KENTON / MIDI USB HOST MKII

MIDI keyboards/controllers that only have a USB port can now be used directly with the hardware device without going through a PC!

■MIDI USB Converter

The KENTON MIDI USB HOST MkII is a convenient converter that connects to the USB port of keyboards and controllers equipped only with USB ports and converts them into MIDI IN/OUT.

As music production using computers and DAWs has become mainstream in recent years, many keyboards and controllers are equipped only with a USB port for connecting to a computer and omit MIDI ports. The MIDI USB HOST MkII converts these keyboards and controllers equipped only with USB ports to MIDI IN/OUT and vice versa, allowing them to be used directly with MIDI devices without the need for a computer.

■Specifications

Power Input: 5V 1A USB Mini-B type (can be powered from the included USB AC adapter, a PC's USB port, or a self-powered USB hub)

MIDI Connectors: 1 x MIDI IN, 1 x MIDI OUT (5-pin connector)

Dimensions: 100 x 55 x 32mm

Weight: Approximately 100g (excluding AC adapter)

■Differences between MIDI USB HOST MkI and MkII

While the MkI was powered by a dedicated AC adapter, the MkII uses a USB cable and USB AC adapter. It can be powered from the included USB AC adapter, a PC's USB port, or a self-powered USB hub.

The KENTON MIDI USB HOST only works with USB/MIDI devices that are ""MIDI class compliant,"" meaning no drivers are required for use with a computer. Please refer to the instruction manual or manufacturer of the USB/MIDI device you are connecting to confirm whether it is class-compliant. Also, some class-compliant devices may not work.

■Notes by Brand

- EDIROL
Some USB devices, including EDIROL products, have a mode that operates using a proprietary driver called an ""Advanced Driver."" Please disable this setting. Many EDIROL products are set to operate using the ""Advanced Driver"" by default, so you will need to change this setting. Please refer to the manual for your USB device for details.

- KORG
The following products cannot be used because they have the USB hub function mentioned above.

Not compatible: Micro Key 37, Micro Key 49, Micro Key 61

- M-Audio
The following products are class-compliant but cannot be used.
Not compatible: Keystation mini 32, Axiom AIR Mini 32

・Novation
As of January 2015, compatibility issues have been reported between Novation products and the MIDI USB HOST Mk II.
Novation products such as the ReMOTE LE and ReMOTE SL series may be compatible with the MIDI USB HOST Mk II by updating their firmware (software). However, since these products have MIDI connectors on the device itself, the MIDI USB HOST Mk II is not necessarily required.
Not compatible: Launch series, Impulse series