MIDI utilities specialist Kenton's THRU-25 is a new addition to its growing family of compact MIDI utility boxes that allows up to 25 MIDI devices to be connected to one MIDI output port.

As implied by name, the THRU-25 boasts no fewer than 25 sequentially-numbered MIDI Thru ports, each with separate drive circuits for optimum performance, plus one opto-coupled MIDI IN (MIDI input) port — and all with latency of less than one microsecond. Active circuitry helps restore the quality of signals received at that MIDI input as they may have become degraded by losses incurred in the MIDI cable connecting the keyboard, computer, or other "master" MIDI device to the THRU-25. In use, up to 25 "slave" MIDI devices can be conveniently controlled by simply connecting them to those multiple MIDI Thru ports — one MIDI device per port.

Housed in a road-ready metal box finished in brushed aluminum with black screen print measuring merely 300mm x 54mm x 35mm and weighing in at 460g (including the power supply), the THRU-25 is powered by a plug-top, switch-mode power supply (supplied with the unit as one of four types — Australia, EU, UK, or USA — appropriate to the delivery address). As such, there's no need for periodic battery changes to keep the unit up and running.

Instead, the ACTIVE LED emits a steady green light to indicate when power is connected and no MIDI data is being received at the MIDI IN port. In turn, that green light flickers when MIDI data is being received — really helpful for trouble-shooting at a glance.

The THRU-25 can be purchased at  http://www.kentonuk.com/thru25 for approximately $200 (excluding tax and shipping).