Old Motifator threads are available in the Archive.
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
Is it possible to use my Korg NanoKontrol and/or NanoPad to control the Rack-XS? I was thinking that I might get a USB cable that would allow me to connect either Korg unit directly to the Rack-XS. OR Use my DAW to “route” the Korg stuff over to the Rack-XS? Thanks for all your previous help Pierre |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
In order to directly connect the Korg devices, the Rack-XS would have to function as a USB Host - but it doesn’t have that capability. You could buy a USB Host adapter (fairly expensive), or build your own (not expensive, but requires certain skills). Otherwise, use your computer and software for routing. |
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
Hi 5pinDIN,
Using the TIP on page 28 of my rack owner’s manual,
I programmed the first 8 pads of the Beatstep with the following bank select/program changes:
1> PRE1 :002
I initially used MIDI-OX to test my Beatstep programming. Here is my MIDI-OX device setup:
As you can see the bank selection and program selections work. MIDI-OX has a hard time decoding the different program selections but that’s not an issue. I have my system connected this way. My M-AUDIO Keystation 88 normally feeds note on/off data to the rack via the 5pin DIN connector. Now, with the USB Host in circuit, it is connected as follows. The Beatstep sends it’s data to the USB host via the USB port. The host, then feeds MIDI to one of the inputs of a MIDI merge box. The Keystation 88 feeds MIDI to the other input of the merge box. The output of the merge box is then sent to the MIDI IN connector of the rack.
When I am programming and testing the Beatstep programming, the Beatstep is connected to my computer system via it’s USB port and not connected to the USB host. While testing the programming (still connected to the system and MIDI-OX) I could see the bank and program changes being changed on the rack’s display and the appropriate voice was selected and I could hear it through my speakers.
Thank you in advance for any help
|
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
From what I’ve found online, the Arturia Beatstep comes with an adapter cable that provides 5-pin-DIN MIDI output. In order to help determine why the Rack isn’t “getting” the Program Change message, I’d suggest that for now you eliminate the MIDI merger and USB host, and connect the Beatstep directly to the Rack via 5-pin MIDI. Obviously, you won’t be able to trigger notes with your keyboard controller that way, but you should be able to see if the Rack responds correctly to Bank and Program Change sent by the Beatstep. Let us know what happens. |
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
I will try that. But I should mention that when the Beatstep is connected to my “system” using a USB cable connected to my computer and NOT connecting it to the USB Host and merge box. With it connected like this and using MIDI-OX, the Rack responds correctly. It gets the bank change and the Program Change. I can see this on the Rack’s display screen and I can hear it from the speakers. In this mode, the Rack editor is not running. |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
Yes, and that’s why I suggested connecting the Beatstep directly to the Rack, without the merger and host. Once you determine what happens that way, it should help to figure out what else to check. |
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
Ok..
Any ideas?
Thanks for your help
|
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
Since it seems the problem you’re having is due to the Yamaha Rack XS Editor not passing Program Change messages, I decided to check using my Motif XF and its Editor. I encountered the same thing. It appears that for some reason ("feature" or bug), Yamaha Editors filter Program Change messages. I can’t find a way to change that behavior. A workaround would be to run MIDI-OX along with the Editor - set MIDI-OX up for Port 3 input. In order to avoid note doubling, turn Thru off on the Editor (lower right corner of the display). That works with my XF, and it should work with the Rack XS and its Editor as well. Please let us know. |
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
Or don’t use the editor at all. All I am trying to do is change patches faster than “dialing” them in with the Rack’s front panel buttons and knob while working within my DAW or even outside of it. Why would I use the editor at all??? But, I will try your idea anyway. Could you do me a favor and review my MIDI-OX devices setup in my post above and indicate where I would set Port 3 input as you have suggested? Also, will running MIDI-OX in this way cause a conflict with my DAW?
Thanks
|
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
It wasn’t clear that you’re not editing. If all you’re using the Editor for is MIDI data routing, then that’s not a good reason to use it.
Â
If you’re only going to use the Keystation and the BeatStep, I’d suggest connecting both to the merger via 5-pin MIDI (you don’t need the USB host for that), and connect the output of the merger into the Rack XS MIDI-In. Connect the Rack to your computer via USB. The Rack’s Port 3 is identified as “Yamaha MOTIF-R XS-3” - you can use that for the MIDI-OX input. Port 1 ("Yamaha MOTIF-R XS-1") would be the output, as you already have it. However, have you tried the same port assignment with your DAW? Perhaps your DAW does a better job of passing Program Change messages than the Yamaha Editor does, in which case using MIDI-OX with the DAW wouldn’t be necessary. |
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
I suppose I would use the editor to do offline editing and auditioning, then use my setup without it for actual usage.
That’s exactly how I got it to work last night :)
Whenever I do that, I don’t get any output at all from the Rack unless I launch the editor.
Thanks, it gets a bit confusing with MIDI-OX as to what is an input vs output.
I’ll give that a try tonight…
Thanks a lot 5PinDin:)
|
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
That’s normal - using Port 3 with the Rack acting as an interface via 5-pin MIDI requires routing the MIDI data through software. That software could be the Yamaha Editor, a DAW, MIDI-OX, or perhaps something else. Of course, if you don’t want to run any computer apps, you could leave USB disconnected and just play the keys.
Â
You’re welcome, keep us posted. |
pblais
Total Posts: 95
Joined 03-05-2015 status: Experienced |
Don’t yell at me too loud 5PinDin for what I am about to tell you. After investing all this time, I won’t be writing to you in this part of the forum anymore but will be moving any future posts to the MOXF section.
Thanks for all the previous help. I do have one quick question. What is the difference between the Mutec FMC-06 1GB flash board and the 1GB Yamaha XF flash board other than the Mutec one is $50 cheaper? Which is better and would you recommend? Thanks again for all your help Pierre |
5pinDIN
Total Posts: 11891
Joined 09-16-2010 status: Legend |
I’m not going to yell at you at all. In fact, I seem to remember back a few months ago suggesting that you trade in what you had for a used Motif XS. Having a keyboard model just makes doing many things a whole lot easier. I think you’ll enjoy the MOXF8.
Â
You’re welcome, and I’ll try to help if you have MOXF questions as well.
Â
I don’t have any direct experience with the Mutec model, but from what I’ve read, it performs just like the Yamaha one. The two brands use the same flash memory chips. Since I haven’t seen a single complaint about the Mutec modules, I don’t see why you shouldn’t get one.
They’re available here in the Motifator Shop…
...and no, I don’t get a commission. Â :-) |