AboutThe Professor Expertise I can answer several music-related questions in general. I have multiple degrees and years of experience in the field, covering many topics. I am also already an AllExperts volunteer in other music fields. Refer to my bio for additional info.
Experience Two bachelors degrees (music education and music performance); masters degree (performance with additional emphasis in composition); doctorate (performance/literature, theory/composition, electro-acoustics (sound engineering)) (in progress). I've been working and teaching in the field for over 13 years now.
Expert: The Professor Date: 7/12/2008 Subject: Daisy chaining 2 padKontrols with a Roland TD-10
Question I would like to daisychain 2 Korg padKontrols to a Roland TD-10 to have both padKontrols control the TD-10.
The padKontrol has a MIDI in and MIDI out. The TD-10 has a MIDI is and a MIDI out/thru.
I am currently reading books about MIDI, but don't yet have enough knowledge to get this working.
thank you for your time.
Dan
Answer Hello,
It is physically possible to do that, though it might not be easy and could - if connected incorrectly - potentially cause problems in the relay of signals among the devices. I'll provide several options for you to consider.
One option would be to look for a "splitter" at an electronics store. If a company makes a MIDI splitter (or MIDI "Y-splitter" or similar), then you are in luck. However, if you unable to find one you might consider alternate methods of connection.
Another option would be to actually create a splitter, though I advise against this. It requires cutting into wires and reassembling them, which is something geared more for professionally trained electricians. If you are not that, you might consider another method.
Another option, you can use the "thru" to your advantage. You could put each MIDI device on a different channel, route the last of the chain into the thru port on one, then route that into the thru port on your final device. Keep in mind that daisy chaining these devices could potentially introduce a MIDI "lag", though it will likely be minimal.
Another option, and perhaps your best one, would be to look for a MIDI interface or MIDI-capable interface to connect all three devices into. There are combined interfaces such as a USB MIDI interface with several MIDI ports, the same for FireWire with MIDI. Along these same lines, you might also consider using a MIDI hub or MIDI patch bay. Using a hub or patch bay will most likely solve everything. Just make sure it has the specific number of jacks (inputs/outputs) that you require.
Not sure which option to go with? Try the hub or patch bay.
