P125 piano MIDI connection to an arranger.

[SteveB2187]

First of all, please excuse my lack of knowledge regarding a keyboard's USB Type B jack being used for a MIDI connection.

I don't understand why my P125 digital piano doesn't have conventional 5-pin MIDI In's and Out's. If anyone could explain why Yamaha omitted these jacks from some of their keyboards, I would really appreciate it.

As a result, I have no idea how to make a basic MIDI connection between my P125 and my Genos2, which does have the familiar 5-pin MIDI jacks (actually two pairs of them). Thus, being able to use my P125 as a simple weighted-key controller for the Genos2.

Is there a special conversion cable that has a "square" Type B USB plug on one end and a pair of normal MIDI plugs on the other? I've gone searching for such a cable and all I can find are a few Type A to MIDI cables. And if there is such a cable, could somebody direct me toward the purchase of one?

Thanks

[RayClem]

Because many digital pianos are used as standalone devices, they might not come with standard MIDI jacks. I have an older DGX500 keyboard that does not have MIDI jacks.

For older devices with MIDI jacks, but no USB port, you can usually purchase a converter cable that will allow you to connect the device to your computer. However, since the USB port on your keyboard is likely configured as a device port (Type B) rather than a host port (Type A), the converter cables won't work.

[Bill]

You could try a small box from Lab4music.
I can't say for sure it will work but worth investigating.

See the setup shown in youtube video.

https://youtu.be/uN6sS4BbtWc?si=WMumUry0YoBkC9jL

Company website -

https://www.lab4music.it/siparioX.php?lang=EN

Retailer -

https://www.thomann.de/gb/lab4music_sipariox.htm

Bill

[KurtAgain]

I don't understand why my P125 digital piano doesn't have conventional 5-pin MIDI In's and Out's. If anyone could explain why Yamaha omitted these jacks from some of their keyboards, I would really appreciate it.

To save money?

Is there a special conversion cable that has a "square" Type B USB plug on one end and a pair of normal MIDI plugs on the other? I've gone searching for such a cable and all I can find are a few Type A to MIDI cables. And if there is such a cable, could somebody direct me toward the purchase of one?

A "MIDI USB Host" should be the device you need.

Kurt

[Amwilburn]

To save money?

A "MIDI USB Host" should be the device you need.

Kurt

Kurt: not quite; USB midi to host will work plugging in the P125 to a computer, but not to another keyboard. USB B to B (a very specialized cable) does work in some cases, unfortunately I've already tested it with the P125 and it doesn't work. So far we've only found PXS series that worked.

Mark

[KurtAgain]

Kurt: not quite; USB midi to host will work plugging in the P125 to a computer, but not to another keyboard. USB B to B (a very specialized cable) does work in some cases, unfortunately I've already tested it with the P125 and it doesn't work. So far we've only found PXS series that worked.

Mark

Mark,

I was thinking of a device like this "Kenton MIDI USB Host" so that, as far as I understand, no PC is necessary:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/kenton_midi_usb_host.htm

However, I have not used this device myself yet.

Kurt

[Amwilburn]

Mark,

I was thinking of a device like this "Kenton MIDI USB Host" so that, as far as I understand, no PC is necessary:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/kenton_midi_usb_host.htm

Kurt

Exactly; it would have to convert to USB B, but that device you've listed only converts to USB A (same as a midi to USB interface), which won't work for a keyboard to keyboard connection. Unfortunately

He *could* get what he wants either by finding an 88 that *does* work going from B to B into the Genos (We've tested FP10, DGX670, P125 and P45, and the only one I had on the floor that worked B to B was the PXS series). Or more simply by getting an 88 that *does* have 5 pin midi out, like an RD88, P515/P525, MX88, etc.

Mark

[KurtAgain]

... but that device you've listed only converts to USB A (same as a midi to USB interface), which won't work for a keyboard to keyboard connection. Unfortunately

Mark,

I don't think so. If you use the USB terms precisely, it is a "USB host", not a "USB device". Therefore, it can be connected to the "USB to host" socket of the keyboard and then provides the keyboard with its DIN MIDI in and MIDI out sockets.

The connection between the "Kenton MIDI USB Host" and the keyboard does not require a special cable, just a regular USB A to B cable. These cables are also often called "USB printer cables".

From the Kenton website:

It converts DIN MIDI to USB MIDI in both directions simultaneously, and provides the USB Host capability that is normally provided by your PC, Mac or iPad.

Look at the diagram in the "Connecting a USB MIDI Device to 5 pin DIN MIDI" paragraph on the Kenton website, it should be exactly what Steve (and you?) are looking for:
https://kentonuk.com/product/midi-usb-host-mk3/



Kurt

[overover]

Hi Mark,

Please also see here:
>>> https://www.psrtutorial.com/forum/index.php/topic,69807.msg524889.html#msg524889


Best regards,
Chris

[pjd]

I agree with Kurt. I use a DoReMidi USB MIDI HOST box. It's cheaper than the Kenton.

The DoReMidi has a USB HOST port (so-called Type-A USB). I connected this port to a MODX USB TO HOST port (so-called Type-B), and connected the DoReMidi 5-pin MIDI OUT to Genos MIDI IN. Works like a charm.

Hope this info helps -- pj

[Amwilburn]

Kurt, if it's to *host* and not device, then yes, you're correct! That might work! I stand corrected; I'd never seen an A port "to host" before; but that is indeed what your linked converter appears to do. I don't think pjd or overover are ever mistaken!

Similarly, anyone have any idea how to slave a Roland GOKeys 3/5? They only have a USB C midi port??? Which I've never come across before

Cool. Now the OP just needs to purchase it and try it to see if it works!

Mark

[pjd]

I don't think pjd or overover are ever mistaken!

Similarly, anyone have any idea how to slave a Roland GOKeys 3/5? They only have a USB C midi port???

Hi Mark --

As far as the DoReMidi is concerned, I think alls I need is a USB-C to USB-A cable. I'm off to the gym in a few minutes, but perhaps I'll cobble a test together after lunch.

Take care and enjoy the day -- pj

Update: Just got a ROLI Lumi Keys (USB-C) talking to Genos through the DoReMidi. A USB-C to USB-A cable is all that is needed. Of course, Roland could have botched the GO:KEYS MIDI implementation, but I regard that as a remote possibility.

[KurtAgain]

I'd never seen an A port "to host" before

Hi Mark,

Me neither. And the Kenton's USB A socket is not "to host" either, because the Kenton IS the host. That's why every PC has several USB A sockets, but no USB B (To Host) socket, because the PC itself is a USB host. (I'm not sure if my English is understandable enough for this. )

Kurt