If you look at the arrows on that far right control port, it sends data out on the tip and can receive data from the ring but it can’t send data out on the ring. If it could send data out on the ring, it would work with the CBA MIDI configuration that Ribbons has.
I know it works with Meris, Empress, Alexander and some others but I don’t think it will work with Kinotone or Chase Bliss without a special adapter or cable. The guitar pedal industry unfortunately uses a number of different approaches to MIDI communication that differ from the MIDI standard. The only MIDI box I know of that’s compatible with all of the different configurations is this one:
If you really want to use the Empress MIDI box to communicate with Ribbons, you have two options:
Option 1: Use the MIDI Thru Port + an adapter
Unless you’re using the MIDI thru port for something else, this would be my recommendation. You will need to use a DIN MIDI to TRS Type A or Type B adapter cable and connect that directly to Ribbons. We recommend a number of options that are available in the USA on this page but I’m not sure which of these is available in the UK.
Option 2: Use Ribbons' CBA Jumper option + an adapter
Use the CBA option (both jumpers in the lowest position) AND:
- Use a TRS cable where the tip and ring are swapped on one side of the cables. If the tip and ring are swapped on one of the TRS connectors, it should (in-theory) work with any of the control ports on the Empress MIDI box. We recommend using a short cable for this that is less than 3 feet in length.
OR - Modfiy your Empress MIDI box. This requires soldering but Empress provides schematics on their website and I can guide you through the process to make one of the control ports “Ring Active”. We also recommend using a TRS cable that is less than 3 feet in length for this option.
Yes, please let me know! I am happy to help with troubleshooting and will be around tomorrow for quick responses via the forum. We test all the MIDI configurations during end of line testing so I’d be surprised if it was faulty but I won’t totally rule it out.
Thanks for your patience with this @focalsounds