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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface is your gateway to a seamless musical experience. This professional MIDI interface provides straightforward, plug-and-play connectivity to any USB-equipped Mac or Windows computer. It's designed to simplify your MIDI studio and enhance music production with unprecedented efficiency and power.
Built on the same technology as MOTU's flagship MIDI Timepiece, the MIDI Express 128 delivers superior performance and reliability. With eight independent MIDI inputs and outputs, it offers 128 separate MIDI channels. For those requiring more, it's expandable to over a thousand channels via a powered USB hub.
This MIDI interface takes full advantage of USB, offering you high-speed MIDI throughput and sub-millisecond timing accuracy. Plus, it supports 'hot-swapping' and plug-and-play expansion. Need to connect another sound module or synth? No problem. Just add another MOTU USB MIDI interface via any USB port.
One of the significant features of the MIDI Express 128 is its bus power. It's powered directly by USB, eliminating the need for an external power source or AC plug. This makes it a particularly handy option for mobile musicians and producers.
Key Features:
- Provides eight independent MIDI inputs and outputs for 128 separate MIDI channels
- Expandable to over a thousand channels with a powered USB hub
- Front-panel I/O jacks with dedicated LED for computer I/O activity
- Supports 'hot-swapping' and plug-and-play expansion
- Bus-powered, no external power source needed
- Compatible with all Macintosh and Windows software
- High-speed MIDI throughput and sub-millisecond timing accuracy
- Easy-to-use, flexible, and expandable MIDI interface solution
Product specs
| Brand | MOTU |
| Model | MIDI Express 128 USB MIDI Interface |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2006 - 2025 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces |
| Bus-Powered | No |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Electronics | Digital |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 0 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Channels | 0 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 0 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 8 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 8 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 0 |
FAQs
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How many MIDI devices can the MOTU MIDI Express 128 connect at once?
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The MOTU MIDI Express 128 can connect up to 8 MIDI devices simultaneously, thanks to its 8 MIDI input and 9 MIDI output ports.
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Is the MOTU MIDI Express 128 compatible with both Windows and macOS?
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Yes, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 is compatible with both Windows and macOS, allowing seamless integration with your computer setup.
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Does the MOTU MIDI Express 128 require an external power supply?
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Yes, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 is not bus-powered, meaning it requires an external power supply to operate.
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What is the primary use of the MOTU MIDI Express 128?
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The MOTU MIDI Express 128 is designed to connect multiple MIDI devices to your computer, facilitating communication and synchronization in a music production environment.
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Can the MOTU MIDI Express 128 be rack-mounted?
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Yes, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 is a 19-inch rackmount unit, making it easy to integrate into professional studio setups.
Videos
Groove3
Audio & MIDI Hardware Setup (Pro Tools 11 Explained)
Audio & MIDI Hardware Setup (Pro Tools 11 Explained)
Groove3
Motu Midi Express XT Walk Through / Video Manual
In The Mix
MOTU MIDI Express 128 - Overview
Expensive Overviews
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface.
Features and functionality
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The MOTU MIDI Express 128 has a front panel channel 8 duplicate, allowing easy testing of MIDI equipment by overriding the rear connection.
Source -
The MOTU MIDI Express XT allows users to set up to 8 user-defined and 8 factory presets for routing, providing flexibility for different control modes without a computer.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Works seamlessly with Ableton Live 9 on a Mac, showing all 8 MIDI In and Out channels for straightforward mapping.
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The "Clock Works" software for MOTU MIDI interfaces is noted for its powerful virtual patch bay routing, which is easy to use for managing MIDI connections.
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On OSX, the MIDI Express 128 functions without requiring drivers, ensuring continued compatibility across multiple OSX updates.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for studios with extensive MIDI setups requiring multiple discrete ports, each providing 16 channels for comprehensive gear synchronization.
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Owners can route MIDI data to specific devices and record from any synth without latency issues, making it ideal for complex setups involving multiple instruments.
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Despite occasional glitches, the 128 remains a favored choice for multi-port MIDI-to-USB needs, particularly among Windows users.
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Value and pricing
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Considered a quality piece of gear that is reasonably priced for its extensive functionality and reliability.
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A second-hand MOTU MIDI Express XT USB version can be acquired for around $165-$175, making it a cost-effective choice compared to new models.
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While some find MOTU interfaces expensive, alternatives like the Emagic Unitor 8 offer 16in/16out MIDI at a lower cost when available.
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User experience
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Users find creating and using a custom chart to track preset functions helpful in managing complex MIDI setups with the MOTU MIDI Express XT.
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Owners experience a common issue where the interface requires unplugging/replugging after a computer restart, especially noted with the 128 and MOTU micro lite models.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 34 Ratings
1248
Good
Does what it says, can't really tell much more about it. Plugged in, installed, connected to my MIDI gear and never touched it again.
479
MIDI star network.
"Plugged in and forget" type of equipment. I'm really satisfied with this MIDI interface. Rock solid operation even with the latest Yosemite.
411
Notes
My studio can include 3 Midi Express 128 to create a complex system with other MIDI Interfaces such as Midisport 8x8s, 4x4 Anniversary Edition, 4x4 Legacy and 2x2 Legacy.
Artist usage
Add artist
To hook up his hardware synths via MIDI, Deorro uses the MOTU MIDI Express 128 MIDI Interface (seen right below his MacBook Pro).
can be seen in the background at 4:20 in the video
Owl City's studio contains at least one MOTU MIDI Express 128.
The 6th picture of this interview shows lots of Jenkinson's rack modules. On the right portion of the picture, there are 3 particular pieces together: The bottom piece is the Yamaha TX81Z, the middle one is the Yamaha FS1r (which can also be seen together in other pictures such as this one, below the TB-303). Finally, the top one is the MOTU MIDI Express 128 MIDI Interface, as hinted by several facts: - The blue MOTU brand at the left. - One MIDI connection at the left part of the unit's panel. - A single green light, indicating that the "Computer I/O" LED seen in the unit is lit. - The white and illegible names near the green LED greatly resembles the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT display names present on the actual machine.
In an Instagram post, Andrew Bayer showcases his studio setup, featuring the MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface prominently mounted in his rack.
On his Facebook page, Dominik posted this picture, and second from the top is this Motu MIDI interface.
A Nord 3 rack unit shares rack space with a PreSonus Firepod FireWire audio interface, MOTU Express 128 MIDI interface, Shure P4M keyboard mixer, ART DTS II mic preamp, Roland JV-1080 synth, QSC amp, Juice Goose power conditioner, APC uninterruptible power supply and a Muse Receptor.
Marc Kinchen shares a picture of his studio rack which includes the MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface.
In a Facebook video at the 2:12 mark, RAC showcases his setup, including the MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface.
Mark Kelly, keyboardist for Marillion, uses the MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface, as detailed on the official Marillion website.
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In an Instagram post by Funkagenda, the MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface is visible above the Nord 2 rack.
Album Usage
The MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU MIDI Express 128 8-in/9-out MIDI Interface, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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