Black Lion Audio MIDI EIGHT – 8-In 8-Out MIDI Interface w/ Standalone Functionality & Powered USB Hub

OVERVIEW

The Black Lion Audio MIDI Eight is the modern solution for producers, performers, and synth lovers who need a powerful MIDI hub that keeps every piece of gear connected, organised, and ready to create. With 8 MIDI inputs, 8 MIDI outputs, and 128 total channels, the MIDI Eight gives you full control over your entire hardware ecosystem – from vintage synths and drum machines to modern controllers and sequencers. Whether you’re producing in your DAW or working completely DAWless, its flexibility, speed, and clarity make it the centrepiece your setup deserves.

Designed equally for studio and stage, the MIDI Eight offers three intuitive standalone modes – Pass, Thru, and Merge – allowing you to route and manage MIDI signals without ever touching a computer. A built-in powered 5-port USB hub lets you connect USB MIDI devices, mobile devices, and peripherals, while bold LED activity meters give you instant visibility into your MIDI traffic. It’s a true command centre, built with Black Lion Audio’s signature reliability and housed in a tough, sleek aluminium enclosure.

Whether you’re syncing live effects, managing complex synth racks, building a DAWless performance rig, or simply consolidating years of accumulated MIDI gear, the MIDI Eight brings order, power, and plug-and-play simplicity to any workflow. It’s classic Black Lion Audio: rugged, intuitive, and ridiculously useful.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Centralise Your MIDI Studio:

With the Black Lion Audio MIDI Eight, your entire MIDI rig will be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and you won’t lose time reconnecting all of your MIDI gear if you want to use a different workflow – just choose the desired mode from the front panel and get to making music.

Control your entire collection of synthesizers, controllers, sequencers, and drum machines from a single device: you get eight MIDI input and output ports; three practical standalone routing modes; and bold activity indicators for instant visibility on your MIDI traffic. It’s also got a powered 5-port USB hub built in for connecting modern USB MIDI devices, mobile devices, or computer peripherals. A Panic button quickly mutes any stuck notes.

Ultimate Compatibility:

The MIDI Eight is class-compliant to function seamlessly under macOS and Windows without the need for additional software. It can be bus-powered over USB when connected to your computer, or via the included DC adapter when you want to ditch the computer altogether. You also get a front-mounted In and Out for when you get a hot new piece of gear that you want to hook up quickly.

Standalone Mode for DAWless Jams and More:

Sick of monitors and phone screens? Use the MIDI Eight to conduct your electronic hardware orchestra with no computer required. MIDI Eight offers three separate standalone modes for use without a computer.

• In Pass Mode, MIDI inputs are routed directly to their corresponding outputs for quick, intuitive connections. Connect a controller or sequencer to MIDI In 1, and its data is sent to MIDI Out 1.
• In Thru Mode, MIDI input signals are sent to all output ports simultaneously. This is an ideal choice for users with a single controller or sequencer, and multiple synths and drum machines.
• Merge Mode is the opposite of THRU Mode: all input ports are merged and sent to MIDI Out 1. This is a great choice if you have multiple controllers and sequencers and you want to send your data to a single multichannel sound generator or DAW.

Live Effect Switching and Show Sync:

Keep all of your live effects in lock-step with the MIDI Eight. It’s an ideal solution for guitarists with MIDI-capable effects rigs, as well as for bands that use backing tracks or an IEM click track with tempo-synced effects. The MIDI Eight can distribute program changes to your entire band’s hardware rig, manage your program changes, and keep your effects in sync – all while being sturdy enough to endure the rigours of the road.

Classic Black Lion Build Quality:

With its sleek black aluminum enclosure and a MIDI monitor straight out of Knight Rider, the MIDI Eight adds versatile routing, reliability, and class to your synth rack. It may be hard to believe, but somehow Black Lion Audio figured out how to make MIDI sexy.

FEATURES

• 8-in / 8-out 128-channel MIDI interface
• Interface mode for use with your DAW
• 3 practical standalone routing modes for use without a computer
• Bold LED MIDI activity indicator per port
• Front-mounted Input 8 and Output 8 for quick connection to new devices
• 5-port powered USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub
• Built Black Lion tough

TECHNICAL SPECS

Type: USB MIDI Interface

Ports: 8 x 8

MIDI I/O: 8 x 5-pin DIN In, 8 x 5-pin DIN Out, USB-C

USB Hub: 5 x USB-C

Power: AC Adapter (optional) or USB bus-powered

Class-Compliance: macOS and Windows

DOWNLOADS

• Product Brochure
• User Manual