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Are there any simple 'switches' that can bypass a midi signal quickly - rather than unplugging the cable?

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Derek Wood
Posts: 3
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Are there any simple (commercially available) 'switches' that can bypass a midi signal quickly - rather than unplugging the cable?

I have some merge setups that I like to use when I'm recording parts to a sequencer - but then it trips me up when I go to play the songs and every synth play whatever channel the MPC is on... - and it seems like this would be a normal thing.... Is there any precedence for this? OR do you have any directions on how I may build something like this?

😀

 
Posted : 22/09/2017 4:07 pm
Geoff
Posts: 1043
Noble Member
 

Do people use Google any more?

I did a quick check, and found a similar question asked on another forum.

Long discussion, suggesting various problems, also some solutions.

So, check this:

http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/2330231/Does_a_simple_MIDI_on_off_box_

May help?

Geoff

 
Posted : 23/09/2017 7:03 am
Aaron Duerksen
Posts: 1
New Member
 

It's not commercially available, as far as I know, but you could make one easily:

1. Go to a computer store (or online) and get an old-school AT keyboard extension (same DIN-5 plug as MIDI)
2. Use any switch you like to interrupt pin 4 and/or 5 (one pin is sufficient)
3. Mount as desired

https://www.midi.org/specifications/item/midi-din-electrical-specification

 
Posted : 29/09/2017 9:13 am
Derek Wood
Posts: 3
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Do people use Google any more?

Yeah. We do. Here I am two years later finding my own post. Were you suggesting that I didn't even try to find this answer? Well, I did. I looked everywhere. Here I am again. If you don't have an answer... don't answer next time, Geoff.

 
Posted : 16/02/2020 1:14 pm
Dmitry
Posts: 27
Eminent Member
 

This can be assembled from DIY parts in 15 minutes, using a drill with wood bits and a soldering iron. All it takes is a suitable plastic or wooden box, a flush-mounted (through the hole) on-off switch, like push-button latching switch, horizontal multi-pole single-throw switch etc. (with enough pins/poles to disconnect the required number of MIDI signals with a single push), flush-mounted 5-pin DIN 41524 sockets, and some isolated copper wire.

 
Posted : 03/03/2020 7:27 am
Mike Kent
Posts: 86
Trusted Member
 

I built a 1 input to 2 output switcher using 3 jacks and a little switch. I can use it with 1 input and select between 2 outputs, select between 2 inputs to one output, or as a simple on/off switch. This is not perfect. You probably want to make sure that devices are not depending on Active Sensing messages. Running status could sometimes cause a funny error. If you switch while a note is sounding before sending a note-off you can end up with a stuck note. But if you make the change while no instruments are playing it generally works okay.

Chair of MIDI 2.0 Working Group

 
Posted : 05/03/2020 1:43 am
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