Knot is your compact and versatile USB MIDI host Knot is the perfect solution for musicians looking to bridge the gap between old-school MIDI gear like synthesizers, guitar pedals and USB-MIDI devices. With Knot, you can directly control your MIDI devices using Grid or other USB controllers.

Compatibility

Knot is equipped with two 3.5mm TRS jacks for sending and receiving MIDI data (both A and B TRS MIDI standards are supported). The jacks combined with the HOST port on the front ensure compatibility with countless setups.

Size & weight

Measuring just 60mm x 60mm x 10mm and weighing approximately 120 grams, Knot is a palm-sized device that is designed with portability in mind.

Firmware

Knot receives regular firmware updates with new features and other improvements. Updating is snappy and straightforward using the Grid Editor software. Knot is an open hardware project, and all source files are available on GitHub.

Powering

Knot got you covered with its wide range of powering options. Whether you are a guitarist with an extensive collection of pedals and chargers, or someone who keeps spare DC adapters just in case, Knot is an ideal choice with its extensive DC charging options. The device features an automatic polarity checking mechanism, allowing you to use chargers with either positive or negative tip without any issue. Power Knot with a USB-C cable, your trusty old guitar pedal power supply or with a power adapter from the MIDI Essentials Pack.

Usage Instructions:

Knot hosting Intech Studio's Grid

Using Knot as a USB MIDI Host for connecting Grid with your hardware MIDI devices is straightforward. You'll need the following things to get started:

Knot
1x Grid module of your choice (-or more of course!) and its respective USB-C cable for power and data
1x MIDI cable, for connecting Knot with the MIDI hardware device (either a 3.5mm TRS cable or a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable with a TRS adapter)


To connect the devices together:
Knot plugged into a power source either through the "USB-C" port or the "DC IN" port
Grid plugged into Knot through the "USB HOST" port
the MIDI hardware device plugged into the "MIDI OUT" of Knot with a MIDI cable

To check if everything's working as it should, look out for the LEDs on the Knot frontplate. When Knot first receives ample power the 3 LEDs will light up in purple for a second. After boot, while a USB device is connected it should be green with the occasional white blip indicating when a message is being sent or received.

Knot hosting other MIDI devices

Using Knot as a USB MIDI Host for connecting Grid with you hardware MIDI devices is straightforward. You'll need the following things to get started:
1x Knot and its respective USB-C cable for power or a DC power adapter
1x USB MIDI Device of your choice
1x MIDI cable, for connecting Knot with the MIDI hardware device (either a 3.5mm TRS cable or a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable with a TRS adapter)

To connect the devices together:

Knot plugged into a power source either through the "USB-C" port or the "DC IN" port
the MIDI device plugged into Knot through the "USB HOST" port
the MIDI hardware device plugged into the "MIDI OUT" of Knot with a MIDI cable

To check if everything's working as it should, look out for the LEDs on the Knot frontplate. When Knot first receives ample power the 3 LEDs will light up in purple for a second. After boot, while a USB device is connected it should be green with the occasional white blip indicating when a message is being sent or received.

Knot TRS MIDI output

For example a synth will usually have one MIDI channel it receives MIDI CC or Note messages on. You can usually set this MIDI channel in the synth's menu.

As a rule of thumb: Devices that can receive MIDI messages, do so by default on MIDI channel 1 or on all channels.

Set this MIDI channel to the same one set in your Hosted Device. In the case of Grid, check the MIDI Action Blocks in Grid Editor and configure them to the same MIDI channel set on your instrument.

TRS MIDI output

The output through the USB Host port will be mirrored (as far as MIDI is concerned) on the TRS MIDI output connector of Knot.

Tech specs

Weight: ~ 120 grams (~ 0,26 lb)
Size: 60mm x 60mm x 10mm (2.36 x 2.36 x 0.39 inches)
Material: black aluminium housing

Portable and lightweight USB MIDI host equipped with:

TRS MIDI input port
TRS MIDI output port
USB-C port for charging and updating the device
Hardware A / B switch for changing the TRS wiring mode
Mode button for updating the firmware
3 indicator LEDs