midiplus miniEngine pro USB host MIDI sound module

The first unit I got was so noisy that I could barely hear the sounds coming out of it... I set up a return/exchange through Amazon. The 2nd unit is a bit noisy, but tolerably so.That being said, for the price, this product is AMAZING. I have Arturia's Keystep 37, and Novation's Launchkey Mink Mk3. I'm able to connect one device through MIDI, and the other through USB. This gives me the option to assign both to the same MIDI channel (basically letting me use both keyboards as one big keyboard), OR I can assign a different instrument to each controller (think bass on one, piano on the other).As I was enjoying this for practice, and composition, I accidentally hit one of the pads on the Launchkey Mini... A drum sound came out... This, actually, makes sense, as by default the pads (in drum mode) send on channel 10, and general MIDI uses channel 10 for drums.This got me to thinking... I can set an arpeggio on the Mini, and play drums on a different channel... On the Keystep, I can set a channel for a sequence, them play over the sequence on a different channel. Could I play four sounds at the same time?Yes. Using four different MIDI channels on the two devices allows selecting and simultaneously playing four DIFFERENT instrument sounds (and different effects and volume levels on each). This. Is. Amazing. Now, I don't know what the limit is, but I suspect it may be limitied to the polyphony of the device (64 note, I believe?), and the number of MIDI channels (16). Unfortunately I have no way to test this. (This could be especially useful on a MIDI device with multiple sequencer tracks, like Arturia's Keystep Pro, for instance)If you're expecting studio quality sounds, this isn't the device for you. It's general MIDI. If you remember the glut of synths that started appearing in the late 80s with general midi, having piano as program one, and including things like a honky-tonk piano, organs, woodwinds, drums, effects, etc, that's what you get. Not the highest quality, but CERTAINLY usable, and, really, if you're looking for a lo-fi vibe, this feels and sounds great. Added bonus for this specific device: it has an internal battery, and has inputs for USB MIDI and standard MIDI (with an included TRS adapter). The battery life isn't life shattering (3-4 hours?), but it'll work if you find yourself without power, and it will also run on an external power bank (I use a small power bank to power the controller that I'm talking to through MIDI, as well as this device).Finally, if you like hard cases for all your gear (like I do), I purchased a case from Amazon called "Aproca Hard Storage Travel Storage Case for Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker", it isn't made specifically for this, but fits perfectly, and has room for the TRS MIDI adapter, instructions, and USB charging cable.Bottom line (TL;DR): It's portable, affordable, and more useful than they let on. If you're looking for a small, portable device for practicing on your MIDI controllers (without needing a computer), or, like making music that sounds a bit lo-fi, this may be exactly what you're looking for (if you get one that's really noisy, send it back for a replacement). If you're looking for studio-quality sounds, look elsewhere (and be prepared to spend hundreds, or thousands of dollars).

Very pleasantly surprised. After reading some mixed reviews, I took a chance. I think some people may have gotten defective units, but mine operates fine. It did take a minute to figure out. (the manual sucks) but overall, I'm pleased by the quality general midi tones. The output is clean, with no unusual bit of line noise (make sure you use a shielded cable). I think many tones are very useful to me. It all depends on the genre of music you are performing but I think there are useful tone groups for anyone's needs. Remember it IS a basic GM sound module. I find the synth strings tones and pads most useful for me. I layer them over my Yamaha CP to produce a sweet piano/strings or pad tone. Also works well with my midi controller keyboard. It free's me from needing a laptop or rack sound module for a more portable setup for gigs. All in all, I think it is a great value for me. Your milage may vary ;-)

Based on the SAM5504B chip from DREAM, it should've have this:The GMBK5X128 Sound Bank contains more than 400 carefully recorded and edited sounds, including full General MIDI sound set and top quality additional sounds: 128 GM instruments 269 variation instruments (including 128 “MT-32” variations) 9drumsets+1SFXsetBut unfortunately it responds only to 128 GM sounds...

The media could not be loaded. I use this for composing and practicing. I was looking for portability and this has the sound generation and battery power in a nice, compact, lightweight portable unit. It generates all 128 General MIDI sounds. It connects via a USB A to the USB of a keyboard controller. I've used it with my Akai MPK261, Akai MPK mini, and Novation Launchkey 37 MK3. It also has a MIDI port that connects to a standard MIDI connector through an included adapter. It has a high capacity battery to power itself and the controller for hours without needing to be plugged in. I've run it for several hours without needing to recharge. I keep it connected to my keyboard at home so I can sit down and compose or practice anytime without a computer then take it with me when I travel with a smaller keyboard. The sounds are perfect for this use but if you're looking for high quality sounds, you'll have to spend a WHOLE lot more. You can listen by plugging headphones into the 3.5mm connector in the back. You can also connect it to a low power speaker. I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0824HK17J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

works well. Quite a few sounds in a small package!

The customer service basically throw my problem as feedbacks to engineer team without given any answers or solution to my problem. I had two units, one bought not long ago, one bought just recently, they have very different firmware version and different sounds. I need them to be the same so they can be used for two same controllers interchangeably. MidiPlus rep. 1st denied the sound were different, and doesn't offer a way to upgrade the firmware, not willing to swap the hardware with the same firmware .... Basically, this customer service other than pass on my details feedbacka to benefit their internal information but not doing anything for me at all, nor responding after my request for clear solution. This is just worthless and totally useless customer service I've seen. I've given up on TaHorng more MidiPlus) whatever! Terrible product customer service!

Basic midi sounds. Easy to operate. Dual inputs. I love it!

THIS THING SOUNDS EXCELLENT!What are the reviewers saying is different from what I heard. Maybe these new 2024 models of the midi engine pro are upgraded because with its reverb turned on the sound is more good than the roland boutique modules I recently returned. This module sounds excellent and costs only 99.00? Wow!Thank You Amazon.com for offering the coolest gear we can get.Sincerely,Michael