ESI's M4U eX allows you to connect up to 8 MIDI devices in any configuration to your computer. This means that the eight ports can be used both as inputs and outputs, and the interface automatically detects which signal type is currently present. The three USB 3 ports on the rear panel can be used to connect additional equipment, such as USB MIDI devices, making the M4U eX a universal interface between computer and hardware. In addition, the M4U eX can also be used as a merger or splitter without a computer. In this case, the function is controlled via pushbuttons.
The self switching ports are a stroke of inspiration as is the power input and 3 port USB hub. As a test (or possibly to avoid re-cabling) I connected my Edirol UM3eX midi interface to one of the USB outlets on the ESI and straight away I had access to another 3 midi-ins and outs from a single USB outlet on my laptop. I don't think it will work the other way round - even though the UM3 does have USB ports. ESI state the compatibility is for Windows 7 and on, as a class compliant device I "suspect" it also works just fine with Windows XP Profession SP2 running a 20 year old version of Cubase VST 5.1. The lack of 5 stars for the equipment is because it would be really nice to be able rack mount this
My little studio is a weird set-up, consisting of Korg D32xd & D16xd MTRs synced with Pro Tools via a MOTU Ultralite MkIV. This box allowed me to get all three in sync (finally) as well as having spare ports for my keys, and the three USB 3.0 ports on the rear means I can quickly hook up my lightning fast portable MSATA drives.
You won't find a better price new than from DV247 (I looked) so buy this with confidence. ESI have made another great box, coming up with a completely new take on assigning midi ports. Great stuff.
I'm running this box on Linux with MusE 4.0 and it works perfectly using both USB & MIDI. The box does as it says being class compliant, I did not have to install any drivers and my DAW picked it straight up for use.
I have a mix of old MIDI gear (JP8000/AN1X/VIRUSC) and some newer USB capable devices (BS2/TR8S) and they are now all are connected via this one box seamlessly.
There's enough ports to ditch using MIDI thru with my kit so I now have a dedicated MIDI IN/OUT for each of the synths which makes recording each one into the DAW super easy now. I'm very impressed with this device.