Hi OldSchool,

Yes, it should be about music, not routing.

My life was simplified greatly by a MOTU MIDI Express XT, an 8 in, 9 out device that can merge every input and send all data to every output. No latency noted, and it works seemlessly. You can hook it up to a computer to create set up routings, but I choose not to, as I don't really need to.

I assign desired channels to different instruments, and control different instruments from a master keyboard with 4 assignable output channels.

My sequencer has a feature where it ignores all data it outputs at it's own input, so this avoids 'data loops' when recording MIDI. I push record, and play. I push playback, and it works (depending on which channel I recorded).

I have a complex system: V-Drums, an XV-5080, an A-90EX, an A-70EX, two other rack modules, effects, VS-1880Ex etc., and have tried figuring out routing like you're doing with less sophisticated devices with limited merge capability. I found it required too much effort to re-configure and think it through. Maybe I'm lazy, but the XP XT let me stay that way.

They can be had used on eBay for about $200.

Mine came without a manual, but a glance at one gave me all the info I needed to know to fix my initial difficulties with MIDI loops (namely, be sure to hook inputs and outputs to the same device, i.e. input #1 and output #1 to device #1, etc. otherwise, you'll have problems).

Hope it helps,
Chris

[This message has been edited by feefer (edited 11-20-2000).]