Frequently asked questions

Does MuMidi HubLink pass USB-MIDI messages in both directions between the connected USB-MIDI Devices?

Yes.

The behaviour of the MuMidi HubLink is to pass USB-MIDI messages in both directions between two USB-MIDI Devices.

Some customers have asked for a variant that only passes messages in one direction e.g. from keyboard to sound module. For this reason, we can also supply a “special order” variant of MuMidi HubLink (known as “HubLink-S“) that has a switch to select between one-way and two-way operation. When the switch on MuMidi HubLink-S is set to one-way operation, messages generated by the USB-Device that is connected to the lower port of the MuMidi HubLink -S are not sent to the USB-MIDI Device connected to the upper port.

Please get in touch if you wish to discuss MuMidi HubLink S further.

Can MuMidi HubLink work with Devices that have an embedded USB-Hub

Yes.

Unlike some other USB-MIDI Host products, MuMidi Hublink supports the USB Hub Class and so can operate seamlessly with MIDI Devices that contain a built-in Hub.

Can MuMidi HubLink work with Devices that require High-Speed USB?

Yes.

Unlike most other USB-MIDI Host products, MuMidi Hublink supports High-Speed USB and so can operate seamlessly with those MIDI Devices that require High-Speed USB. Of course, MuMidi Hublink also supports Full-Speed USB, used by the majority of USB-MIDI Devices.

Can MuMidi HubLink be damaged by removing the power abruptly?

No.

It is true that most computing devices should be shut down in a controlled manner. But MuMidi HubLink has been designed in a way such that no damage or corruption can occur if the power is abruptly removed e.g. power plug is removed or switch is switched off.

How much power can MuMidi HubLink provide to the connected USB-MIDI devices?

500mA per USB port.

MuMidi Hublink can provide 2.5W of power to each of the connected USB-MIDI devices. This is equivalent to 500mA which is the maximum supported by the MIDI USB class.

Many USB-MIDI devices can be powered directly from USB bus and so these devices would no longer require a separate power supply connection when connected to, and powered by, MuMidi HubLink.

The ports on MuMidi HubLink are not intended for charging phones or tablets, since these can often draw more than 500mA and can damage MuMidi HubLink.

Does HubLink come with its own power supply?

Yes it does.

We realise that many people will already have more than enough Power Supplies, but supplying power to connected USB-MIDI Devices is a major feature of MuMidi HubLink and this requires that its Power Supply meet some technical requirements. Rather than deal with a set of problems associated with unsupported third party Power Supplies, MuMidi HubLink is supplied with an suitable Power Supply.

And this Power Supply is directly wired into MuMidi HubLink (using a sturdy sleeve grommet for protection) to avoid any problems with accidental disconnection in situations where that could be undesirable (e.g. during live performances).

The power supply on units shipped to UK addresses has a standard BS 1363 UK three-pin plug. The UK Power Supply cable has an inline on/off switch.
The power supply on units shipped to addresses in Europe has a standard Type C two-pin plug (100V-240V, 50Hz-60Hz). The EU Power Supply cable does not have an inline on/off switch.

What does the LED indicate?

• Whilst the HubLink is starting up and performing internal checks, the LED glows dimly.
• When the HubLink has started up, it will flash off twice and then glow brightly to indicate that MuMidi HubLink is ready to communicate with USB-MIDI devices. (The LED on MuMidi HubLink-S displays additional information at this time.)
• The LED will flicker as USB-MIDI messages are being received.

What are the physical electrical connections on MuMidi HubLink?

There are three connections on MuMidi HubLink.

• Two of the connections are to the USB-MIDI Devices. Messages from one USB-MIDI Device will be passed to the other USB-MIDI Device. Power is also provided over USB.
• The third connection is to provide power to the MuMidi HubLink and to any connected USB-MIDI devices that want to draw power over USB.

How does MuMidi HubLink deal USB-MIDI Devices that present multiple USB-MIDI ports to a Host Computer?

On a “1-to-1” basis.

Background: There is a concept within the USB-MIDI specification of “cables”. [Don’t confuse this with physical cables; there is still only one “wire” connecting the USB-MIDI Device to the Computer.] If a USB-MIDI Devices that utilises multiple USB-MIDI “cables” is connected a Host Computer (such as a Windows PC or a Mac), that Host Computer is likely to present multiple “MIDI ports” to the User.

MuMidi HubLink performs a 1-to-1 mapping of USB-MIDI “ports”. If MuMidi HubLink is used to connect a USB-MIDI Controller* with two USB-MIDI ports to a USB-MIDI Module* with two USB-MIDI ports, then messages from Controller Port 1 will be routed to Module Port 1 and messages from Controller Port 2 will be routed to Module Port 2. If the Module only presents 1 USB-MIDI port, then MuMidi HubLink will only route messages from Controller Port 1 (though the LED will still flicker for messages sent from Controller Port 2).

* We use the term “Controller” to refer to a USB-MIDI Device that transmits USB-MIDI messages. Similarly, the term “Module” refers to a USB-MIDI Device that responds to incoming USB-MIDI messages. Some USB-MIDI Devices behave as both Controller and Module.

How can I be sure that MuMidi HubLink will work with all my USB-MIDI Devices?

Our QA Team are working continuously to validate operation with as many USB-MIDI devices. We also get feedback from existing customers. So far we are finding that MuMidi HubLink works with any USB-MIDI Device that fully complies with the USB-MIDI specification. We are compiling a list of supported USB-MIDI Devices.

Some USB-MIDI Devices do not fully comply with the USB-MIDI specification. When we discover these “rogue products”, we endeavour to add additional functionality (e.g. special drivers) to MuMidi HubLink to make them work. There may be some USB-MIDI Devices that we haven’t yet discovered that require this special treatment. When we find out about them, we will look to add support for those.

It sounds like just what I need. How can I get a MuMidi HubLink?

The standard “two-way” variant of MuMidi HubLink is available to order. Price £99 (plus postage and packing).

The “special order” variant (“HubLink S”) which has a switch to select between “two-way” and “one-way” operation is available to order. Price £115 (plus postage and packing).

Contact sales@microsonic.solutions.

How much is Postage and Packing?

Delivery to UK addresses is £4.95.

Delivery to most EU addresses is £11.80

Tracking information is provided upon dispatch.

Please send any other questions to HubLink@microsonic.solutions.