KENTON MIDI USB HOST mk3 MIDI Host for Class Compliant USB MIDI Devices User Manual

June 17, 2024
KENTON

MIDI USB HOST mk3
MIDI Host for Class Compliant
USB MIDI devices

KENTON 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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 tech@kenton.co.uk
firmware rev# 3001 e. & o. e. © 22nd December 2023

References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

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