The Morningstar MIDI Box is a MIDI splitter box from Morningstar Engineering. Through a single 5-pin MIDI input, it splits your MIDI signal into eight isolated 3.5mm TRS MIDI outputs, plus a 5-pin MIDI thru, so one controller or interface can feed a whole pedalboard of TRS MIDI devices at once1. ThorpyFX, which sells the box, describes it as offering "many more outputs in a much smaller package"1.
What it does and why isolation matters
The box exists to solve a common pedalboard problem: one MIDI source, many MIDI pedals. The eight outputs are isolated, which ThorpyFX says maintains signal integrity after the split1. Each of the eight TRS outputs carries MIDI on a 3.5mm stereo jack, the connection style used by many modern compact pedals, and pairs naturally with a Morningstar MIDI controller such as the MC6, MC3, MC8 PRO or MC6 PRO1.
Tip and ring switching
TRS MIDI devices are not all wired the same way: some carry MIDI on the tip of the connector, some on the ring. The MIDI Box handles this with per-port switching12.
- MIDI outputs 1 to 6 are independently switchable, allowing you to send MIDI via the tip or ring according to your needs2
- ThorpyFX states that ports 1 to 6 being independently tip/ring switchable makes the box "compatible with all TRS MIDI devices"1
That means a single box can feed a mix of devices without adapters or rewiring: set each port to match the pedal it feeds12.
Power
The MIDI Box needs its own power connection. Morningstar specifies 9-12V DC center negative with a minimum draw of 20mA2; ThorpyFX lists it as 9V DC center negative, minimum 20mA1.
The two maker pages give the voltage range slightly differently: Morningstar says 9-12V DC and ThorpyFX says 9V DC. Both agree on center negative polarity and the 20mA minimum draw21.
Size and build
The enclosure is anodized aluminum measuring 117mm x 40mm x 40.5mm, with two indicator LED lights1. Morningstar says the box "will fit on or under any pedalboard with ease"2, so it can sit out of sight beneath your board rather than taking up surface space.
How it compares with the Disaster Area MIDI boxes
Disaster Area Designs makes MIDI boxes of its own, and the two makers' approaches differ in how they handle tip and ring34.
| Morningstar MIDI Box | Disaster Area MIDI Box ONE | Disaster Area MIDI Box 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outputs | 8 x isolated 3.5mm TRS plus 5-pin MIDI thru1 | Two MIDI outputs via Tip and Ring Active mode4 | Two MIDI outputs via Tip and Ring Active mode14 |
| Tip/ring handling | Per-port switch, outputs 1 to 62 | DIP switch modes, including TRS MIDI Type A for Boss, EAE and Jackson devices3 | DIP switch modes, including TRS MIDI Type A for Boss, EAE and Jackson devices3 |
| Power | 9-12V DC center negative, min 20mA2 | 9V DC, 40mA or less4 | 9-12V DC, 50mA maximum3 |
| Size | 117mm x 40mm x 40.5mm1 | 51mm x 51mm x 27mm4 | 112mm x 60mm x 27mm3 |
The Disaster Area MIDI Box ONE is the smallest of the three at 51mm x 51mm x 27mm4, while the MIDI Box 4 is closer to the Morningstar in footprint at 112mm x 60mm x 27mm3. Both Disaster Area boxes use DIP switches to set modes, including a Tip and Ring Active mode that provides separate outputs on tip and ring for two MIDI outputs using a TRS Insert Cable43. The Morningstar instead gives you a physical switch on each of its six TRS ports, and offers eight isolated outputs where the Disaster Area boxes provide two21.
Videos
Morningstar Engineering
Questions
What does the Morningstar MIDI Box do?
It is a MIDI splitter box. Through a single 5-pin MIDI input, it splits your MIDI signal into eight isolated 3.5mm TRS MIDI outputs, plus a 5-pin MIDI thru. The isolated outputs are there to maintain signal integrity after the split, so one MIDI source can feed a whole pedalboard of TRS MIDI devices.
How many outputs does the Morningstar MIDI Box have?
It has eight isolated 3.5mm TRS MIDI outputs and one 5-pin MIDI thru, fed from a single 5-pin MIDI input. Each of the eight outputs can be set independently to send MIDI on the tip or the ring of the connector.
Does the Morningstar MIDI Box need power?
Yes. It runs on DC power at 9 to 12 volts, center negative, drawing a minimum of 20mA. It needs its own supply output rather than sharing, since a daisy chain may not cover the minimum draw alongside other pedals.
What polarity does the Morningstar MIDI Box power supply use?
Center negative. Morningstar specifies 9-12V DC center negative with a minimum current draw of 20mA.
Can I switch tip and ring on the Morningstar MIDI Box?
Yes. MIDI outputs 1 to 6 are independently switchable, so you can send MIDI via the tip or the ring on each port according to your needs. ThorpyFX notes this makes the box compatible with all TRS MIDI devices.
How big is the Morningstar MIDI Box?
The enclosure measures 117mm x 40mm x 40.5mm, a compact box designed to fit on or under any pedalboard with ease.
Sources (4)
- Morningstar MIDI Box, ThorpyFX
- MIDI Box, Morningstar Engineering
- MIDI Box 4.2, Disaster Area Designs
- MIDI Box ONE, Disaster Area Designs
