Need HELP finding a cheap midi playback solution

CPhilipZarina · 2023-01-28T22:55:24.764Z

Looking for an affordable hardware solution to a deceptively simple problem. I want a piece of hardware that can store midi files and play them via a midi out into the midi input on a synth.

There are lots of pieces of gear that can do this but nothing that’s specifically for this. I’m trying to avoid having a laptop in my rig for this purpose. I’m also not going to buy an Organelle or some sort of groovebox for $400-600 just to use this one tiny function.

Ideally I’m looking to avoid iOS solutions. It seems I may have to build something w/an arduino but programming would be a new skill to learn and I’d like to avoid that too.

Appreciate any help or resources. Cheers!

wakyct · 2023-01-28T23:16:24.960Z

Midiboy looks fun? Midiboy – DIY Arduino Game Console & MIDI Computer

edit: sorry, didn’t notice it was OOS.

Dewb · 2023-01-28T23:24:52.879Z

One classic “midi playback and only midi playback” device is the Alesis MMT-8; bands still tour with them and there are a few on auction sites for ~$100. If vintage isn’t what you had in mind then maybe it’s still a useful reference point, e.g.:

Retrokits RK-008 MIDI recorder/sequencer Equipment

Just got my Retrokits RK-008 today from the Netherlands. It’s inspired by the Alesis MMT8 but way smaller and in my opinion easier to use. Thinking about this as the brain in a setup of small boxes is pretty exciting. I still have to dig into the manual but on first approach the basics are pretty easy to figure out. There is a bit of menu diving but pretty shallow and well spread out. [296271014_130966989634499_6722134358972954328_n] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WR8KbzK2Jk

shellfritsch · 2023-01-28T23:30:28.182Z

Retrokits

The RK-006 MIDI/Gate Master Hub

Ultra Smart, Ultra Small! The RK-006 packs 10 MIDI / Gate Outputs plus 2 MIDI Inputs, USB Standalone Hosting and multiclock processing: Formidable portable possibilities!

Est. reading time: 4 minutes

“ – Plays Standard MIDI files (type 0 and 1) from a USB Stick”

Kirtai · 2023-01-31T00:31:33.284Z

One of the BulkyMIDI-32 modules is a stand alone MIDI player.

3-foot-1 · 2023-02-10T22:32:31.081Z

Disting Mk4 algorithms J-1 and J-3 do MIDI playback. The notes are played on the CV outs, but all of the MIDI file contents are transmitted over the module’s MIDI header.