The Free The Tone MB-3 is a MIDI thru box: a small utility unit that takes the MIDI data coming from one device, such as a controller or a MIDI-capable pedal, and sends an identical copy of it to three outputs at once. Free The Tone describes it as splitting one stream of MIDI data into three for parallel data transmission, which means every connected device receives the same messages at the same time rather than passing data along a chain1.
For a player, that solves a common wiring problem on a MIDI-equipped pedalboard. Instead of daisy chaining one device's MIDI thru into the next, each device gets its own cable straight back to the MB-3, so timing stays consistent and one device with no MIDI thru output does not cut off the devices behind it. It sits alongside Free The Tone's other MIDI utilities such as the MC-3 controller and the larger MB-5 thru box, and it belongs to the wider family of MIDI pedals used to control modern pedalboards1.
What it does and how it is connected
The MB-3 has four DIN 5-pin connectors in total: one MIDI IN and three MIDI OUT1. Its job is simple and passive in concept even though the unit itself is powered: data entering the input is distributed to all three outputs simultaneously, so a single MIDI source can drive three devices in parallel1.
| Connection | Count | Connector |
|---|---|---|
| MIDI IN | 1 | DIN 5-pin |
| MIDI OUT | 3 | DIN 5-pin |
Power
The MB-3 runs on a DC9V dedicated AC adapter, model FA-0905D-JA, and draws approximately 11mA1. Because it is an active unit rather than a hardwired pass-through, it needs that power connection to distribute MIDI to its three outputs.
Free The Tone specifies its own dedicated AC adapter for the MB-3, so a standard pedalboard power supply output may not be a suitable substitute1.
Size and price
Free The Tone lists the MB-3 at 100(W) x 45(D) x 30(H)mm, a measurement that includes protrusions such as the jacks, and a weight of approximately 110g excluding accessories1. That is small enough to tuck into the gaps of a pedalboard between the devices it links. The maker's list price is 16,500 yen with tax included1.
Questions
What does a MIDI thru box do?
A MIDI thru box takes the MIDI data arriving at its single input and sends an identical copy to several outputs at once. That lets one controller or pedal feed multiple devices, such as pedals, rack units and amp switchers, without daisy chaining them. The Free The Tone MB-3 splits one MIDI input into three outputs for parallel data transmission.
How many MIDI outputs does the Free The Tone MB-3 have?
The MB-3 has three MIDI outputs and one MIDI input, all on DIN 5-pin connectors, four in total. It splits the single input signal into three outputs so up to three devices can receive the same MIDI data in parallel.
What power supply does the Free The Tone MB-3 use?
Free The Tone specifies a DC9V dedicated AC adapter, model FA-0905D-JA. The box draws approximately 11mA of current.
Does the Free The Tone MB-3 need power to pass MIDI?
Yes. The MB-3 is an active device that runs on a DC9V dedicated AC adapter and draws approximately 11mA, so it needs its power connection to distribute MIDI data to its three outputs.
How big is the Free The Tone MB-3?
Free The Tone lists the MB-3 at 100(W) x 45(D) x 30(H)mm including protrusions such as jacks, and a weight of approximately 110g excluding accessories.
Sources (1)
- MB-3｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
