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Hi ... Just got a Yamaha P125 digital piano. It's great overall, but has only a square USB B output for a MIDI connection. I want to control an old Emu Procussion drum machine with it but that has the standard 5-pin DIN MIDI jack. I contacted Yamaha and they said the only solution was the expensive Kenton USB MIDI host ($150). Is there really no cheaper direct solution? I don't want a laptop in the middle and preferably not even a phone.

How about this sort of thing? I haven't used it before though. LINK

Possibly even cheaper from ebay etc. Maybe better read some reviews. If the performance isn't good enough, then getting a more expensive module should definitely do the trick.

Yeah that's the type of device I'm hoping would work but want to hear from someone with a P125 that has connected it successfully to some old MIDI gear and used the keyboard as a controller.

Also check this one ....... this one definitely works. LINK

The one in the previous post can cost as little as 5 dollars. But no review seen about that first one yet.

I think that an adapter - such as a USB Type B ...... to a USB Type A adapter, will be needed ------ unless we can find a module that already has the Type B connector.

Again, I hope to hear from someone who has tried one of these devices with a P125 (or something very similar) and old MIDI-controlled gear.

i have a Casio PX-350, a Korg synth with DIN MIDI jacks, and a M-Audio "Uno' USB-to-MIDI adapter.

I'll try to do a test tomorrow, playing on the PX-350, running through the Uno, and listening to the Korg synth.

The results ought to be comparable to what you'd get using the Yamaha, _if_ the Yamaha's MIDI-over-USB jack is "class-compliant".

I may be missing something, but I think neither will work. The USB port on P125 (type B connector as pointed by the OP) is a device port whereas the two USB-MIDI cables linked must be connected to a HOST (a PC or a box like the Kenton the OP mentioned). Even if one finds a type B to type A socket (as used in hosts) adapter, it will not work because of the characteristics of the USB ports. The exception would be OTG ports that may take both rules (host and devices) but I doubt this is the case of the P125's USB port.

EDIT: also, on the second link (the Fasgear's) you will find:

EVC is right! Thanks EVC. I was just taking a closer look at the details ----- and it indeed does say USB connection to computer. That's really disappointing.

I'm currently looking at this one online ------ "UMH-10 USB MIDI HOST Box Full-Speed Five-Pin Interface 16 Channels"

Some details at : LINK

Walmart sells it too.

Some promising signs ----- [HOST_LIST]

Yes, this one looks promising and more affordable. The down side in the OP's case is the need of an extra power supply or a USB portable battery. If the P125 had a host connector for a USB stick, it could be used to power this small box.

Thanks ... So you think the DoreMIDI might work to connect and control and old drum machine with the P125? Should I try to contact them for their guess on this?

It is very likely it will work. I believe the only thing the box does is passing MIDI messages between the USB-MIDI device (P125 in your case) and the MIDI ported device (drum machine). I doubt it performs any kind of analysis or filtering (but I would look at the manual if available online). And yes, IMO it is worth asking the manufacturer, unlike some user of this DoreMIDI device has a setup similar to yours.

I suggest you ask this question on the Keyboard Corner forum as well, that forum has more giggers than this one.

Finally, welcome to the forum.

BR.

Thanks for helping to double-check EVC. Very much appreciated. Good point about the power supply, as in either using the digital piano's usb stick port as the power source, or powerbank with USB sockets for power output.

I just ordered one of these UMH-10 a moment ago (through ebay). I can check/test it out on a P-515 when it gets here. Thanks again EVC!

Thanks, all. I'll contact them and see wat they say ...

The P121/125 series from Yamaha are not really suitable as midi controllers. They are great for standard playing of VST instruments (single USB cord for midi and audio) but lousy for anything else. Honestly if its drum backing you want and you have an iPhone you would be better off getting a cheap drum machine app and connecting your Phone to your Yamaha which has inbuilt USB audio.