MRCC Port Labelling: XpandR 4+1 and Remote 7

[SteveECrane]

Help!

How do I assign port labels to the ports of the MRCC XpandR 4+1 and MRCC Remote 7 optional expansion modules?

I invested in both, retiring my many, not inexpensive Kenton MIDI Merge and Thru boxes, only to (seemingly) find there's virtually no benefit to this additional investment whatsoever! 

The remote MIDI In and Out expansion units appear almost entirely 'dumb': no filtering, no labelling, no MIDI control whatsoever. As far as these devices are concerned, it appears to be an expensive mistake in standing still.

Please advise.

And if these are not integrated into the MRCC, then perhaps Conductive Labs ought to clearly state this on the appropriate web pages AND in the user manual(s).

Port labelling has always been a sloppy implementation, despite it having the potential to be incredibly powerful; however, I stuck with it, despite the constant failed allocations. However, this lack of integration is somewhat unforgivable given the sales hyperbole and marketing rhetoric on the site: 

"Up to four XpandRs can be attached to the MRCC’s USB host ports. Inputs and the Output are routed the same way as MRCC’s USB host MIDI virtual ports. So it’s quick and easy to route XpandR’s ports; it’s like they were built-in to MRCC." 

and 

"Cleanly and conveniently extend the MRCC’s MIDI outputs with the Remote 7!" 

or, am I simply being ignorant and unfair, having missed something?

Advice and help please...!

Cheers,
Steve.

[House de Kris]

I understand the frustration of getting new gear and finding it doesn't work as wished/hoped/desired. Then posting your situation on a forum and waiting for days for a response. Looks like you just posted this, so hopefully you will take comfort in someone hearing your plea for help.

I have both a Remote 7 and an XpandR. My remote 7 duplicates the upper ports (doesn't add additional ports), so I don't think I have any experience to help with this topic. But, I do use the XpandR to give a 5-pin MIDI Out and four additional 5-pin MIDI Ins from a USB host port. In my case, I am able to label the ports (both In and Out) just as I would with ports mounted on the front panel. In addition, all filtering and other voo-doo the MRCC is known for can be applied to the new DIN ports on the XpandR. This all happens without any special tricks or secret incantations. In fact, all four USB host ports allow you to name four input and one output port each, no matter if it is the XpandR or synths/controllers plugged into it.

Other than that, I've got nothing. Perhaps if you give greater detail of your setup and issues, someone will see a nugget to explore and expand on to solve your problem.