IK Multimedia iRig MIDI 2

I was initially skeptical that this device would deliver, considering how mixed the reviews for other dedicated Merger, Thru devices seem to be ... and considering many of those devices cost most than this device.I will say the device and its software on win 10/11 has been flawless so far.You can configure the device to do whatever you want. And if/when that need changes, you can change this device to do something different. Very cool indeed.So my initial needs were to have a 2 in 1 MIDI merger. So I configured MIDI 1 in to go to MIDI 1 out. THen MIDI 2 in was configured to go to MIDI 2 out and ALSO MIDI 1 out. That worked great, so I could run a MIDI 1 or 2 as either straight thru, or a merge into MIDI 1 out.Later, I decided I should configure MIDI 3 in to go to both MIDI 3 out (the default) and also MIDI 1 out. So if I need a 3 in 1 merge, its there ready to be used when needed. I also can run the MIDI 3 as a thru into MIDI 3 out.The other cool thing is that in "advanced mode", you get 3 USB midi in(s) and 3 USB midi out(s) which I haven't used yet, but I can confirm the device and all the USB midi in(s) and out(s) show up on my ipad running AUM just fine. NOte: I do run a USB powered hub into the ipad, then plug in a bunch of USB devices to the hub, including this CME USB6 device. The connectivity this one device gives you is huge for anyone familiar with MIDI.And the third capability of MIDI filtering, I really haven't used yet ... but it appears I can filter out any kind of MIDI message imaginable ... so lots of additional power there.I give CME an A+ for this device and may purchase other CME devices based on how great this device and its software have worked.I have 4 port MIDI thru box I paid about the same for ... but it can only do one thing. This can do so much more, and its smaller and configurable.And it uses a USB C (device side) to USB A/B which is a plus for keeping it relevant for years to come.

This unit was purchased as a backup to the Bluetooth MIDI device currently in use as the interface from an iPad to our organ at church. Connection is straightforward and testing was successful. May not ever need it but will be available if the current wireless interface fails.

Another case of you get what you pay for.I recently refreshed my old MIDI studio rack. I considered the IK Multimedia iRig MIDI 2 interface as a good choice. However, thinking most MIDI interfaces are the same, I purchased a Nuosiya MIDI interface to save a few bucks.As I began reconfiguring the MIDI rack I noticed ground hum feeding into the studio monitors. After days of making new audio cables and thoroughly cleaning contacts on each piece of gear to eliminate the ground issue, I realized the MIDI interface was causing the hum. I have used MIDI gear since 1985 and have never had a MIDI ground hum issue.I ordered and installed the IKM iRig MIDI 2 unit yesterday. Problem solved. Lesson learned.

I just ordered another one of these - the first one lasted about nine years until it just stopped working... unfortunately I need this in my ipad set up. Maybe nine years is a good run? I don't know, I do know that I've got Roland gear that's almost 40 years old and still works fine. This is actually the 2nd piece of gear from IK Multimedia - the other was the i rig 2, for running guitar, etc, into my ipad. It lasted about 2 years before it just magically stopped working. I'd say that you get what you pay for except this stuff isn't exactly cheap... so - caveat emptor! Yay capitalism.

I use this to push midi program changes to a MIDI enabled guitar footboard from my iPad. My only gripe is that I wish they would make the cable from the iPad to the interface longer. It's only about 10" long. I had to 3D print a holder for this so that it doesn't dangle from the cable in mid-air.

Truly plug and play for my 2020 MacBook Pro and my tried and true Alesis QS8 controller. No drivers needed, it just works.

It sounds pretty good.

The original iRig MIDI was a very elegant, one-piece solution. You simply plug the tiny unit directly into your device, run the supplied MIDI-to-3pin cable to your input device, and you're done. It even had a micro-USB slot that would charge your device. The only drawback was that Apple devices use Lightning cables now, so compatibility has become an issue.I wanted to start using a Lightning device, so I figured it was time to upgrade. My iRig MIDI 2 arrived today and... well... ugh. It's an expensive downgrade in every way except the Lightning port.The first thing to hit you is the size-- you can fit four iRM1's inside the iRM2. If you like portability, you will be disappointed here. Next come the connections. The iRM2 no longer plugs directly into your device. You'll need to run a supplied 7-pin to Lightning cable from the unit to your device. Not a huge deal, except that the cable is too short to allow you to hide away the iRM2's massive chassis. To interface with your MIDI inputs, you'll need to have some standard MIDI cables on-hand because you don't get any with the iRM2. Your situation may be different from mine, but I don't own any MIDI cables-- mostly because the iRM1 did not require anything that wasn't already in the box. Now I need to spend money on a MIDI cable for the privilege of using the latest in iRig technology.But all of that stuff is just an annoying inconvenience. The big deal-breaker here is that you can no longer charge your device while using the iRM2. That is complete and utter stupidity, and something I cannot work with.I'm going to brainstorm some way to clean up the iRM2's mess. I'll probably end up returning it and using a 30pin-to-Lightning adapter with the iRM1.