Change the display name of two identical USB devices(?)

[RuudNL]

I have two USB-to-MIDI adapters connected to my Windows computer.
They both identify themseves as "MIDI2.0". Of course this is a bit confusing, because you never know which USB adapter you are addressing. I already tried to use a registry editor to change the "FriendlyName" of the devices. I named them "MIDI2.0-1"and "MIDI2.0-2". But they still show up as "MIDI2.0" in application software. Of course it could be that the device name is read from the firmware, in that case I suppose there is no way to change the display name. And maybe I just want something that is simply impossible (as usual...), but I thought it was a good idea to ask if someone knows more about this.
(I don't mind if it is needed to always connect the same device to the same USB port. I don't change them often anyway.)
Just curious...

 

[PermO]

Don't know about labeling a device, but you should be able to rename it's midi ports.
Once you have assigned your ports you should probably keep connections the same every time.

I rename all my ins and outs in my DAW (Nuendo)

 

[Tubetec]

This might help ,
https://www.eightforums.com/threads/tutorial-how-to-change-device-names-in-device-manager.15321/

 

[RuudNL]

I think this amounts to the same thing as what I have already tried, namely changing the 'FriendlyName'. However, this did not produce the desired result.
(The name changes in the device manager, but unfortunately not in application software.)
I suppose the best thing to do is save the current configuration and 'glue' the USB connectors in place!

 

[Tubetec]

I have a no name USB-midi cable that cost 10 euros that works reliably
I found the Roland USb midi driver to work with it ,
Maybe apply a different driver to each midi interface , that way they should be labeled differently .

 

[mhelin]

Some MIDI-interfaces have support multiple devices, I think at least the ones from usb-midi.com (Ploytec). You can order a proto PCB from Ploytec (GM5) or commercial product from ESI, Midiface and Nektar at least. Ploytec also sells pre-programmed Atmel chips with GM5 software.
https://www.usb-midi.com/

 

[cyrano]

99% chance it's either FTDI or PL2303. Generic drivers for those are often plentiful...

https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/

FTDI also offers "virtual drivers" to solve this kind of problem.

https://www.prolific.com.tw/US/index.aspx

Needs an account. Register if you happen to have one of these.

 

[Tubetec]

Both USB/Midi devices are identical hardware , running on a differently labeled yet nominally the same driver ,
Windows doesnt know which is which , so you need to maintain continuity of usb port connection or windows might decide to kick one or other of the drivers ,

 

[cyrano]

Maybe you can find a laptop with two real serial ports?

[EDIT] strike that. Midi needs another clock, so you can't use a serial port without some hack.

Mind you, that's what I'd do. I messed around with real serial ports a lot and I haven't got much appreciation for these USB to serial chips. It works quite well, for one port.

I've just got a board in from Ali Express that needs serial. But I've got time. They delivered something completely different. Sigh...

 

[mhelin]

You could install alternative USB MIDI driver for the other interface so they would have different names, try Korg driver for an example (done here: http://midibox.org/forums/topic/16072-alternative-usb-midi-driver-for-windows-7-64bit/) or the Ploytec driver (https://www.usb-midi.com/terrasoniq_MIDI_OneII.zip). Obviously you have to install the driver manually in Device manager. Not quite sure that works though if both MIDI interfaces use the same VID and PID (vendor and product ID).

 

[mhelin]

Anyway, you should beware those cheap MIDI USB cables as they might not be built according to MIDI specification, for an example missing the optocoupler (creates ground loop if used without, and the input rarely works properly):
http://www.arvydas.co.uk/2013/07/cheap-usb-midi-cable-some-self-assembly-may-be-required/