REVIEW BEHRINGER GO MIDI INTERFACE: Add USB MIDI to older synthesizers

Got an old synthesizer like a DX7 which you’d like to connect to your DAW? Maybe the MIDI-out port on your DAW already has a synth plugged in, but you’d like to connect another old synth that does not have USB out, how are you going to connect it?

MOTU Midi Express 128, 8-port interface, click to enlarge

I have a couple of MOTU rack mount MIDI interfaces for my main DAW, each has eight channels of 5-pin input and output jacks. Since my most recent upgrade these MOTU interfaces have not been used heavily. The problem with using this interface is the software that must be installed, it’s proprietary, it must be downloaded and installed on the system to use the MOTU multiport interfaces. It’s not surprising these rack mount beasts are disappearing from the gear landscape. 

The engineers at Behringer have created a class compliant hardware solution, a small cube shaped MIDI interface. On one side of the cube are two 5-pin MIDI DIN jacks for traditional IN and OUT connections, on the other side are two USB-C connectors to support connecting to your Macintosh computer. The interface will also supposedly work on a Windows PC but I did not test that capability. 

Message from Uli Behringer on the box, click to enlarge

NO USER GUIDE - Guessing How To Use It

There was no user guide in the box, none, not even the typical Quick Start in 11-languages. Nothing. I’ve been treading slowly but my initial tests have gone well, I can play my DX7 synthesizer with my DAW. This means I can use my Arturia controller-keyboard which is connected to my DAW, to play the DX7 connected to an available USB port on my music computer. It required a quick configuration in Audio-Midi Setup on the Mac to make this connection available in my Logic Pro DAW software.

SCRAPING INTERNET FOR SPECIFICATIONS

Guidance from Behringer is very slim. “Note-information” and “velocity” are all I have experimented with so far but it is pretty cool for composing with one of my favorite antique synthesizers. I can leave the synth standing on its end in the corner (out of the way), connected to the GO MIDI interface, and use it as a voice module. It’s easy to record and edit MIDI tracks in Logic Pro and send them to the GO MIDI DX7 interface, then record those performances on audio tracks when I’ve got them edited.

INEXPENSIVE

The Behringer GO MIDI HOST is currently priced at $29.00 from dealers (qualifies for Bargain Studio Hack). It can self power if plugged into a powered USB-C hole, or there is a second USB-C hole on the GO MIDI HOST labeled power. 

USB-C jacks and  recessed Reset Button

LIKES

• Low price
• Tiny size
• USB powered
• Class Compliant on Mac OS

DISLIKES

• Zero owner information included or available
• MIDI Din jacks are very tight on some connections

EPILOGUE

I will keep experimenting with this interface and update this review if I learn more. Anecdotal information tells me you can use more than one of these on a single computer. I only have one currently. Supposedly multiple GO MIDI HOST units can be used simultaneously with a USB hub. 

So many fun gadgets, so little time. It’s cheap, it’s small, it’s backed by a network of reliable dealers, and most important of all, it helps me be creative blending old instruments with new song ideas. The GO MIDI HOST is a go for me!

Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!

©September 2025 by Mark King, it is NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.

Have you created anything with MIDI today? Made any beautiful music?