MIDI spec question (is this allowed?)

Miscellaneous
1

Alright, I’ve got two keyboard controllers. I would like to use them both without having to build (or,… gasp!.. buy) an interface with multiple inputs/outputs.

Here’s what I’m thinking. -  build a MIDI Y cable. Have the two ends of the Y go to each of the controllers, and the other end of the Y go into my synth rack.

Would that work, and not violate MIDI protocol? Or should I just go get a nice, rackmount, USB interface?

2

I assume that your controllers do not have MIDI Inputs? Normally you would put them in a chain like so:

Controller 1 Out ------ In Controller 2 Out — Rack

Anyway the Y adapter would have to be a midi merger.

Hope that helps!

3

build a MIDI Y cable

You cant simply connect wires as a “Y” to merge midi signals is this is what you want to know.

You need electronics to merge datas in a logical way.