XOXO MODULAR IXO TRS MIDI+I2C Breakout Module User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- XOXO MODULAR
Table of Contents
IXO TRS MIDI+I2C Breakout Module
User Manual
INTRODUCTION
IXO is a simple, functional utility module that can help you access the MIDI
and I2C capabilities of other Eurorack modules, using 3.5mm TRS cables.
IXO is a cousin of our popular MIDIXO TRS MIDI breakout module.
Like MIDIXO, it can serve as a TRS MIDI breakout for lots of Expert Sleepers
modules (like disting mk4, listing EX, FH-2, ES-9, and General CV) and some
other modules as well (like the SDS Accord Melisma and SDS Sequarallel).
Unlike its cousin, IXO also includes a separate port that gives you access to
the I2C protocol on modules like ER-301, disting EX, and Teletype. It makes a
great interface between those modules and controllers like the 16n fader bank
as well, giving you access to all those parameters through physical faders –
using either MIDI or I2C or even both at the same time.
FUNCTIONS
This module has two main functions:
-
By using the included 4-pin ribbon cable, IXO can extend modules like disting mk4, disting EX, FH-2, General CV, ES-9, and some others – essentially adding MIDI input
and MIDI output jacks to those modules. The polarity on the input and output MIDI jacks are each independently switchable to allow maximum compatibility with your other gear. -
By using included 3-pin ribbon cable, IXO adds an I2C jack to modules that use that protocol, such as disting EX, ER-301, and Teletype.
You might connect all three of the ports to one module (eg: disting EX) to allow access to both MIDI and I2C simultaneously. Or you could decide to use one IXO with multiple modules. For example, by placing it between your disting mk4 and your disting EX, you could use the IXO MIDI ports with the disting mk4 and the I2C port with the disting EX!
MIDI TRS
For as long as we can remember, MIDI has traveled over 5-pin DIN cables. Recently, manufacturers of Eurorack-compatible gear have wanted to move to the slimmer, more familiar, 3.5 mm cabling that we all know and love. But without a standard to guide them, two kinds of MIDI over 3.5 mm TRS cables have appeared: MIDI TRS A and MIDI TRS B. If you’ve got gear from Make Noise, Akai, or Korg, it works one way. Novation and Arturia do it the other way. By using the polarity switches near the MIDI jacks on IXO, you can essentially ignore this A vs B issue: if your module doesn’t seem to be sending or receiving MIDI, you can just flip the appropriate switch! (Having the switch in the wrong orientation will not cause any damage.)
I2C
I2C is a protocol that some modules use for communication – in addition to, or
instead of, MIDI. There is an excellent description of I2C on the lines forum,
including a list of
modules that use the protocol and information about how to configure them. As
you read that page, keep in mind that IXO does not provide a powered bus – it
is totally passive. A powered bus may be needed for more complicated I2C
networks that include several modules communicating with each other. See the
Example Configurations section for some I2C use cases.
INSTALLATION
For MIDI Breakout Capabilities
- Connect the included 4-pin ribbon cable to the 4-pin header on IXO
- Connect the other end to a compatible module – ie: one with an optically isolated 4-pin header for MIDI in/out. Whichever module you are using, check its manual to verify that you’re connecting the cable to the correct 4-pin header, since there may be more than one. For Expert Sleepers modules, you will likely be connecting the cable to a header labeled GT2, GT3, or GT4. Note which color is connected to pin 1 on IXO and make sure that the same color is connected to pin 1 on your Expert Sleepers module. If you connect it backward, the MIDI input and output jacks on IXO will be swapped – no damage will occur. If you have a module that requires a different pin arrangement than Expert Sleepers uses, get in touch with us so we can either help you modify the 4-pin cable accordingly or send you a cable to fit your needs. (The SDS Accord Melisma and SDS Sequarallel fall into this category.)
