Extending and Splitting MD to multiple Computers

[ibanman555]

Hey everyone,

So I guess this might be a question for anyone who might know the answer, but currently I have MD set up to a dedicated laptop, and the only way to transfer the audio is through the stereo output of my soundcard.

I 'need' to extend MD to my master studio computer for recording purposes. It's close to 40 feet away. I found multiple brands and prices of USB Repeaters, but finding that they only support USB 1.1... That obviously wouldn't work for what we have here.

So, my plan is to firstly, set up a splitting system where either my dedicated laptop or studio computer will receive MD input. Here's what I have in mind for that...

http://www.siig.com/it-products/usb/device-sharing/usb-3-0-switch-2-to-1.html

And the next question is the tricky one. I hope that this product will allow me to extend a USB signal without too much latency, as that is everyone's goal. This extends USB 2.0 via ethernet...

http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtModelID=4973

So, bottom line, I am hoping that I can get the same results playing MD to a local laptop and using these parts to extend to another computer without any complications. What are your thoughts?

[/Bal]

Hi ibanman555,

seeing your requirements, I right away thought of this:
Must you use the built-in USB-MIDI capability of MegaDrum?
I mean, if you already have studio equipments (including a high grade sound card) you also perhaps have a MIDI input there. (But a cheap MIDI-USB converter also would do it for you on the computer side.)
Why I am asking can be found on this page, at 'Connectors':
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIDI#Connectors
'...so the maximum cable length is set at 15 meters (50 feet)...'
Just an idea...

Cheers,

/Bal

[ibanman555]

Bal,

Valid point, and I didn't even think of that. Since Megadrum does indeed have standard MIDI output in addition to the USB, I could run a regular MIDI cable to my other computer. Even better, I wouldn't need to split the signal. I think I'll try that first! Thanks!

[ibanman555]

**I am doing cartwheels over here!!!**

To speak of my thoughts and ideas for kit-studio integration, I was loosing sleep when I thought to myself... "Hey, why couldn't I send MIDI over WIFI!!"

Well, apparently I wasn't the first to think of this, and IT WORKS!!

I decided to see what I could find, and this link is a complete and fully functional option to send MIDI information, to and from any computer and any MIDI interface within a local network connection, either wirelessly or connected via LAN. My goal here was wireless of course, and this is extremely easy to set up and understand!

http://www.tobias-erichsen.de/software/ ... orial.html

So, I am able to send MIDI from MD to my dedicated SD2 laptop, and the MIDI signal is being sent wirelessly thru my router to my studio computer with the same RTP MIDI setup. They are talking with each other, and I can select the MIDI from that computer on my studio PC with nearly ZERO additional latency!!

Very cool option for connecting across the room!

[dmitri]

They are talking with each other, and I can select the MIDI from that computer on my studio PC with nearly ZERO additional latency!!

Are you sure about this? There is no such thing as a free lunch.

[ibanman555]

They are talking with each other, and I can select the MIDI from that computer on my studio PC with nearly ZERO additional latency!!

Are you sure about this? There is no such thing as a free lunch.

HAHA!! Yes, which is why I said 'nearly'! It's working just as I had hoped, and believe me, I had my doubts. It changes from 0-3ms in latency which I can't even notice. I guess the STM32 is making up for that latency, when and if it even exsists.

The lunch isn't free, but it tastes Damn good!!!

[airflamesred]

What will they come up with next! Great idea