Intech Studio KNOT USB MIDI Host is a compact interface that bridges USB MIDI with hardware gear equipped with TRS MIDI connectors. It operates as a standalone host – no computer required – making it a practical addition to both studio racks and DAWless live rigs.
No Computer – Hardware MIDI Plays Together
KNOT acts as a USB MIDI host: connect a USB controller (Intech Grid modules or any class-compliant device) and route MIDI directly to a synthesizer, groovebox, or guitar pedal via a 3.5mm TRS socket. The hardware A/B switch on the unit lets you match the pin assignment to a specific manufacturer's standard – type A covers Korg, Make Noise, IK Multimedia, and Line 6; type B covers Arturia and Novation. That means no hunting for adapters when wiring cables between incompatible devices.
Power Options for Any Rig
KNOT accepts power via USB-C or an external DC supply ranging from 6 to 15 V, with automatic polarity detection – any guitar pedal power supply works regardless of tip polarity. Three LEDs report device status: host connection, MIDI activity, and firmware update mode. Firmware updates run through Grid Editor software, and the entire design is open hardware with source files available on GitHub.
KEY FEATURES
- Standalone USB MIDI host – operates without a computer
- Two 3.5mm TRS MIDI IN and MIDI OUT ports with hardware A/B standard switch
- MIDI merge mode combines USB and TRS input signals for flexible multi-device routing
- Powered via USB-C or DC 6–15 V with automatic polarity detection
- Firmware updates via Grid Editor; open hardware project (GitHub)
- Class-compliant USB MIDI compatibility – works with Grid and third-party controllers
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 60 mm x 60 mm x 10 mm
- Weight: approx. 120 g
- Housing: black aluminium
- MIDI connectors: 2x 3.5mm TRS (IN and OUT), A/B switch
- Data/power connector: USB-C
- External power: DC 6–15 V, automatic polarity detection
- Indicators: 3x LED (status, MIDI activity, firmware mode)