Elektron-Users

I have currently so much gear that connecting all them using midi has become a bit akward because the midi chain is getting pretty long. So I've been pondering whether I should get a midi merger/patchbay or something like that.

Currently I have Monomachine, microQ, Supernova II, microKorg and 2xER-1 (one is for vocoding...). Sampler is on it's way, and I've thought of getting a Virus too. So it would make 8 devices total, so patchbay should have 8 ports.

I would like to have all this connected with computer for studio use, but it should also be possible to use all gear without computer, making it mobile. Also backuping has been pain-in-a-butt, since I have to connect midi out of each device to the computer midi in one at a time. And then revert the cables back to the original positions...

I've been thinking of M-Audio Midisport 8x8, but I know there are several too. ESI MU8, Motu timepiece at least. Are there any other gear to be considered? Other options? And most of all, do you have experience of any of these devices? Something to avoid?

Thanks!
- sampsa/texmex

I used the midisport 8x8, and never had any problems.

I use the same unit, very occasionaly it wont pick up but a simple turn off/on resets it. But apart from that no probs

Thanks guys, I guess it's Midisport then. I was considering the Motu Midi Express XT USB too, but it seems that it has gotten pretty bad reviews. Maybe it works with XP nowadays, but the attitude of the customer support seems pretty bad. Didn't find a review that would praise it.

What seems to be a minor minus in the Midisport is that it can't be connected to a PC using USB while in patchbay mode...

How well does the MIDI merge function on the 8x8 work? Can you specify what inputs you want to merge to what outputs?