I have been mostly ITB for so long that it didn't occur to me that MIDI interfaces used to work without having to hook them up to a computer - rather than interface, they were simply called "MIDI patchbays" rather than interfaces. This would be a godsend if I can just hookup my hardware synths to a main controller keyboard without having to turn on my computer. My question is, which ones should I look into? There's a Kawai MAV-8 for $50 at a local pawn shop. I REALLY like the way it's laid out. I just hope it operates as I'm led to believe. There are many others on Ebay from Opcode, Digital Music Corp, Ensoniq, Akai, etc.... Which particular makes and models are reliable, idiot-proof and get the job done with as little head-scratching as possible? I HATE setting up MIDI in the DAW. I hope I'm not getting my hopes too high. Thanks!

Edirol UM-880 (8 channels) or UM-550 (5 channels). The 880 runs around $300 USD and the 550 is in the neighborhood of $100.

Eh, I have the Edirol Um880, it seems too expensive used, for non usb action, though it may perform well. I'd go Kawai or JL cooper Akai, or maybe the modern Motu people talk about most.

Depends on how much IO you need for what tasks and ease os use.. JL cooper is arcane UI but works well with 8x8..have 2 of them.

If its a usb midi interface, maybe just switch to patchbay mode as desired?

Emagic's Unitor 8 is great, but you need software to repatch it

A used USB MOTU Miditimepiece AV goes for about $100 on eBay, and it functions as an 8 port interface (8x8) and as a standalone patchbay. If you don't care about the interface aspect, you can get the pre USB version (serial/parallel) for closer to $50.

Kawai MAV-8 is great.

but maybe you just need this?

midiman 3x8

The one and only: Akai ME80-P.

I'm in the processes of installing midi in my home studio, I'm just not sure what is the best workflow, if someone could chime in, it would be greatly appreciated.

I have 5 rack synths and a non working by usb Edirol UM-880, but that works fine as a 8x8 midi patchbay.

I was thinking of using a Novation SL MKII connected to the Edirol UM-880 and patch to each synth module, everything fine so far, but the problem is, if I buy a proper usb midi interface, how can I maintain this setup and if I want to control the modules into the DAW with midiquest for example will my previous setup work or be relevant in any way?

Is there a such thing as a big midi patchbay and interface so I can do everything as described and more?

I love my MOTU MIDI Express XT with the software you can invent any routing your mind can imagine. 8x8

JL Cooper Synapse. 16x20 plus all kinds of merging and filtering. I have a Sycologic 16x32. Simpler, no merging, but it has a nice remote head. I added a Digital MX8 for additional merging and processing (and more outs).

what's the difference between the motu xt and 128?

The XT have SMPTE timecode.

After posting my questions I found this guy midi setup, maybe it was posted already on these boards, but this is exactly what I was expecting with my future midi setup.

I just don't know if it works properly sending and receiving midi dumps and using editors like midiquest but everything else looks great:

I've used a Kawai MAV-8 Midi Patch Bay for quite a long time and it simply works and does it well, rock-solid, never any timing issues.

The front of the rack's interface is REALLY straightforward and unlike almost any midi patch bay, in addition to the 4-Midi In/A/B/C/D on the sliders for each of the 8 Midi Outs, there's a 5th's option below 'D', and it's OFF. For the ambient work I do, being able to essentially turn on and off already programing streams of sounds without needing a computer to do all that routing is quite nice.

Another bump for the MAV-8. Simple and useful. Hard to find but I also really like the Anatek SMP-7. Really flexible and reliable with no timing issues. Even my finicky Ensoniq EPSm gets along with it.

Ive been using an Ensoniq KMX-8 that I picked up for $40 locally. It's been great, tight sync.

Another nod for the MAV-8. I bought a Roland A880 which I'm probably going to resell as it just isn't as easy to use as the MAV-8.

$50 is fair for a MAV-8. I'd go for it.

I was hunting for a MAV-8 years ago and settled on a Korg KMP-68. I have no complaints about it. As easy to use as the Kawai, but it uses rotary switches (and only has 6 inputs).

Another vote for Akai ME-80p. I toured Europe with one back in the '90s and it was bombproof. I then used 2 in my studio for years. Again, never a hitch.

Gah! The Kawai MAV-8 at the pawn shop got sold! I see one on Ebay for $70 (doesn't include AC adaptor), but the shipping will be $47 because it's in Japan (I'm in the U.S.). Is it worth $117 with no AC adaptor? If not, which one on this page would you recommend:

MIDI Patchbays on EBay

For $100-ish definitely go for ME-80P, man.

One here if the OP is interested
Ensoniq KMX 8 MIDI Patchbay | eBay

Xt has to be plugged in the wall, 128 is usb powered. I have both.

Can't find that on sale anywhere. On EBay there's an ME-30P for $110 (OBO) + $20 shipping. Do you know this unit? Do you recommend it?

Thanks. I put it on my "Watch List". I still like the ability of the Kawai MAV-8 to easily slide between configurations for some real weirdness. Can this do something like that?

I just want to upgrade from a M-audio Uno & using the thru ports on my synths. Is it worth the investment? I don't need SMPTE.

I have it. It's built like a tank!

I would get the 128, it's cheaper, and you don't have to plug it in, which is a plus, I would think. I e had mine for about 10 years. I'm also still using a 828 FireWire interface mk1 and mk2 problem free.

So you have both the ME-30P and the ME-80P?

My favourite is JL Cooper Nexus Plus since it has things like octave transpose. However MAV-8 has more midi inputs etc.

No, just ME-80P. I never mentioned ME-30P. It's basically the same thing, though, just lesser amount of ins/outs. Build quality is very likely the same, since they're from the same period when Akai built equipment that would withstand nuclear assaults.