Using a recent MPC for MIDI thru.

The current MPC stable (MPC One, Live, KEY 61, X) is an amazing box but the OS is somewhat inscrutable and clunky? Perhaps spending hours and hours trying to use it will fix this problem!

I want to use a single midi controller keyboard to control multiple seperate outboard synths and/or internal plugins? So how do I configure it to easily control any specific device?

In this brief guide I will assume some basic knowledge, I will also be taking random  but approrpiate screenshots from the internets and the manual, so while they should demonstrate appropriate knowledge they may also be slightly off.

Start with an easy setup featuring 2 external synths.

MIDI controller keyboard > MPC MIDI In 1

MPC MIDI OUT A > MIDI synth 1

MPC MIDI OUT B > MIDI synth 2

First need to setup a MIDI track so select a MIDI track, then press the MIDI plug button to set this to use send MIDI (use this even when using USB devices).

   

Set MIDI Channel and MIDI Output Port appropriately.

Now, if you're keyboard is configured correctly :) you should be able to play the external synth.

Next, make a second track configured to Synth 2.

This is only the basic configuration, either synth will NOT play unless you have currently selected the track. 

So we need to set them to a MIDI THRU scenario.

Open the MIDI channel strip by tapping on the eye icon near top left of the track page, then select the track view.

We need to configure 5 options here. MIDI INPUT and CHANNEL, MIDI OUTPUT and CHANNEL,  Input Monitor (see below).

MIDI INPUT will match the controller physical input, but the CHANNEL should match the Synth assigned to this track.

MIDI OUTPUT will match the Synth MIDI plug and channel.

Input Monitor in this pic is currently set to AUTO, set this to MERGE (see image below below for description of each state).

OK, that's pretty much it. Now by changing MIDI Channel on the controller you can control either of the two synths.

The process will work with more outboard gear as long as the correct Output Port and Channel is selected.

If you use the same Channel on two different Output Ports, both synths will play at the same time.

GG

thanks to -

https://www.mpc-tutor.com/mpc-midi-tutorial-connecting-midi-controllers/

 I'm a professional it's all ok. ---

I am currently building up a small music setup featuring the Elektron Machinedrum (MD), Arturia Minibrute (MB), E-MU Mo'Phatt (MP).

Mixer is a PreSonus StudioLive 16.0.2 USB connected to a 2009 iMac(*) running Ableton Live.

Also because this is new, I have no idea of the limitations of the StudioLive over USB, so using an Edirol FA-101 for Midi.

My initial thoughts for setup are -

imac >usb studiolive

imac >firewire fa-101 midi >mo'phatt thru >machinedrum out >minibrute

This will enable sequencing the MP from the iMac, syncing the MD while sequencing internally and ALSO sequencing the MB.

I have spent more than a few hours using the MD, but honestly, there are still many dark corners mostly undisturbed, so today is the day to find out IF my memory is correct and explore using the MD to sequence an external synth.

As I seem to recall there is a MIDI machine which certainly sounds promising, but I have never used it - is it appropriate? and how do I set MIDI output channel on the MD?

Now all the gear is setup, time to try and make synth noises by using the MD.

Firstly, try matching midi channels - the MB is set to channel#9 so setting the MD base channel #9-13. Now each drumpad plays a note on the synth, great work!

Ok, let's just jump in and set track 12 to a MIDI machine.

Now looking at the machine edit pages, can see all the good stuff, note number, velocity etc. following pages sending CC etc, this all looks promising but ... no sound from the MB!?

Either the pads are not sending midi notes or the channel is different ... guess i'm going to have to open the manual after all.

Aha! page A-12, "There are 16 MIDI machines in total, each connected to the corresponding MIDI channel." Makes perfect sense, maybe if i'd spent more time staring at the MD!

Set the MIDI machine to match the channel number and success! Mission succesful! 

Ok, now i've spent a few minutes playing with it, the MB is not the most MIDI happy synth and has very limited CC useability. Mod Wheel, Pitch Bend, but After Touch seems interesting to explore.

With this minimal setup, the StudioLive supplies basic FX, now I'm wondering how the StudioLive responds to MIDI.

GG

Some time ago I collected a few firewire devices to use with a 2011 MacBook Pro The MacBook is dead but my unconscious connection with firewire is still alive, hence a 2009 iMac with native firewire.