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From: EDWARD.STAUFF@OFFICE.WANG.COM (Edward L. Stauff)
Newsgroups: rec.music.synth,comp.music
Subject: looking for a MIDI merger / patchbay / processor
Message-ID: <azcu6s.3r5@wang.com>
Date: 16 Jan 91 17:24:04 GMT
Sender: news@wang.com
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I'm in the market for a MIDI merge box of some sort.  I have one keyboard,
a synth module, and a computer.  I've just ordered one of those much
discussed Casio Digital Horns, and when friends come over for jam sessions
there are additional devices.

The problem: even with just the computer/keyboard/synth setup, I can't get
everything to listen to everything else.  I have to keep reconfiguring the
system depending on whether I'm doing sequencing, patch editing, etc.  (Yes,
I already have a switchbox).  I want a device into which I can plug all my
stuff and be able to do things like:

   1.  Have the computer listening to everything else.
   2.  Have everything else listening to the computer.
   3.  Have the synth listening to all the input devices.

I don't care about getting the latest-whiz-bang magic box; I want to spend as
little money as possible, and I don't mind getting something used.  I'm
developing a sophisticated MIDI filtering system for the PC, so 98% of what I
need a MIDI processor for is just merging and routing for about half a dozen
MIDI devices.

The request: I am looking for recommendations for what box to get: which
products or manufacturers are good?  Which ones should I stay away from?
Have there been any comparative reviews lately in the trade mags?
E-mail me or post to rec.music.synth or comp.music; I will post a summary
of findings to the network.

-- Ed Stauff                               Edward.Stauff@OFFICE.Wang.com