User guide

HARDWARE INSTALLATION
15
The USB ( Universal Serial Bus ) specification allows many
USB devices — theoretically up to 127 — to be connected
to a single computer. However, many USB devices,
including all MOTU USB interfaces, reserve USB
bandwidth, so the theoretical and practical limits for
MOTU interfaces are considerably fewer. In theory, the
maximum number of MOTU USB interfaces you can
connect to one computer is just over 30 interfaces.
Practically speaking, regardless of how slow or fast your
USB-equipped computer is, you should be able to connect
upwards of 10 or more MOTU USB MIDI interfaces to the
computer and still enjoy just as much performance from
each one as if it were the only one connected. Just don’t try
to run your USB scanner or digital camera while playing
back and recording MIDI!
For further details about USB, visit www.usb.org.
To connect multiple MOTU interfaces to a computer,
you’ll need an inexpensive device called a
USB Hub
(purchased separately from your computer peripherals
dealer). A USB Hub has multiple Type A ports on it,
usually between 4 and 7 ports, to which you connect
multiple USB MIDI interfaces as shown in Figure 2-8.
Connect them to the hub in the standard fashion, as if you
were connecting them directly to the computer. If needed,
you can connect multiple hubs to each other to get enough
USB ports for your multiple MOTU USB interfaces.
WHAT NEXT?
You’re ready to install software. Turn to chapter 3,
“Software Installation and Setup” (page 17).
!USB Interfaces Manual Book Page 15 Tuesday, August 16, 2011 11:21 AM