PC Mode When PC Mode is selected, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s will function in one of two ways: either as a PC serial MIDI interface or a stand-alone MIDI patchbay. These modes are indicated by the PC LED on the MIDISPORT front panel. When this LED is blinking on/off, the MIDISPORT is a MIDI patchbay. When the LED is continuously lit, the unit is a PC serial MIDI interface. Below are the steps required to put the MIDISPORT in these modes: 1.
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LED will light steadily, indicating that the MIDISPORT is now functioning as a MAC serial MIDI Interface. When MAC serial mode is selected, you may select the MIDISPORT patchbay program via the Remote Control software, or the MIDISPORT front panel RESET pushbutton. Patchbay operation is described in detail in the "Patchbay Operation" section of this manual. All SMPTE functions are also available when the unit is operating as a PC MIDI interface.
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Patchbay Operation The MIDISPORT functions as a MIDI patchbay that is capable of routing and/or merging MIDI data from any MIDI input port to any MIDI output port. This integrated MIDI patchbay is active whenever: • the MIDISPORT is in a MIDI Interface Mode (USB, PC or MAC) but not in use as a MIDI interface. This is indicated by a blinking Mode LED (USB, PC or MAC), or • the MIDISPORT is in Thru Mode. Eight patchbay programs are stored internally within the MIDISPORT.
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world. The MIDISPORT’s SMPTE write functions are available via the front panel controls in both MIDI Interface and stand-alone modes, whereas the SMPTE read/regenerate function is only available when in a MIDI interface mode. This section describes the operation of each of these functions. The MIDISPORT saves all SMPTE configuration parameters internally and remembers them upon power up.
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The SMPTE Reader is capable of automatically detecting the incoming SMPTE format. When it does, it displays the format to the "Format" LEDs on the MIDISPORT front panel. Automatic format detection will take between 3 and 31 frames, depending on the incoming format and the value of the first SMPTE frame received. When using the MIDISPORT with a sequencer program synced to MIDI Time Code, at least 3 to 5 seconds of pre-roll are recommended for proper synchronization. IMPORTANT: When 29.
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When the SMPTE reader is performing "jam sync," it will continue to run indefinitely. However, this may be aborted by pressing the "Write" button. SMPTE "Format" Button The "Format" button is used to select the SMPTE output format. Repeatedly pressing this button will cycle the unit through the five SMPTE formats displayed on the front panel LEDs. This button is inactive if the MIDISPORT 8x8/s is currently reading or writing SMPTE.
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Fig.
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While connected to the host computer, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s SMPTE write functions may be controlled by either the front panel pushbuttons or by Remote Control software running on the host computer. Before connecting each piece of equipment, it is a good idea to verify that each piece is powered down. After all connections are made, apply power to each device once again. NOTE: The MIDISPORT 8x8/s may be left attached to a computer that is turned off.
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using all eight MIDISPORT input ports and the eight output ports in most up-todate programs. The output port that you select on a specific MIDI track within your sequencer will output MIDI information to the keyboard or sound module that is attached to that port. MIDISPORT Remote Control Software Included with your MIDISPORT 8x8/s is Remote Control software for both Windows and Macintosh that enables you to configure and control the MIDISPORT 8x8/s SMPTE functions from your computer.
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Remote Control Mac Installation To install the MIDISPORT 8x8/s Remote Control application onto your Macintosh, first insert the Drivers Software CD or diskette into the appropriate disk drive. When the disk icon appears, double click on it. Next, locate the file “MIDISPORT8x8 Remote” within the MIDISPORT8x8 Mac folder (if using a floppy disk, this folder will be called “MS8x8Mac”), then click on it and drag it onto your hard drive.
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NOTE: The MIDISPORT Remote Control software loads with a preset for each of the SMPTE frame rates. These presets are appropriately named for the way in which the frame rate is used. You may use these as they are, or modify them and save them as desired. To Set SMPTE Frame Rate Click the button next to the SMPTE frame rate that you wish to use. The LEDs on the MIDISPORT front panel to the right of the Format button should reflect these changes.
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Windows Menus Following are explanations of the program menu choices. File | Load Config Retrieve a previously saved SMPTE configuration. Several “factory pre-set” configurations are included during program installation. You will be given the opportunity to save or discard any unsaved changes before the configuration you have selected is loaded.
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File | Exit Quit the program. If the Confirm Exit option is checked (see above) the program will have you confirm that you want to quit before it actually closes. Hardware | Current Status This selection gives you the current status of the MIDISPORT MIDI drivers, and displays whether or not the MIDISPORT hardware is present and detected. The MIDISPORT internal firmware revision is also displayed here if the MIDISPORT is present and detected.
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you wish to load (you may want to create a folder to store several saved settings) highlight it and then open it by clicking “Open.” File | Close This option is grayed out while in Remote Control mode. It is accessible when using the MIDISPORT diagnostics and can be used to close the diagnostics when you are through. Clicking the square in the left corner of the diagnostic box will also close it.
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Hardware | Current Status Clicking on “Current Status” will display the OMS version that is in use, plus the MIDISPORT’s firmware revision number. Clicking “SMPTE Test” will display the SMPTE time seen at the input as well as the frame rate that is being detected. This is useful when reading and/or regenerating SMPTE. The Select Menu This menu allows the user to select between the Remote Control, the Diagnostic test, and the Patchbay functions.
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The mode LED will blink, indicating that the MIDISPORT is in Patchbay mode, not in Interface mode. Setting Patchbay Programs Dropping down the remote control “Hardware” menu and selecting “Patchbay” will bring up this dialog box. From this screen, you can set up all of your patchbay programs to be stored inside the MIDISPORT. Just choose a program number by clicking on the up/down arrows, and then click in the boxes to setup the signal routing.
