New USB MIDI Interface from Edirol

(Click for a close-up)

Edirol Corporation announced that their new UM-550 5x5 USB MIDI Interface will begin shipping later this month.

The newest in a long line of Edirol MIDI interfaces, this 3/4 rack unit device provides a 5 input -- 5 output MIDI switching interface. The UM-550 is the little brother of the UM-880 and contains many of the same features -- suited for the MIDI studio with fewer devices.

The UM-550's top features include:

• Stand-alone Hardware MIDI Patcher without connecting to a computer
• 5-in, 5-out USB MIDI Interface to computer (80 MIDI channels)
• Quick patching, easy operation, and low latency with HDMR (Hardware Direct MIDI Routing) technology
• Fast and stable MIDI data transmission realized by FPT (Fast Processing Technology of MIDI transmission)
• Comfortable patching operation with LED switches on the front panel
• Convenient MIDI utility function (Merge, MIDI Message filter, Preview, Cable check)
• Letter size compact body for desktop use, and rack-mountable with detachable adapters
• Multiple units can be connected to the same computer for control of up to 320 channels
• Windows and Mac compatible

MSRP: $229.