Intech Studio / KNOT USB-MIDI Host/Interface

The compact and versatile USB MIDI host ""Knot"" is ideal for musicians who want to connect traditional MIDI equipment such as synthesizers and guitar pedals to USB-MIDI devices. With Knot, you can directly control older MIDI devices using USB controllers such as Grid.

■USB MIDI Host

Compact and Durable Design
The Knot measures just 60mm x 60mm x 10mm and weighs approximately 120g.
It's palm-sized and designed for portability.

Expandable Functionality, Open-Source Hardware
The Knot receives regular firmware updates, adding new features and improvements. Updates are quick and easy using the Grid Editor software.
The Knot is an open-source hardware project, and all source files are publicly available on GitHub.

■Operating Modes

SYNC (Synchronization)
By connecting a USB controller and an instrument to the TRS IN/OUT, synchronization becomes possible with the Knot. Synchronization between the USB controller and external MIDI hardware is possible by returning the MIDI clock from the instrument (via TRS IN) to the connected USB device. Status LEDs indicate the send/receive status of all ports, enabling comprehensive synchronization with bidirectional MIDI flow support.

HOST
When a USB MIDI controller is connected to the USB-A port, Knot functions as a host, directly sending MIDI data from the USB controller to the device connected to the TRS MIDI OUT.
This connects modern USB-only controllers with traditional MIDI hardware and is enabled in Green Mode, which sends only USB host data.

MERGE
Blue Mode allows you to combine inputs from two different MIDI devices into a single output.
MIDI data from an external device connected to TRS MIDI IN and data from a USB MIDI controller connected to USB HOST are combined and sent simultaneously from TRS MIDI OUT.
This is ideal when you want to control a single device with multiple controllers.

■Features List

• Standalone USB MIDI Host (Supports Grid and MIDI Class compliant USB controllers)

• USB-A HOST Port (For USB MIDI devices)

• TRS MIDI IN Port

• TRS MIDI OUT Port

• USB-C Port (For power supply & firmware updates)

• DC IN Port (6-12V DC, automatic polarity detection, 5.5 x 2.1mm plug compatible)

• A/B Switch (Switches TRS wiring for MIDI OUT)

• MODE Button (Mode switching, for bootloader mode)

• Three Status LEDs (Displays MIDI TX/RX for all three ports and the current mode)

• Two operating modes switchable via the MODE button

Green: MIDI IN and HOST are not merged; only HOST is sent to OUT

Blue: MIDI IN and HOST are merged and sent to OUT