May 15, 2025

What is a Smart MIDI port?

The second-hand market for synths, modules and drum machines is constantly growing, with many pre-USB (MIDI-only) units still around, so putting a system together that is easy to control in a home studio can be a daunting task. Having a MIDI interface with 5-pin MIDI plugs that automatically sense whether they are being used to send or receive MIDI data is quite unique.

The MIDI interfaces from ESI show what plug & play really means – a simple USB connection to your PC or Mac and you can start right away.

Each of the ports on their MIDI devices, the M4U eX and M8U eX, as well as the MIDIMATE eX, can be used as either a MIDI input or as a MIDI output, replacing not only traditional MIDI interfaces, but also providing multiple configurations and expansions. For instance, you can use all 5-pin MIDI plugs as ‘ins’ for controller merging, or all as ‘outs’ for a complex control system for multiple synths. And the best feature? This is all handled automatically, simply based on your connection to other MIDI inputs or MIDI outputs.

Imagine being able to set up a system with 2 merged MIDI inputs and 14 outputs, or 14 inputs and 2 outputs – it’s possible with the M8U eX.

Amber i-Series

The newly released Amber i2 and i4 audio interfaces also allow you to connect your MIDI devices seamlessly and use the 2 ports, labelled as ‘AUTODETECT MIDI’, as either MIDI inputs or outputs.

More information:

Amber i2 audio interface

Amber i4 audio interface

April 19, 2023

Microphone Care

We’ve been receiving a lot of enquiries from customers about their condenser microphones getting muffly or distorted, or making humming noises after four or five years of use, and in most cases this is because of environmental conditions polluting the capsule: too much moisture, sea air, smoke, etc.

The main trick is how you store it when you’re not using it!

How should I store my microphone?

We generally recommend keeping your microphone in its case or original packaging when it is not in use for more than a few hours. If your studio is very clean and safe, it could be OK to leave out on its mic stand when not in use, but if a mic is out of its case, it could potentially be exposed to dust, smoke, moisture, or humidity – which can damage the sensitive parts of the mic – so we recommend avoiding those things at all cost.

How do I clean a microphone that has been effected by spillage and dirt?

If your microphone has come in contact with dirt or another removable substance, we recommend cleaning it with a very soft, slightly damp cotton cloth. Do not open the microphone up to clean the inside, and make sure you NEVER touch the capsule itself. Cleaning a capsule should only be done by highly trained professionals in a “clean room” environment. If you suspect your capsule needs to be cleaned, please contact info@sound-music.com so we can recommend an authorised local technician.

These tips are from our friends at sE Electronics

November 1, 2020

Introducing the ESI U22 Ultimate Bundle

No matter if you’re into podcasting, want to record vocals, or if you need a starting point for a professional quality music studio in your home, the UX22 Ultimate bundle is exceptional value for money providing an ideal foundation on which to build your personal home studio at a minimal cost.

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