MIDI Interfaces

n9n9n9 · 2023-03-24T18:25:03.005Z

I think this is a simple question.

Can I do TRS MIDI point to point? I am hooking my Torso T1’s TRS MIDI out to my new Taiga’s TRS MIDI in and things simply do not seem right. If this was standard MIDI this would not be an issue: plugin a DIN cable in between a MIDI out and a MIDI in and you’re good to go. Different rules for TRS?

cbm · 2023-03-24T18:32:18.289Z

TRS MIDI comes in two flavors, A & B. Perhaps Taiga and Torso don’t use the same type?

robbie · 2023-03-25T18:24:45.025Z

Yes, the T-1 uses Type A and Pittsburgh use Type B for their synths. If they both used the same type (ie. A-to-A or B-to-B) a regular TRS cable would work, but to go between types you’ll need an A-to-B cable or dongle or adaptor.

notester · 2023-03-25T18:33:02.312Z

thankfully this is one of the easiest diy jobs around. probably have what’s needed in a junk drawer of wires.

robbie · 2023-03-25T19:27:34.961Z

Absolutely. To make a Type A to Type B cable swap the Tip & Ring on one end; if you start with a non-moulded TRS cable it’s very simple.

Tip ⟷ Ring
Ring ⟷ Tip
Sleeve ⟷ Sleeve

(The cable is a crossover, so it doesn’t matter which end goes to the Type A and which goes to the Type B.)

n9n9n9 · 2023-03-25T19:50:53.159Z

20 characters of gratitude.

Unicorn · 2023-10-11T16:40:20.324Z

Before I order a MRCC, does the work ok with the Norns?

thanks!

wakyct · 2023-10-11T21:11:29.668Z

I’ve never heard that it doesn’t, they’re both midi class compliant. I almost bought the 880 version but for the moment am getting by with Passerby and an extra usb hub. Having seen the MRCCs in person they look very nice and useful if they fit your setup.

charbot · 2023-10-13T10:17:56.175Z

Not to split hairs, but since TRS midi has been standardized by the MIDI association, i would say that the two flavors are: Correct (type A) and WRONG (everything else.) https://www.midi.org/midi-articles/trs-specification-adopted-and-released
I really dont get why manufacturers still continue with this.

Chaos215bar2 · 2023-10-13T16:48:56.400Z

I think Poly Effects wins the prize for MIDI TRS implementations. Quoting from the Beebo/Digit manual:

Type A input, 3.5 MM TRS. This is the MIDI standard pin out. Type B output. It’s stupid.

cbm · 2023-10-14T08:42:43.668Z

While I agree with this in principal, the MMA was so late to the game in ratifying a proper pinout that they sort of helped to create this mess. Different manufacturers just started putting out stuff with TRS MIDI, and given that there was no standard, different companies ended up using different pinouts.

This put the MMA in a standardization bind, whichever side they came down on, they were going to piss some companies off. The MMA really doesn’t like to piss off their members. This is how we ended up with multiple standards for which MIDI note is middle C.

charbot · 2023-10-14T09:15:34.228Z

I get it for older stuff but type A has been the “standard” for about 10 years. To me, continuing to implement anything else for newly produced gear is either out of stubbornness or spite. Dont mind me tho’, Im an old grump who still gets enraged at center negative power supplies. Curse you Roland!

okyeron · 2023-10-14T15:16:23.220Z

However… the “specification” wasn’t published until August 2018

The cool kids make devices that work with either type A or B

It solves the issue of Type-A or Type-B TRS MIDI Inputs as it works with either polarity.

GitHub

GitHub - kay-lpzw/LPZW_TRS_MIDI

Contribute to kay-lpzw/LPZW_TRS_MIDI development by creating an account on GitHub.

cbm · 2023-10-14T18:36:15.367Z

charbot:

I get it for older stuff but type A has been the “standard” for about 10 years. To me, continuing to implement anything else for newly produced gear is either out of stubbornness or spite. Dont mind me tho’, Im an old grump who still gets enraged at center negative power supplies. Curse you Roland!

It was approved in 2018, so five years. By the time the MMA got around to doing anything about it, there was a lot of equipment out there, of both flavors.

charbot · 2023-10-14T18:40:35.400Z

really? only 5 years? …gosh, it sure feels likes its been 10 (or more.) oof!

Tom1 · 2024-05-30T11:53:14.910Z

Hi all, can anyone recommend a small 1 in 1 out midi interface that terminates in trs either male or female jacks? I think all my synths now have trs and going from din to din to trs seems a bit unnecessary these days! I will likely just get a usb midi cable to din and cut the din plugs off and replace with trs, however most seem to be like 2m long which is way too long for my requirements with Norns! Thanks

Shiftr · 2024-05-30T12:01:15.384Z

Tom1:

I will likely just get a usb midi cable to din and cut the din plugs off and replace with trs

I had the this idea too.
I’ve been looking for the same thing and it doesn’t seem to exist yet.
Preferably a cable would be just USB-C to TRS male out only.

robbie · 2024-05-30T13:31:34.159Z

Tom1:

a small 1 in 1 out midi interface that terminates in trs either male or female jacks?

@okyeron’s MicroMIDITRS-USB?

DENKI OTO SHOP

MICROMIDITRS-USB

RESTOCK - DECEMBERTRS MIDI to USBMIDI adapter.USBMIDI via Adafruit QTPy to TRS minijack (1/8in / 3.5mm TRS/stereo jacks)Features:Auto sensing TRS MIDI Type-A/Type-B input with LPZW Auto Crossover circuitSwitch for TRS MIDI Type-A/Type-B...

Tom1 · 2024-05-30T14:01:04.502Z

Thanks all, the only devices I can find are a bit overkill like the Retrokits RK006, don’t need that many ports! CME have a new product but likewise it is overkill and Din midi. Would prefer something I can plug in over usb not sure how the Denki Oto one would work with how I would work this into my Norns case.

robbie · 2024-05-30T14:13:43.626Z

The MicroMIDI is USB based, so you can just plug it into Norns with a USB-A to Micro USB cable or adaptor.

(That said, I just noticed that assembled units are currently out of stock, and unassembled units would require some DIY soldering.)