KENTON MIDI USB HOST mk3 MIDI Host for Class Compliant USB MIDI Devices User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- KENTON
Table of Contents
MIDI USB HOST mk3
MIDI Host for Class Compliant
USB MIDI devices
Operating manual
FCC Statement for MIDI USB Host
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Important
This product will ONLY work with USB devices which are MIDI Class Compliant.
Check in the product manual or contact the manufacturers to establish if the
device you intend to attach is Class Compliant.
If you attach a non class compliant device, it just won’t be recognised. No
damage will be caused to either the host or the device.
Description
The MIDI USB Host has a USB Host port (USB A socket), a MIDI IN and a MIDI OUT
(both 5 pin DIN). MIDI data received at the MIDI IN socket will be sent to the
USB device. MIDI data received from the USB device will be sent to the MIDI
OUT socket. There is a USB Mini B socket for supplying power and new for the
mk3 there is a recessed push switch for selecting the operating mode and a
three colour LED to replace the original green one.
The MIDI USB Host is powered by a USB type regulated 5V mains adaptor
(supplied), and can supply up to 910mA of buss power to the attached USB
device.
The mk3 has three operating modes:
Standard (LED Green) – MIDI received at the MIDI In socket is sent to the USB
device and data from the USB device is sent to the MIDI Out socket.
Merge 1 (LED Amber) – MIDI IN does not go to USB device but instead is merged
with data coming from the USB device which is sent to the MIDI Out socket.
Merge 2 (LED Red) – MIDI IN data is sent to the USB device & is also merged
with data from the USB device which is sent to MIDI Out socket.
Connecting
The supplied USB cable is for connecting the MIDI USB Host Mini-B power socket
to the supplied power adaptor. Note that the Mini-B socket is for power ONLY,
it does not carry data.
It is recommended that you attach your USB device to the MIDI USB Host before
applying power.
Then plug-in and power the power adaptor. The active LED should be lit up. If
you apply power with nothing plugged into the MIDI USB Host, the Active LED
will flash steadily; this is to indicate that it is waiting for a suitable
device to be attached. If it is still flashing when you have attached your
device, then it is possible that the attached device is not class compliant,
however you could try turning off the power and start again.
If you are having difficulty note that some USB MIDI devices have two modes of
operation and can be set to operate in Class Compliant mode even if this is
not the default. The Class Compliant mode might be called “generic driver”,
the other mode may be called something like “advanced driver”.
Consult the device manual to see if the mode can be set to Class Compliant.
If you unplug then re-plug the USB cable connected to the device while it is
powered, the device should reconnect but it is not certain.
Power
The supplied multi-region power adaptor will operate over a wide range of mains input voltages and is consequently suitable for use in most parts of the world. You can also power the MIDI USB Host from a USB power bank for portable use. Check the power bank can supply enough current for both the MIDI USB Host itself and any USB device you have plugged into it.
Notes
- Merge mode 2 (Red LED) should be used with caution. If your USB MIDI device echoes the USB MIDI it has received to its USB output you will then have two copies of the MIDI received at the MIDI In socket appearing at the MIDI Out.
- You can use the MIDI USB Host mk3 with a USB Hub in order to connect up to four USB devices to the MIDI USB Host. We recommend using a powered hub (one with its own power supply).
- Using an attached USB Hub you can also connect two or more USB devices to each other by plugging them both (all) into the hub. In order to connect the input and output busses together you need to plug a MIDI lead from the MIDI In to the MIDI Out of the MIDI USB Host.
Firmware version Request & Update:
You can send a SysEx message to request the version number of the firmware
currently installed in the unit. The SysEx message must be sent to the MIDI IN
port (5 pin DIN).
The firmware version request message is – F0 00 20 13 13 60 F7 (hex)
The unit replies with the version number as F0 00 20 13 13 6F xx xx xx xx F7
(hex).
Where xx is a number in ASCII and the leftmost digit is the most significant.
For example – F0 00 20 13 13 6F 31 32 33 34 F7 (hex) = version number 1234
From time to time, firmware updates may appear on our website. Full
instructions for updating are included in a readme file inside the ZIP file
you can download.
Specification
Power Input:| 5V DC (regulated) – use only the supplied power adaptor (never
use an unregulated supply as unregulated supplies typically give a higher
output than shown)
---|---
Power :| 90mA,USB type Mini-B socket –
910mA available for attached USB device
MIDI ports:| 1x IN, 1x OUT – both 5 pin DIN
Weight:| 100g (excluding power supply)
Dimensions:| 110 x 55 x 32 mm
Power supply:| A 5V multi-region switch mode power supply is supplied with the
unit.
Leads:| A USB-A to Mini-B lead is supplied with the unit for connecting to the
supplied power supply.
Warranty
The MIDI USB Host comes with a 12 month (from purchase date) back to base
warranty, (i.e. customer must arrange and pay for carriage to and from Kenton
Electronics Ltd).
Immunity – This unit conforms to relevant immunity standards for environments
E1-E5 except EN61000-4-3 environments E1-E4 only.
WEEE DIRECTIVE
Correct disposal of this product at the end of its working life
(applies to the European Union & other European countries with separate
collection systems)
The crossed-out wheelie bin symbol affixed to this product indicates that it
should not be disposed of with other household wastes at the end of its
working life. To prevent possible harm to the environment or to human health
from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate this from other types of
wastes and recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable re-use of
material resources.
Household users should contact either the retailer where they purchased the
product, or their local government office for details of where and how they
can take this item for environmentally safe recycling.
Business users should contact their supplier and check the terms and
conditions of the purchase contract. This product should not be mixed with
other commercial wastes for disposal.
Unit 3, Epsom Downs Metro Centre, Waterfield, Tadworth, KT20 5LR, UK
+44 (0)20 8544 9200 www.kenton.co.uk
[email protected]
firmware rev# 3001 e. & o. e. © 22nd December 2023