Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Gee whiz. This is really going far beyond observable data.

(1) You cannot say "most" as there is no reliable database showing the results of consistently applied testing.  (If there is, please post the link. The one at MIDIBox is not the result of consistent testing--its more like anecdotal evidence.)

(2) The fact that there are many usb-midi interfaces that work successfully and consistently with sysex disproves your claim. Clearly some manufacturers have hardware, firmware, and/or software that work.  I would not call these workarounds; I'd call them the result of good design.

(3) The fact that >>some<< manufacturers can't get it right doesn't mean "it is impossible to send sysex messages reliably" via USB MIDI. My tests proved that even with a 1x1 interface (iConnectivity mio) sysex messages can be sent reliably.  My tests with the arduino communicating via usb-midi (1) to a softsynth at a higher serial rates than 31.25 kpbs and (2) to the CZ-5000 via midiox and an e-mu 2x2 interface prove that there is no "inherent limitation in usb midi" as you assert.

If my tests are flawed, please design your own tests and publish the results to support your claims. 

Instead of making false, overly broad assertions, let's work together to develop rigorous testing procedures and reporting protocols so we can help people sort out the interfaces and drivers that work from the ones that don't.

Steve



--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, Gordon JC Pearce <gordon@...> wrote:
>
> It looks like an inherent limitation in USB MIDI means that it is impossible to send sysex messages reliably.  This shows up as the inability for most USB interfaces to cope with sending a block of seven bytes like the CZ needs to kick off a sysex transfer.
> 
> It's sheer pot luck whether or not your interface will work or not.  Most won't.  There does not appear to be a workaround, because most manufacturers do not implement USB MIDI correctly and miss out the commands needed to send the trailing byte.
> 
> -- 
> Gordonjcp MM0YEQ
>