ByteArts.com MIDI Rocker LX - Play REAL drums in Rock Band
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MR LX

MIDI Rocker LX - Intelligent MIDI Interface/Game Controller for Drums in Rock Band™ and Guitar Hero®.

PlayStation | Wii | Xbox | MIDI OUT Option | Specifications | Ordering Info | Downloads | Support
Features:
  • Ready-to-use with most drum kits - comes pre-programmed with MIDI note mappings which work with most popular drum kits. (You can easily customize the note mappings if needed).
  • Integrated PlayStation® (2 or 3), or Wii® game controller with navigation "joystick", Start, Select, and Back buttons. Everything you need to control your PlayStation or Wii and navigate menus. Plugs into a USB port with the supplied cable.
  • Xbox Interface Option for interfacing to a Xbox Rock Band drum controller (RB1 or RB2). Requires some modification of the Rock Band drum controller.
  • MIDI OUT option for connecting to MIDI input on GHWT drum controller (for Wii or Xbox). Automatically converts MIDI data into values required to work with the GHWT controller. No modifications are required to the GHWT controller.
  • Adjustable MIDI note velocity threshold so light taps or crosstalk can be ignored.
  • MIDI notes can be mapped to each note "channel" any way you wish. Several MIDI notes can be mapped to each game "channel" (or note color). For example, you can map both the rim and pad notes to same channel.
  • Two independent note maps are available. You can have different mappings for different songs, or one set of maps for Rock Band, another for Guitar Hero. You can quickly switch between maps, even "on the fly".
  • Includes Windows software to easily view and edit note maps, log and examine MIDI data, test your drums and maps, and save and recall settings. (Use of software is optional -- the MIDI Rocker LX can be completely programmed using the front panel controls).
  • All settings are stored in non-volatile memory and are "remembered" between sessions.
  • Free firmware updates. Flash memory for firmware upgrades to add new features and compatibility with new games and devices. (A Windows PC is required to install firmware updates).
  • 10' USB cable included.
  • MIDI cable(s) available as an option.

If you have a Yamaha EZ MIDI guitar, you can even use the MIDI Rocker LX to play guitar in Rock Band (or Guitar Hero) on the PlayStation! See here for more information.
Game/Console Options:
PlayStation
  • MIDI Rocker LX connects directly to the USB port on the console.
  • Emulates both the Rock Band 2 controller and the Guitar Hero World Tour controller.
 Playstation diagram
Wii
  • Plugs directly into the USB on the Wii to emulate the Rock Band drum controller.
  • MIDI Out option for connecting to a GHWT drum controller.
 Wii diagram
Xbox Xbox diagram
MIDI Rocker LX Specifications:
  • Dimensions: 1.51" x 3.63" x 2.27"
  • Weight: Approx. 0.3 lb.
  • Connectors:
      USB 2.0, B-type connector.
      MIDI IN: 5 pin DIN.
      Xbox Interface Option: 15 pin, D-sub connector.
      MIDI OUT Option: 5 pin DIN.
  • Processor: 48MHz, flash memory.
  • Cables: Includes 10' long USB 2.0 cable. MIDI cable available separately.
Windows Software for Setup and Diagnostics:
GUI Program drum test screen
Note Mapping Screen Drum Test Screen

Ordering Information

Solution Graphics
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MIDI Rocker LX (MR-LX)
MR-LX
MIDI Rocker LX		 Includes:
 · MIDI Rocker LX.
 · 10' USB cable.
 · Printed User's Guide.
 · Windows software (via download).
 · Free firmware updates.
 · 30 day no-risk return, 6 month warranty on parts and labor.


Status: BACKORDERED. You can place an order to reserve a unit in the next batch, or contact me at support@bytearts.com if you would like an update on the status.
Pricing: (all prices in US dollars)
$119.00 + Shipping.
Shipping Charges (via USPS Priority Mail): US: $5.00, Canada/Mexico: $19, International: $27.00
System Type
 
Options: MIDI Cable, MIDI OUT Interface, Xbox Interface.
* Note: To use the MIDI Rocker LX with the Xbox you need either the Xbox Interface and a modified Rock Band drum controller OR the MIDI OUT option and a Guitar Hero World Tour drum controller.

Shipping and Delivery Times:
Current Status: IN STOCK.
All shipments are sent via USPS Priority Mail (3-5 day delivery time inside the US, 10-14 days for international). You will receive an email with tracking information when your order is shipped.

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS - Please include a phone number to help insure delivery. The customs office or post office will use this to contact you if there are any issues. Your phone number will not be used for any other purpose.
   
   
  MIDI Cable
MIDI Cable
Optional MIDI Cable
You will need a MIDI cable to connect the your drums to the MIDI Rocker LX. Length is 3 feet (0.9m).
Price: $6.
     

