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Connections
Lets now deal with how you physically connect MIDI
devices. On the back of the GT-3/5 (and most other MIDI
devices) you will see two MIDI (5-pin DIN socket)
connectors labeled "MIDI IN" and "MIDI OUT". On some
MIDI devices (but not the GT-3/5) there is also a connector
labeled "MIDI THRU"; and still others that have double up
on the use of the output socket and these are labeled "MIDI
OUT/THRU". We will talk about MIDI THRU too, even
though the GT-3/5 does not support it, as more
sophisticated rigs will make good use of it as well.
MIDI In/Out
As you can imagine, the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT
connectors perform those exact functions; the MIDI OUT
connection is where the GT-3/5 sends data to other MIDI
devices, and the MIDI IN connector is where the GT-3/5
receives MIDI data.
You must connect the GT-3/5's MIDI OUT to the other
unit's MIDI IN, and vice versa with the GT-3/5's, you must
connect the other unit's MIDI OUT to the GT-3/5's MIDI
IN (see diagram below).
MIDI THRU or MIDI OUT/THRU
As we mentioned before, there can also be a MIDI
THRU or a MIDI OUT / THRU connector on
some devices (but not the GT-3/5).
MIDI THRU is where a unit will re-transmit ALL messages
that appear at its MIDI IN. In the case of a MIDI THRU
port it contains just those retransmitted messages, and
messages generated by the unit itself will go to the MIDI
OUT port. If the unit has a combined MIDI OUT/THRU
then its own output will be merged with the messages that
are being re-transmitted.
MIDI THRU (sometimes called MIDI 'Echo') is often
configurable as being on or off, especially with those units
with a combined MIDI OUT/THRU.
WARNING: Do not cable the connections of your MIDI
devices in a ring and allow MIDI THRU to be enabled on
© Copyright 2000-2002 Barry S. Pearce et al.
Section 28
ALL units. Break the cycle on at least one unit by turning
MIDI THRU off. Failing to do so can lead to a MIDI
feedback loop, which results in bizarre and unwanted things
happening! Typically this feedback is manifested as either a
lockup of one or more units OR units running out of
control, such as a patch change being executed repeated at
VERY high speed once the first patch change is made.
MIDI THRU is extremely useful as it allows you to daisy
chain multiple MIDI units. In the case of using the GT-3/5
as a controller for racked devices, you place the GT-3/5 at
the start of the chain and use the MIDI THRU of the racked
units to send the MIDI data stream onto the next MIDI
capable units. If the GT-3/5 is not the controller then you
have a more complicated routing, as you cannot place the
GT-3/5 mid-chain. However, there are products out there
that
can
help
route
requirements...which leads us nicely on to our next topic...
MIDI Routing
MIDI is not like audio. You cannot split MIDI with a
simple Y cable and merge it by connecting wires together.
What you need are special units. You can get 'splitters' and
'merging' units and a whole heap of other MIDI accessory
units. These can be useful when using the GT-3/5 in a
system where it is NOT the controller. Because the GT-3/5
does not support MIDI thru you cannot use it in the middle
of a chain. Thus you use a splitter; and a star or cascade
configuration as described below. In this case you would
plug the controller into the splitter as the input, take one
output to your chain or other units and a second cable to the
GT-3/5. Philip Rees is the most notable manufacturer of
such products in the UK, and these can be purchased from
many high-street outlets as well as Maplin. There are other
manufacturers around the world, such as Midi Solutions in
the U.S., Axess Electronics in Canada, and Nobels in
Germany. Try these links:
http://www.philrees.co.uk
http://www.maplin.co.uk
http://www.axess-electronics.com
http://www.nobles.com
http://www.midisolutions.com
OK. Now lets look at the various MIDI cabling
configurations that can be used to hook up your gear and
route the MIDI.
All About MIDI
your
MIDI
to
your
exact
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