Apple Computer USB Requirements:
Your Apple must support USB with the
physical ports present. Standard iMac’s, G3’s and G4’s with USB ports will work
just fine.
IMPORTANT: For the Mac, an OMS MIDI driver is provided. You
MUST have a sequencer that supports OMS, and have OMS
properly installed in order to use the MIDISPORT.
While operating as a MIDI interface, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s also provides
SMPTE time code read/write capability. SMPTE time code is converted by the
MIDISPORT to MIDI time code (MTC), allowing you to synchronize your
sequencer or recording software to incoming SMPTE. Remote Control software
included with your MIDISPORT may be used to configure and control the
SMPTE functions. The convenient front panel switches may also be used to start
and stop SMPTE writing, or set the current SMPTE format (frame rate) and start
time. For those of you not familiar with SMPTE, or just need a quick refresher, a
SMPTE tutorial is included later in this manual.
Finally, when not being used as a MIDI interface, the MIDISPORT 8x8/s
operates in "Stand-Alone" mode. The stand-alone mode is active whenever:
1. the MIDISPORT is powered up but disconnected from the computer, or
2. the MIDISPORT front panel mode is set to "Cable Test" or "Thru Mode", or
3. the MIDISPORT is connected to the computer but the front panel USB, PC, or
MAC mode does not match the driver installation/settings on the host
computer.
When standing alone, the MIDISPORT operates as a dedicated MIDI patchbay
and SMPTE writer. The MIDI patchbay programs, which are set up by the
MIDISPORT remote control software while the MIDISPORT is being used as a
MIDI interface, may be selected in stand-alone mode via the MIDISPORT front
panel RESET button. The SMPTE format, write start time, and SMPTE writer
start/stop may also be controlled directly from the front panel. Their stand-
alone operation is described in greater detail in a later section of this manual.
Two diagnostics are available in stand-alone mode: Cable Test and Thru Mode.
The first allows you to test and verify a MIDI cable. Thru Mode provides a
means for routing all MIDISPORT MIDI input ports to all MIDISPORT MIDI
output ports, essentially connecting all MIDI devices connected to your
MIDISPORT.
Quick Guide to Getting Started
Here is a brief outline of the steps required to use your MIDISPORT with an
Apple or PC computer:
1. Attach the MIDISPORT to your powered-off computer and attach the
included power supply to the MIDISPORT (see "Hardware Installation").
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