For I2C Breakout Capabilities
- Connect the included 3-pin ribbon cable to the 3-pin header on IXO
- Connect the other end to a compatible module – ie: one with a 3-pin header for SDA, SCL, and GND. While there isn’t really a standard for the order of the pins on a module’s 3-pin I2C header looks like, everyone generally uses the same order. You can verify that the pins match by looking at the SDA, SCL, and GND labels where the 3-pin cable connects on both IXO and your other module. Again, if you find that you need a different pin arrangement on the cable, please let us know.
OPERATION
MIDI Operation
Once IXO is installed as described above, the attached module will be able to
send and receive MIDI using the top two jacks on IXO.
- Check your module’s manual to see what its capabilities are, with respect to sending and receiving MIDI.
- To send MIDI to the attached module, plug a stereo audio cable from a device that sends MIDI to IXO’s input jack (the top one).
- To get MIDI out of your attached module, plug a stereo audio cable from IXO’s output jack to the MIDI input of a device that can receive MIDI.
If MIDI messages don’t seem to be making it through, flip the polarity switch
near the appropriate jack on IXO.
Some Expert Sleepers modules have a helpful “MIDI Thru” option. See the
Example Configurations section below for more information.
I2C Operation
Once IXO is installed as described in the previous section, the attached
module will be able to send and receive I2C messages using the bottom jack on
IXO.
- Check your module’s manual to see what its capabilities are, with respect to sending and receiving I2C messages.
- To allow I2C messages to be sent and received, plug a stereo audio cable from IXO’s bottom jack to another I2C device.
I2C can be fussy. Here are some tips:
- Use cables that are not excessively long.
- If you have an I2C network with several devices on it, you may need a powered bus. IXO is designed to allow communication between the module it’s attached to and another I2C device.
- Check the Frequently Asked Questions section below for more help getting I2C to work.
- Watch this 16n AtoVProject build video to see an example of IXO providing a path for I2C communication between a 16n fader bank and a disting EX.
PANEL LAYOUT
EXAMPLE CONFIGURATIONS
Example 1: Expert Sleepers disting Mk4 with MIDI thru
This example uses the IXO MIDI jacks exclusively, to serve as a MIDI breakout
for an Expert Sleepers disting Mk4. The TRS MIDI output from a Beatstep Pro
MIDI controller is connected to the MIDI input jack on IXO, allowing it to
send MIDI notes and CC data to disting. MIDI data sent from disting (eg: from
algorithm H-5 Dual Euclidean Patterns) will be sent to the connected O-Coast.
Note: If “MIDI Thru” is enabled in the disting settings, messages will be
forwarded from the Beatstep Pro to the 0-Coast, independent of what disting is
doing at the time!
Example 2: Accord Melisma
Despite the fact that the Accord Melisma by SDS Digital has a TRS MIDI output
jack on its front panel, IXO can serve as a separate set of MIDI input and
output jacks for the
module. This adds the ability to merge MIDI messages as well (see the Accord
Melisma documentation for more information.) In the example below, a 16n
faderbank is sending
MIDI CCs to the Accord Melisma through IXO. The Accord Melisma is sending MIDI
data, through IXO, to an M-Audio MIDI interface and a computer running Ableton
Live.
Separately, the Accord Melisma is able to send MIDI notes to a MIDI synth via
the MIDI output jack on its front panel.
Example 3: disting EX via MIDI & I2C
This example takes full advantage of disting EX’s MIDI and I2C capabilities.
IXO provides TRS jacks for MIDI input, MIDI output, and I2C. All functions can
be used at the same time. The ability to map controls from the Keystep Pro and
the 16n fader bank to parameters in disting EX means that complex algorithms
can be used and controlled with knobs, sliders, and switches instead of
relying solely on listing’s on-screen menus.
Again, if “MIDI Thru” is turned on in the disting EX settings, MIDI data will
be passed from the Keystep Pro to the Microvolt, regardless of what disting is
up to.
Example 4: IXO serving two separate modules
In this example, IXO has its MIDI jacks connected to disting EX and its I2C
jack connected to a separate module entirely (eg: teletype or ER-301.)
In the diagram below, disting EX is being used to record multisamples from an
analog synth, as described in Expert Sleepers’ Autosampling via MIDI tutorial.