  MIDI OUT Option  
  MIDI Rocker LX with MIDI Out Option
MIDI OUT Option installed in MIDI Rocker LX.		 The Guitar Hero World Tour (GHWT) drum controller has MIDI input which accepts MIDI data and works with some drum kits. Unfortunately it requires specific MIDI note numbers, and if your drum kit's brain doesn't allow you to assign specific note numbers to each trigger input, it may not work. Even if your drum brain has this capability, it can be difficult and time-consuming to set up the proper configuration.

With the MIDI OUT option, you can connect the MIDI output of the MIDI Rocker LX to the MIDI input on a Guitar Hero World Tour (GHWT) drum controller and the MIDI Rocker LX will automatically convert the MIDI data received from your drum kit into the values required by the GHWT controller. You can take advantage of all the features of the MIDI Rocker LX like flexible note mapping, crosstalk rejection and multiple note maps.

Price: $10*

*Note: The MIDI OUT Option is valid only when ordered with a MIDI Rocker LX. If you already have a MIDI Rocker LX and are interested in adding the MIDI OUT Option, please contact me at support@bytearts.com for more information.

Have enough MIDI cables? To use the MIDI OUT option, you will need 2 MIDI cables -- one to connect your drums to the MIDI Rocker, another to connect the MIDI Rocker to the GHWT drum controller.

Need a GHWT drum controller? I recommend you check out the one's available at eDrums.info.
     
  Xbox/Rock Band Controller Interface Options
  Xbox RB2 Package The MIDI Rocker LX can be connected to either an Xbox 360 Rock Band 1 or Rock Band 2 controller using a special interface module and cable (as shown in photo on the left). The module is installed inside the LX, and the cable is connected to the Xbox drum controller by soldering wires to the Xbox controller.
When you connect the MIDI Rocker LX to the Xbox drum controller, the LX sends signals to the controller which emulate the same signals generated when you hit a drum pad, cymbal, or kick pedal on the controller.

When used with an Xbox Rock Band 2 controller, you will get distinct cymbal sounds during drum fills in Rock Band 2.

When you use the MIDI Rocker LX with the Xbox 360 you can take advantage of the additional features available on the MIDI Rocker, such as easy setup, programmable note maps, adjustable crosstalk cancelling, on-the-fly map switching, and many more.

For additional information, see the Xbox Interface Feature Chart.
Order your Xbox Interface option below...


  Modified Xbox RB2 Controller for use with LX
Order this option if you want a ready-to-play solution for the Xbox.
  Xbox RB2 Controller Price: $85
Includes:
·Modified Xbox RB2 controller (as pictured at left), with drum pads removed and interface cable soldered into place.
·Xbox Interface module (installed inside the MIDI Rocker LX).
Due to availability of controllers, and additional labor and testing, please allow 7-14 days for us to ship your order.
   
   
  LX-Xbox Interface Module
Order a MIDI Rocker LX and this option if you are going to supply your own controller. If you wish, you can send your controller to me for modification, send me a note at scottp@bytearts.com to make arrangements, or see the Xbox RB2 Mod Instructions for instructions on doing the modifications yourself.
  Xbox interface module and cable Price: $15
Includes:
·Interface module (installed inside the MIDI Rocker LX).
· Interface cable with wires for connecting to a Rock Band 1 or Rock Band 2 Xbox controller (requires soldering).
Xbox Controller Type
   


 

Downloads for MIDI Rocker LX
   Install program Complete Software Package, V2010.5.24 [1.4MB] - Includes the LX User's Guide, LX/EZ Guitar User's Guide, MIDI Rocker software, all latest firmware releases (version 1.9), and firmware update software. Released May 24, 2010.
 
    Links to Documents (included in the main download above)
    HTML Text Release Notes - Information about latest changes, and version history.
    PDF File LX User's Guide [250KB] - instructions for using the MIDI Rocker LX.
    PDF File LX/EZ Guitar User's Guide [120KB] - instructions for using the MIDI Rocker LX with the Yamaha EZ guitar.
   
   PDF File RB2 Mod Instructions [7.3MB] - instructions for modifying an Xbox Rock Band 2 controller for use with the MIDI Rocker LX and the Xbox Interface Option.
 
   PDF File RB1 Mod Instructions [352KB] - instructions for modifying an Xbox Rock Band 1 controller for use with the MIDI Rocker LX and the Xbox Interface Option.
   

Support
  Check out our Google Group! Get help, tips, and advance information about new features.  
  Google Groups
MIDI Rocker
Visit this group
 
  Email Support: support@bytearts.com
   

Rock Band® is a trademark of Harmonix. PlayStation, PS3 are trademarks of Sony Inc. Wii is a trademark of Ninetendo. Guitar Hero World Tour is a trademark of Activision Publishing Inc. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.