MIDI / RS-422 Expander

As lined out in the MIDI specification, the cable length of a standard MIDI transmission is limited to 15 meters. Distances up to several 100 meters can be bridged when the native MIDI signal is transferred into the industry-proven standard RS-422 and reconverted into a native MIDI signal by a distant partner station.
This is the job the MIDI/RS-422 Expander (bidirectional transmitter and receiver) is made for. No buffering or baud rate conversion takes place in this simple device. Consequently data are transferred within a very short latency time in the range of microseconds.

A transmission stretch consists of 2 Expander stations. The MIDI/RS-422 Expander is applicable as a compatible counterpart of the MIDI/DMX512 Control Box or MIDI RS-232/RS- 422 Converter in "transparent transceiver with MIDI baud rate" mode of operation.

We offer the device with 4 different connector variants for the RS-422 interface:
Apart from the style of the RS-422 connectors, all versions are identical in their technical functions and can be interconnected with appropriately assembled cables

--- Version "XLR" with 3-pin XLR connectors. Wiring is made with cables for symmetrical audio signals or multicore connections, for example.

Rugged aluminum case.
Mechanical dimensions: length 8,4 cm (except connectors), width 11,3 cm, height 3,1cm.
The "XOUT" socket may be switched to be working as MIDI THROUGH or as 2nd MIDI OUT

--- Version with 8 pin detachable clamp block. Solder-free installation. Recommendable for wiring is low-cost ISDN cable, for example.

Rugged aluminum case.
Mechanical dimensions: length 8,4 cm (except connectors), width 11,3 cm, height 3,1cm.

MIDI sided front panel as XLR version

--- Version with 9 pin Sub-D socket (male). Recommendable for wiring is low-cost ISDN cable, for example. Matching SubD plugs can be soldered quite easily.

Plastic enclosure with aluminium front panels
Mechanical dimensions: length 8,1 cm, width 8,5 cm, height 4,0 cm.

--- Version "CAT" with RJ45 connectors. Wiring is made with shielded CAT5/CAT6 network cables. Due to the both differently wired connectors 'Norm' and 'Cross', connection can be made with normal 1:1 patch cables as well as with those having crossed pairs of wires.
Note: The RS-422 signals are not compatible with Ethernet hubs etc.

Plastic enclosure with aluminium front panels
Mechanical dimensions: length 8,1 cm, width 8,5 cm, height 4,0 cm.

MIDI sided front panel as Sub-D version

Power supply of all variants:
An in-plug adaptor for 230V AC with "europlug" is delivered along with the Expander.
Other supplies with regulated or unregulated DC output can be used (min. current output 100 mA).
The optimum supply voltage is 9 Volt, but up to 16 Volt (=unregulated 12V supply) are permitted.

User's Manual of the MIDI / RS-422 Expander (PDF Format)

* State of information May 2011. Right of technical modifications reserved.
* This description is for information only, no product specifications are assured in juridical sense.
* Trademarks and product names cited in this text are property of their respective owners.