I’m curious as to the amount of power that the USB port provides for external midi controllers. How does the power supplied by the USB port affect the power requirements of the Meta Module. Is the power for the USB port pulled from the 5V rail? I’m considering several different options for where I will mount the Meta Module (including the potentially a 4ms Pod) hence my question on power requirements. Thanks.
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USB power is up to 500mA, which is the standard amount. Internally, it generates that power with an efficient DC-DC converter from the 12V rail. This is much better than using the 5V rail since 500mA on a 5V rail can push the limits of some systems.
For example, with no USB connected the Metamodule uses around 250mA. Connecting my BeatStep Pro brings it up to 320mA. If we had used the 5V rail this would require around 300-350mA on the +5V, but instead it only uses an additional 70mA on the +12V.
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I have an Arturia 25 key Minilab 3. Plugging it into USB port always causes the module to freeze. I suspect it’s the power draw. It does not seem to have a separate power cable. After I locate a powered hub I’ll update here. I’m also going to try some controllers that have separate power cables.
That’s odd, it shouldn’t be a power issue. I haven’t tested the mk3 but the mkII “mini hyrbrid” works great.
Does it crash if you make a new patch (no modules) and then plug it in? That way you can rule out some MIDI issue. The firmware update I’m working on now addresses a lot of MIDI issues, including adding the ability to map MIDI to jacks without using VCV.
It probably won’t work with the hub, though. I plan to add support for hubs but for now you have connect devices directly.
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I can report the same problem with Intech MIDI controllers. Someone reported the same problem with Intech controllers on ModWiggler too. If I connect the controller then switch on the MM, it doesn’t boot up, I just get snow on the screen. If I switch on the MM first, then connect the Intech, the module freezes - regardless of whether there is a new empty patch there or not. So it looks as if some MIDI controllers are causing a problem. My Novation Launch Control works fine though.
By the way, this is a fantastic module, with an outstanding design - many thanks to 4ms for all your hard work!
Hmm, ok thanks. I will order those MIDI controllers and see what I can figure out
Ok, I got a MiniLab 3 and I can reproduce the issue. It’s not power-related, it’s just a bug in the USB library we’re using. I think I can fix it easily, stay tuned.
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Ok, it’s fixed! I tested it with 6 different controllers and they all work (including the MiniLab 3 and the Novation Launch Controller XL).
The issue was, of course what most USB issues end up being, which is supporting various vendors’ “interpretations” of the USB standard. This should get merged in today.
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Brilliant, thanks so much!
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