I purchased the Melas tools for Motif XF (and orig. Montage). These are excellent; but I only use them occasionally; many, many months in between uses. I want to use them now and all the tools say ‘Motif XF is not connected’. Nothing has changed in the hardware set up: same interface, same laptop, same instrument. It’s probably a setting or something simple, perhaps on the Motif utility section. Any insights or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Hi,

Like you implied, the error is most likely down to a setting on the Motif XF or an update to the laptop’s OS etc., that took place since you last used the editor.

The software editor communicates with the instrument via MIDI, so see to it that your laptop has the correct drivers installed for your OS and connection type. Also, if possible, test that those drivers work in other MIDI applications.

On the Motif XF, start by going to [UTILITY] -> [F5 Control] -> [SF2 MIDI] and make sure the appropriate MIDI connection is selected ("MIDI", “USB” or optionally “FW” via the FW16E expansion).

- H -

It’s the same MacBook.
I’ll check that screen again.
Anyone had this occasional issue?

[email protected] - 25 July 2024 11:26 AM

I’ll check that screen again.

While at it, on the same menu screen, make sure that the Device Number is not set to “Off”. If it is, set it to “1” or “All” instead.

[email protected] - 25 July 2024 11:26 AM

Anyone had this occasional issue?

I’ve searched the forums (briefly), and so far only found this thread related to the Motif XF in particular. The issue is probably not unique to the XF, though, since John Melas’ editors are available for a range of instruments.

[email protected] - 25 July 2024 11:26 AM

It’s the same MacBook.

I’m not an Apple user myself, but if your MacBook had an old driver installed, and you later upgraded to a more recent MacOS version, the driver might not necessarily be compatible anymore. If the laptop has been used for other things in the meantime, this would certainly be among the first things to check.

There’s also the firmware version on the Motif XF itself. John Melas recommends using the latest version. It’s ten years old already, so you may already have it, but you can check your version by following the instructions in the link.

What OS version does your MacBook run, and what type of connection do you use between it and the Motif XF?

- H -

Thank you for the help and the links!

Before looking at the versions and drivers, I luckily found a solution.

I followed these steps and was able to establish the connection.
(Unsure what steps or what order are crucial, but these steps in this order worked.)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Log out all accounts on MacBook(MBP)

Unplug Midi USB interface from MBP, AND unplug (both In & Out) from XF7

Shutdown MBP

Restart MBP

START Total Librarian

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Interface:

Plug USB side of interface into MBP
THEN
Plug Midi Out to XF7 Midi In

Plug Midi In to XF7 Midi Out
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I’ll refer to this thread when I do this again in six months! ?
Thanks “H”
Thanks Motifator members

That’s good news!

If I were to guess, I would say that the USB connection is the central piece of the story, as are the order of the steps. The 5-pin DIN terminals are probably the least important, but that could depend on the interface itself.

Where did you find the recipe, by the way?

- H -

- Henry - - 25 July 2024 11:04 PM

That’s good news!

If I were to guess, I would say that the USB connection is the central piece of the story, as are the order of the steps. The 5-pin DIN terminals are probably the least important, but that could depend on the interface itself.

Where did you find the recipe, by the way?

- H -

I found these steps by trial & error.
I had tried many things before posting.
But I had made a note in the past that restarting the laptop was a key. This lead me to try this sequence.
I realized that Utility Screen you mentioned needed to be MIDI.
[When I use Set List Maker to select Performances from an iPad w/camera kit, that selection is USB. ]
Cheers!