Esi M8U EX User Manual

16-port USB 3.0 MIDI interface with USB hub

User’s Guide

ESI M8U eX

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the ESI M8U eX.

M8U eX is a convenient and powerful 16-port USB 3.0 MIDI interface with automatic input and output detection,
standalone operation options and an integrated 3-port USB hub. With M8U 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 M8U 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
 16 MIDI ports, 8 on the front and 8 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 15 outputs
 can be used as MIDI merger in standalone mode to merge 15 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 32.5cm x 14.5cm x 4.5cm

Front Panel

From left to right, the front panel features 16 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 8. On the right you can find the MODE button to select a standalone mode
(described below). Above 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 9 to 16, next to the USB HOST connector which is used to connect
M8U 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 M8U eX to the included power supply. To the very right there is a standard laptop lock connector that
you could use to prevent the unit from being stolen.

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