Introducing the MultiBox

[rjmmusic]

We've just released the MultiBox, which is a small box that combines the features of a MIDI Thru box, a TRS MIDI converter, a phantom power box and a bidirectional MIDI combiner/splitter.

It features:

1 - 7-pin MIDI input with phantom power capability
3 - 5 - pin MIDI thrus (one with bidirectional capability, one that can be converted to an input for combining into a bidirectional connection)
4 - TRS MIDI outputs, compatible with tip active, ring active and standard MIDI pedals

It takes 9-12 volts, AC or DC at 50mA. Current draw will be higher if you're using it as a phantom power box.

More information can be found on our website: https://www.rjmmusic.com/multibox-midi-thru-box-and-trs-midi-adapter/

 

[iaresee]

I was looking at this in the store yesterday while ordering new switches thinking it was pretty cool and wondering why there was no mention of it on the site! Really handy for pulling together DIN-based stuff and TRS-based stuff in a small footprint!

 

[Alexander]

Good price. I don't think I need one, but I'm still investigating ...

 

[Devan Bumstead]

We've just released the MultiBox, which is a small box that combines the features of a MIDI Thru box, a TRS MIDI converter, a phantom power box and a bidirectional MIDI combiner/splitter.

For context—I’m running an analog pedalboard with a PBC6X and several midi devices including the Stryfecta. I’ve been trying to find a solution where I can view Nixie and the PBC Editor simultaneously. Can this box help accomplish that?

If not through a single USB then I’d be fine putting MIDI in and out jacks on the side of my Temple Audio board (I already have them actually) and run the MIDI to USB cable to my computer. I just don’t want to have to unplug the MIDI from my Strymons and connect that separate cable if at all possible.

 

[rjmmusic]

For context—I’m running an analog pedalboard with a PBC6X and several midi devices including the Stryfecta. I’ve been trying to find a solution where I can view Nixie and the PBC Editor simultaneously. Can this box help accomplish that?

If not through a single USB then I’d be fine putting MIDI in and out jacks on the side of my Temple Audio board (I already have them actually) and run the MIDI to USB cable to my computer. I just don’t want to have to unplug the MIDI from my Strymons and connect that separate cable if at all possible.

Yes, you would use the Multibox to split the PBC's MIDI port into an input and an output, then connect the output to your first pedal. Chain the pedals from input to output, and the important thing for Nixie is that the MIDI output of the last pedal has to come back to the MIDI input on the Multibox. On the PBC, MIDI Forward has to be turned on, and on the Strymon pedals, MIDITH (MIDI thru) needs to be set to Merge).

I haven't tried this in quite a while, and I know that some people were having trouble getting it set up, but I believe it should work if you set it up as above. If you try it and run into any problems, let me know and I'll do what I can.

 

[Devan Bumstead]

Yes, you would use the Multibox to split the PBC's MIDI port into an input and an output, then connect the output to your first pedal. Chain the pedals from input to output, and the important thing for Nixie is that the MIDI output of the last pedal has to come back to the MIDI input on the Multibox. On the PBC, MIDI Forward has to be turned on, and on the Strymon pedals, MIDITH (MIDI thru) needs to be set to Merge).

I haven't tried this in quite a while, and I know that some people were having trouble getting it set up, but I believe it should work if you set it up as above. If you try it and run into any problems, let me know and I'll do what I can.

Thanks so much! And actually, I just remembered I missed one feature I was also hoping for. In addition to controlling both editors, I would ideally also like to be able to have the PBC6X receive an incoming MIDI signal from an external source to change presets. Would ALL of this still be possible? Again, I already have MIDI jacks mounted on the side of my board if this indeed can be accomplished.

 

[rjmmusic]

Thanks so much! And actually, I just remembered I missed one feature I was also hoping for. In addition to controlling both editors, I would ideally also like to be able to have the PBC6X receive an incoming MIDI signal from an external source to change presets. Would ALL of this still be possible? Again, I already have MIDI jacks mounted on the side of my board if this indeed can be accomplished.

You would need a MIDI merge box to do that, since the PBC's MIDI input is already occupied. Unfortunately, that's the one thing the Multibox doesn't do. MIDI Solutions makes one, but I can't recommend it because it alters the MIDI data stream and causes compatibility issues. Kenton in the UK makes a MIDI merger that will work properly, but I think the smallest one they make has 4 inputs.

 

[Jop]

Hi,

I have a question regarding the multibox. I’m looking to simplify my midi chain. Sorry if this is too complex a question for a forum post. I tried to explain as clear as possible.

Mastermind GT is on a pedal board with two HX Stomps which I use for two synths (also midi controlled) and it also controls a rack with an axe fx III and some other stuff.

I Have to run three midi lines currently:
- One from a remote located at the rack to the midi in of the GT.
- One bidirectional line from the GT to the axe fx.
- One from the axe fx’s through back to the board to control synths and hx stomps.

It all works as intended but I’d like to simplify, and get to two or maybe even one midi cable.

Could I use the multibox to do the following:

Split the signal on the midi INPUT of the GT, into:
Midi in (from remote)
Midi out (to synths)
Midi out (to hx stomps)

Also, could the midi out of the axe fx be merged at the rack end with the remote control midi stream, of does the advanced integration of the axe fx and GT not allow for any merging in it’s path?

————————————————
Perhaps too much information, but my current midi chain is as follows (green = rack, red = pedal board)

GT midi out. GT midi in
⬇️ ⬆️
Axe FX in & out Remote controller

Axe FX through
⬇️
Midi splitter ➡️ Rest of the rack
⬇️
Midi splitter ➡️ Synths
⬇️
HX stomps

 

[rjmmusic]

You could do this:

Split the signal on the midi INPUT of the GT, into:
Midi in (from remote)
Midi out (to synths)
Midi out (to hx stomps)

If you used a special MIDI cable to connect from the GT's MIDI input to the MultiBox. This cable would need to be connected like this:

pin 1 - pin 4
pin 2 - pin 2
pin 3 - pin 5
pin 4 - pin 1
pin 5 - pin 3

The Multibox's main input is expecting to be plugged into a MIDI output, not an input, so this cable swaps the wires so that it acts like an output.

You can then use the MIDI input port on the Multibox and the multiple MIDI outs to conenct to your other devices.

If you had the right kind of MIDI merge box, it could do the job you describe. However, I don't know of one on the market that is compatible with bidirectional MIDI signals. The Multibox doesn't merge, it's strictly a thru box and bidirectional splitter/combiner.

 

[Jop]

Thanks!