Connecting your mio X Series Interface to a Computer
Connecting your mio X Series Interface to a Computer
Creating a connection between your mio X Series Interface and your computer is one of the most common use cases for a mio X Series interface. It’s also one of the most commonly requested support topics we get asked about.
On a regular basis, we get asked: “What’s the best way to connect my mio X Series interface to my computer”? In truth, there isn’t one method which you could describe as “The Best”. It all depends on your own unique scenario and application.
To try and help guide you through the different connection methods and help you decide which is best, we’ve written this (hopefully!) helpful blog as a guide. We’ve also teamed up with our good friend Will Doggett to give you some video walkthroughs of the various connection methods.
Connecting via Ethernet RTP-MIDI
Connecting your mio X Series Interface (or your PlayAUDIO12 for that matter) over an Ethernet RTP-MIDI connection offers a few important advantages versus connecting directly over USB.
An Ethernet connection offers connection distances of up to 100 metres between interfaces. It’s therefore ideal for long cable runs across stages, or in large studio setups. Ethernet connections also allow you to put all your interfaces and MIDI gear on a MIDI network, which opens up a lot of creative possibilities.
Now that we’ve spoken about where and when you might want to use an Ethernet RTP-MIDI connection, let’s talk how to go about doing it…
Connecting Using “Bonjour” - Our Preferred Method
Let’s imagine that you’re a musician or technician moving your RTP-MIDI based rig to a different venue every day. You need it to be a “plug and play” system where the RTP connections are automatically picked up once the gear is plugged in.
Let’s also imagine that you’re in a stage or studio scenario where you want to readily network and share MIDI data between workstations.
In this instance, we believe there’s only one way to connect your interfaces to your computer: creating an RTP-MIDI network using an Ethernet switch and configuring automatic network connections via Bonjour in Auracle for X Series.
RTP/Network MIDI Settings page within Auracle for X Series
We strongly suggest that you connect your computer to an Ethernet switch. This will allow for easy networking of multiple iConnectivity MIDI interfaces and allow for easy expansion as and when you need it.
You’ll need to use Auracle for X Series and use the RTP/Network MIDI page to configure each interface you have connected. Here you’ll be able to configure and name each RTP-MIDI port; this is an essential step in creating your connected RTP-MIDI network.
Finally, you’ll need to use software to configure the Bonjour connections from your computer. On an Apple computer, this is simple, as you use the MIDI Network Setup software installed on every Apple computer.
Don’t worry if you’re on a PC, as there are Bonjour networking programmes available for Windows too!
Initiator/Responder
What does Initiator/Responder mean? Well, think of two people meeting for the first time; the Initiator is the one that introduces themselves and the responder is the one that replies. It doesn’t actually matter who is the Initiator or Responder, but one must say “hello” and the other must reply!
Bonjour “Session” name
To continue the analogy of two people meeting for the first time, the session name is the name to which the initiator and responder will recognise each other. Each connection will be expecting to “meet” someone of a particular name. If the name is wrong, they won’t “shake hands” and the connection won’t be made. Make sense?
This connection type utilises a networking technology called “Bonjour” which was invented by Apple. It’s what’s called “Zero-configuration networking” and simplifies all the complex techy stuff such as service discovery, address assignment and hostname resolution.
Instead of having to set all of that stuff manually, you simply give each connection a unique name and if the two names match, Bonjour sorts out all the other stuff automatically! Neat eh?
Choosing Bonjour Session Names
So what should you use as a Bonjour name? Well, you could use anything, but it might get confusing later on if you labelled your keyboard rig connections as “Tom, Dick and Harry”. instead, we recommend using clear, logical naming. E.g. “Nord, Kemper, Prophet”
Remember that your Bonjour naming has to be typed exactly the same on both the Initiator and responder for the connection to made automatically.
Got all that? Don’t worry if, at first, that seems a lot to get your head around. Once you’ve tried it a few times, it’ll all seem pretty straightforward. Here’s Will to walk you through it all, step by step…
Connecting via USB
Let’s next talk about connecting your X Series interface to your computer using USB. Why would you choose a USB connection instead of an Ethernet connection, for example?
It’s easy!
A USB connection is the quickest and easiest connection method possible. It’s essentially a “plug and play” connection method and is a super simple way of routing MIDI to and from your DAW. You won’t need to use any additional control software, and the default routing will likely be OK for basic tasks
Saves RTP Ports for when they’re really needed
If your interface is going to be sat right next to your computer, for example on your desktop at home or racked up with a PlayAUDIO12 and a laptop, then a USB connection is ideal.
You should only consider using the RTP-MIDI connectivity of your mio X Series Interfaces when you’re connecting over a long distance, or when it’s advantageous to have interfaces connected over a MIDI network.
Auracle for X Series “Connect to Computer” Feature
When we designed Auracle for X Series, we wanted to include a quick, easy way for people to make an Ethernet RTP-MIDI connection. You’ll find this handy feature as the “Connect to Computer” feature on the RTP-MIDI tab in Auracle for X Series.
Connect to Computer is a great way to make a quick Ethernet connection between computer and interface. It’s ideal if you have a visiting collaborator and want to quickly connect to their MIDI gear. It’s also great for trying out an Ethernet RTP-MIDI connection for the first time.
The downside? Well, every time you power off your interface or computer then the connection will be broken. You should, therefore, never use this method for rigs that are regularly moved around and need to be “plug and play”.
What’s The Best Way to Connect?
So there you have it! Three totally different ways of connecting your mio X Series interface to your computer. All three connection methods have their definite advantages but the best option will be the one that fits your needs the most.
Whichever one you choose, we wish you the best on your journey into MIDI connectivity and the networked stage and studio. Just ask all the industry professionals using our network-connected gear day in day out; once you try it, you’ll never want to use anything else!