8-port USB 3.0 MIDI interface with USB hub
User’s Guide
ESI M4U eX
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the ESI M4U eX.
M4U eX is a convenient and powerful 8-port USB 3.0 MIDI interface with automatic input and output detection,
standalone operation options and an integrated 3-port USB hub. With M4U eX you can obtain perfect MIDI
timing and performance.
This document is very short and the whole content is important to understand all functions of M4U eX. Please
take the time to read through it and do not hesitate to contact ESI if you have any questions.
Features
USB 3.0 MIDI interface
100% class compliant, works without the installation of a driver
USB bus powered
8 MIDI ports, 4 on the front and 4 on the back
automatic input and output detection, each port works as a MIDI input or a MIDI output
standalone operation possible
can be used as MIDI thru solution in standalone mode to send one MIDI signal to 7 outputs
can be used as MIDI merger in standalone mode to merge 7 MIDI signals to a single output
patches MIDI signals through to other ports even without a computer
3-port USB 3.0 hub with external 5V DC power supply to power USB devices
multiple units can be used with one computer at a time
downwards compatible to USB 2.0 with a USB 2.0 legacy mode
dimensions roughly 17.5cm x 12.0cm x 4.5cm
Front Panel
From left to right, the front panel features 8 LEDs that each can be either green (indicating that the corresponding
port is currently working as an input) or red (which means that the corresponding port works as an output). Next
to it are the MIDI ports number 1 to 4. On the right you can find the MODE button to select a standalone mode
(described below). Right of that is the STATUS LED: it is red when the unit is used as a standalone device (with
power supply connected) and green when it is connected to a computer via USB.
Rear Panel
The rear panel features MIDI ports number 5 to 8, next to the USB HOST connector which is used to connect
M4U eX to a computer. Right of it are the 3 USB 3.0 PORTS that allow you to connect and use any other USB
device with your computer (i.e. USB keyboard, USB memory, USB dongle, etc.) and a DC 5V connector to
connect M4U eX to the included power supply. To the very right top there is a standard laptop lock connector
that you could use to prevent the unit from being stolen.
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