Opcode Ships MIDIport 32 USB Interface

Opcode Systems, a division of Gibson, today shipped its highly anticipated MIDIport 32 USB MIDI interface for both Macintosh and Windows 98. Opcode's USB MIDI interfaces correctly handle the "random reboot" problem that can occur when multiple USB MIDI devices are used simultaneously. Without this Opcode-designed feature, USB devices may unpredictably reconfigure after the computer restarts, causing attached MIDI peripherals to move or disappear. Opcode's unique solution consistently tracks each USB MIDI interface and all related MIDI connections boot after boot, Mac or Windows. The MIDIport 32 is a robust MIDI interface for iMacs, blue G3 Macintoshes and USB-equipped Windows 98 PCs.

"Opcode invested significant engineering resources to tame USB and provide a complete MIDI solution for computer musicians." said Tom Sherman, Opcode's VP of Engineering. "The MIDIport 32 has been specially engineered, taking advantage of USB's high-speed connection to provide professional-quality MIDI timing. In addition, MIDIport 32 makes installation on Windows truly simple -- no IRQs, DMAs or I/O addresses -- plug it in and it works."

MIDIport 32 connects any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device, such as a synthesizer or drum machine, to a computer, allowing recording and playback with music software. Multiple MIDIport interfaces can be used on a single computer. MIDIport 32 has 2 MIDI ins and outs for 32 MIDI channels. It includes status LEDs for MIDI activity and is powered over USB requiring no external power supply. The package includes a six-foot USB cable and a CDROM of software drivers. The MIDIport 32 works with any OMS compatible Macintosh application such as Opcode's Studio Vision Pro, Vision DSPand MAX or Digidesign's Pro Tools software, and any Windows 98 compatible music software such as Opcode's Musicshop.

"This is Opcode's fourth USB product release in four months," commented Sherman. "Our experience in USB audio and MIDI is unparalleled in the industry and the result is another top quality USB product." Opcode recently released three USB audio interfaces: DATport, SONICport and SONICport Optical. Opcode has also announced a rackmount line of USB MIDI interfaces including the MIDIport 64, MIDIport 12 and STUDIOport, a hybrid MIDI and audio interface. The US Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of the MIDIport 32 is $149.95. Included with MIDIPort 32 for a limited time is a free copy of Opcode's Musicshop MIDI sequencer for Macintosh and Windows.