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When sending Program Change messages to the MIDISPORT’s IN8, program numbers 01 through 08 will be accepted and will switch from Patchbay Program 1 through 8 respectively. Above 08, the program numbers wrap-around. For example, program 09 selects MIDISPORT 8x8/s user program 01, program 10 selects MIDISPORT 8x8/s user program 02, etc. The MIDISPORT will accept program change messages while in any mode (except for Cable Test).
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serial port.. Note: The PC diagnostic program may be run from either the “true” DOS prompt, or from a DOS box in Windows. It will not operate on a Mac computer. To run the program, insert the MIDIMAN Drivers disk into your computer’s disk drive. If your MIDISPORT came with a floppy disk, follow the instructions that follow. If your MIDISPORT came with a CD, we suggest copying the MS88DIAG file from the CD onto a floppy, and then following the instructions that follow.
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software that enables you to configure and control your MIDISPORT 8x8/s SMPTE functions directly from your computer, as well as the diagnostic test for basic MIDISPORT functionality using the Macintosh serial port connection. The diagnostic test for Macintosh is contained within the Remote Control software. To install the MIDISPORT 8x8/s Remote Control & Diagnostic application onto your Macintosh, first insert the disk entitled “MIDISPORT 8x8/s Drivers Software” into your disk drive.
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• Your computer’s serial port is configured incorrectly, is defective or disabled. There may be an infrared function available for the serial port, and it is enabled. You should disable the infrared function via the BIOS CMOS Setup of your computer’s motherboard 2. Internal Buffers Test This test verifies the MIDISPORT-to-host connection, as well as the MIDISPORT’s internal MIDI data buffers.
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the same IRQ. Another possibility is a driver associated with another device used on the same serial port is adversely affecting the IRQ. Yet one more possibility is that your serial port IRQ is disabled in your computer’s BIOS CMOS setup, and simply needs to be switched on. If you are unsure what your port IRQ is or how to find out, please see the section in this manual titled “Selecting a Host Serial Port,” or consult your computer owner’s manual or computer manufacturer directly. 5.
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to audio and video gear. Interfaces such as the MIDISPORT 8x8/s perform the essential task of reading longitudinal SMPTE from an audio and/or video tape and converting it to MTC for use by MIDI applications. MTC implements a special System Common MIDI message that is sent four times per frame (every quarter-frame). Each of these “quarter-frame” messages is two bytes long and contains one eighth of a complete time code value.
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white (30 non-drop) and color (30 drop) video have different frame rates. While in Europe and all “PAL” countries, black and white and color video have the same frame rate of 25 frames per second. What Frame Rate and Settings Should You Use? The following table summarizes the frame rates that we recommend you use when striping SMPTE: Application Frame Rate Audio Only 30 non-drop Video - Color U.S. 30 drop*; 29.97 Video - B/W U.S.
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The MIDISPORT 8x8/s is capable of reading and writing SMPTE User Bit groups U1 through U8. The values of the User Bits output during writing may be set with the Remote Control software. When reading User Bits from an incoming source, a MIDI User Bits message is sent to the application each time sync is acquired and whenever a change in User Bits is detected.
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be set to any amount from 1 to 255 frames, or infinite. It is good practice to use the shortest Flywheel setting that will work with the amount of drop-out found on the media you are syncing to. Infinite flywheeling is also known as Jam Sync and may be used to continue generating time code long after the time code source has expired.
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7. Adjust your recording level to between -10 and -5 dB. You want enough gain to make a good clean recording, but if the recording is too “hot,” time code noise may bleed over to other tracks. Also, make sure noise reduction such as DBX or Dolby is defeated. When writing or reading SMPTE, the data may be corrupted by noise reduction and the results may be unacceptable. We recommend that you do NOT use noise reduction when recording or playing a SMPTE sync track. 8.
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sure that you designate “MIDISPORT 8x8/s SMPTE In” as your sync input. In all sequencers you must set a SMPTE start time at which the sequence will start playing. This sequencer start time, if not dictated by post production requirements, should be set to a value at least a few seconds greater than the SMPTE offset you used to stripe your tape with. For example, if your recorded SMPTE stripe started at 1 hour you should use a sequencer start time of at least 1 hour and 5 seconds.
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to external MIDI devices that do produce sound, like a MIDI synthesizer. Make sure that external MIDI device is properly set up and connected to the MIDISPORT. SOLUTION 3: The driver may be disabled. Go to Settings | Control Panel | System | Device Manager, then open up the list under “Sound, video and game controllers” by clicking on the “+” sign. Highlight the MIDISPORT, click Properties, and then uncheck “Disable in this hardware profile.
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SYMPTOM: The diagnostic program passes all tests except for the “Receive Interrupt” test. SOLUTION: The IRQ setting in the diagnostic program probably does not match the IRQ setting of your serial port. Make sure they are set to the same value. If this does not alleviate the problem then your port is probably using another IRQ than you think it is, or you have another peripheral using the same IRQ (See the Installation and Diagnostics sections).
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If the SMPTE can be heard on neighboring tracks (i.e. there is cross-talk), then try striping the tape at a lower level. The MIDISPORT8x8/s SMPTE waveform is specially designed to limit cross-talk (per the SMPTE specification). However, if it is recorded “too hot”, the signal could bleed into other tracks just as any other audio signal could.
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Limited Lifetime Warranty MIDIMAN warrants that this product is free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use so long as the product is: owned by the original purchaser; the original purchaser has proof of purchase from an authorized MIDIMAN dealer; and the purchaser has registered his/her ownership of the product by sending in the completed warranty card. This warranty explicitly excludes power supplies and included cables which may become defective as a result of normal wear and tear.
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