Korg M50 No Midi out

[Heartwaves]

I am new here, so this question may have been already answered previously. My search did not turn anything up. After 10 years of reliable use as both a keyboard to play out and a source of MIDI for other modules, I am not getting any MIDI out. Inside my studio I have a Kurzweil 1200PX, Roland vintage synth module, DX mole and other things that now are not receiving the midi from the M50. I dragged out the 35 year old monstrous 88 key Kawai controller I used to use before and MIDI is received on the other modules from the Kawai. Inside the M50 there is a rudimentary MIDI window setting that appears to be correct. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[happyrat1]

UARTs do occasionally go bad. It may simply be a hardware issue requiring technical service.

It was a far more prevalent problem in the 70's and 80's before they started putting in diode protection when accidentally plugging a MIDI OUT to another MIDI OUT could blow out the port and require service.

The M50 is not old enough to have that vulnerability but literally anything from a rug shock to a power surge can blow out an electronic component. Even the simple act of plugging and unplugging a MIDI port while the unit is powered up can blow out the port.

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

BTW, if you don't want to spend money on the repair or if you will get to it whenever you're able, you can use the USB port in the meantime.

Simply use a laptop or a tablet as a MIDI router to act as a backup MIDI port.

It's a workaround that should work until you can get it repaired.

Gary

 

[Heartwaves]

Is there a special USB to MIDI cable I can order that will link directly from the M50's MIDI out to another module's MIDI in?

 

[happyrat1]

IF the M50's USB port is USB MIDI Class Compliant, then you can use a standalone USB MIDI HOST device to connect the two without a computer.

There are a few models available by online order in a wide range of prices.

MIDI USB Host MkII - Kenton Electronics

USB Host to MIDI converter for 'Class Compliant' USB MIDI Devices

kentonuk.com

Lab4Music

Sipario - Advanced MIDI Router

www.lab4music.it

MIDI USB to DIN Converter – HobbyTronics

www.hobbytronics.co.uk

Google may turn up a few newer models.

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

Cowabunga!

Amazon carries one in North america for $75 smackers.

Amazon.com: Miditech USB MIDI Host MIDI Interface : Musical Instruments

Buy Miditech USB MIDI Host MIDI Interface: MIDI Interfaces - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Probably your best bet if you're looking from USA or Canada.

Gary

 

[Heartwaves]

So an interface/converter is needed to make MIDI reappear from the USB connection?

 

[happyrat1]

So an interface/converter is needed to make MIDI reappear from the USB connection?

In a nutshell... Yes.

Gary

 

[happyrat1]

BUT!!! It will ONLY work IF the M50 is USB MIDI Class Compliant.

I'm too lazy to check the specs. Google them yourself or check your manual.

Gary