Separately, scripts
on the monome teletype are able to read the positions of the faders on the 16n
fader bank via I2C.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: The Internet says that there is a standard for the use of TRS connectors
with MIDI
A: Yes, the MIDI Manufacturers Association approved a standard in 2018.
Unfortunately, we all have gear that was made before the standard, which is
why MIDIXO and IXO exist. It’s worth noting that the specification says that
2.5 mm connectors are preferred over 3.5 mm. It also says that standard stereo
audio cables should not be used because the wires are not in twisted pairs,
and are individually shielded. In practice, people use regular audio cables
(as we’ve suggested) without problems. Keeping the length of the cables as
short as possible is not a bad idea.
Q: Is there a list of which manufacturers’ devices use MIDI TRS A vs MIDI
TRS B?
A: This crowd-sourced list of which manufacturers use which standards is
pretty comprehensive: https://muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2620781
Q: No MIDI or I2C messages seem to be making it through. What should I check
first?
A: Make sure you’re using a stereo cable. Your regular mono patch cables won’t
work. Make sure the cable ends look like the one on the left, not the one on
the right.
When trying to see if communication is working, see if there’s a simple way to
view the raw messages that the device is seeing. Expert Sleepers’ disting EX
has “Show MIDI History” and “Show I2C History” options in its Miscellaneous
menu for just this purpose.
MIDI-specific issues:
Just because your module has the right header for MIDI doesn’t mean that it
does what you think it does with incoming MIDI. Check the manual for your
module to make sure it’s actually making use of MIDI messages in the way
you’re expecting.
If MIDI is still not working, try connecting a different device. If you find
that the problem is related to a particular piece of gear, it may be that it’s
configured wrong, that it uses
strange voltages on its MIDI ports, or that it’s the rare, rumored unicorn
that corresponds to neither MIDI TRS A nor TRS B.
I2C-specific issues:
Getting two I2C devices to communicate can be tricky. It may take a bit of
trial and error to get it right. Check that you have configured a master and
slave, according to the documentation for your I2C devices. Make sure each
device has a unique address.
Finally, verify that one of your devices is supplying the “pull-up resistors”
that the I2C bus requires.
Q: What’s the difference between IXO and MIDIXO?
A: MIDIXO can be used as a MIDI breakout for other modules. It can also be
configured, using its jumpers, to perform some useful MIDI TRS related
functions without being
attached to another module.
IXO functions only as a breakout. It doesn’t do anything unless it’s connected
to another module. In addition to MIDI input and output jacks, it also has an
I2C jack.
Both IXO and MIDIXO have polarity switches for the two MIDI jacks.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IXO is designed to be used in a Eurorack-compatible case. It is a passive module and does not require a Eurorack power supply or a connection to your bus board.
| Width | 2hp |
|---|---|
| Depth | 17 mm |
| Current Draw | Zero |
Included with IXO are: two M3 x 0.5 mm stainless steel pan-head screws, one
4-pin ribbon cable, and one 3-pin ribbon cable (each 4 in. length)
Solder, printed circuit board, and all its attached electronic components are
certified RoHS compliant. Packaging for everything we sell is made of 100%
recycled and reclaimed materials. All of the designs and assembly that we do
uses 100% solar power.
SUPPORT & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Expert Sleepers, SDS Digital, and AtoVproject for making some great
gear and providing some help along the way. Neither company nor other
companies that make compatible gear (Orthogonal Devices, Whimsical Raps,
monome, etc.), provide technical support for IXO. Get in touch with us at
http://xoxomodular.com or email
[email protected] with any questions or
feedback.
LIMITED WARRANTY
From the date of manufacture, this device is guaranteed for a period of 1 year
against any manufacturing or material defects. Any such defects will be
repaired or replaced at the
discretion of XOXO Modular. This does not apply to damage caused by misuse or
physical mistreatment.
No responsibility or liability is implied or accepted for harm to person or
apparatus caused through the operation of this product, or for any errors or
inaccuracies that may appear in this document.
By using this product you agree to these terms.