I am NEW to recording & not very tech savvy. I have purchased a Mac mini Recording Studio "in a box" -- Mac mini, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, headphones, & condenser mic. This setup is quite fine since I am technically at 'entry level' in recording. Everything has been set up nicely, BUT . . . the PROBLEM is using MIDI to connect GarageBand to my Ensoniq MR 76 keyboard/workstation to use as a controller. The MIDI inputs/outputs are on the keyboard, bought the connecting MIDI cable w/USB connection to the Apple brain. But, I cannot figure what SETTINGS to change on the MR 76. The unit is about 25 yrs old, still functions well (so far), but the 1 1/2" Manual was not written with external software programs like GB in mind.
It appears that GB has just 1 MIDI reference under Preferences > Audio that merely states that 1 device has been recognized. Thus, no other changes on that end that I'm aware of. But, on the MR 76 there is a "MIDI System" button that allows changes to several settings. Not understanding the musical tech language is a huge barrier & hurdle, thus, I'm flying blind. I have done the trial & error system of changing parameters, but no luck.
I might note that I have successfully plugged in the MR 76 to GB using regular audio inputs, the sound output is good, & I've even recorded a number of old arrangements with no problem. So, I know that everything works that way. The downside is I cannot use the MR 76 as a controller to access ANY of the virtual instruments that come w/GB to record with just using audio inputs. I feel like I've been shortchanged on that end.
I've been told that older keyboards may be 'fickle' in that yes, the MIDI connections are there, but it was not really designed for compatibility with DAW in mind. Thus, no go. If this be the case, & there are no Settings to change, I wonder if there are any 'work-arounds' to fool the keyboard . . . ? I know on Windows & EXCEL there are usually more than 1 way to skin a cat.
So . . . is there anybody out there who can help me at all? Thanks a lot . . . RnB
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Richard
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- MIDI Connections
- Sunday, 19 August 2018
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Clemens ~ thank you so much for your interest & input. I have, in fact, tried exactly what you've suggested -- it's pretty well what was written on p. 256 of the manual. So, I've gone over everything for the umpteenth time:
First, I double checked the Setting on GB (Preferences > Audio > MIDI) -- I even unplugged the USB, re-plugged it, & physically viewed the "MIDI Status: 1 MIDI Input detected" go from "0" to "1". So again, I'm confident that we're good on the GB connections.
Next, on the MR 76 I hit Sound Select > MIDI-OUT: CH01 000:000 (see pic) . . . at this point it gets conflicting. I'm to "change the MIDI Channel to match the 'track' you are sending it to" . . . hitting the "Send to Track" button on the MR sends this "CH01 000:000" to any of the selected 16 Tracks ON the keyboard rather than the New Track IN GB. I simply select the Track #/button & hit "Enter", but then nothing appears or happens -- that is, NO SOUND from either keyboard or GB.
And yes, I checked ALL connections & volume levels, I tried putting on headphones, + no wave forms appear if I hit Record.
So . . . I cannot help but believe we are so very close, & that maybe the Operator (me) is missing just one very simple step. I've randomly changed every parameter, but no go.
The last line in your guidance also has me rather baffled: "Any track that has the MIDI Out instrument assigned to it will control any external MIDI module or keyboard connected." Hmmm . . .
One other thing: so you know it's just not me, I took the MR to Guitar Center & 2 different techs (both into recording themselves) were also stymied. We all got to the same point as in the pic, but couldn't make a 'sound'.
Have you any more rabbits in your hat? . . . thanks again, RnB
First, I double checked the Setting on GB (Preferences > Audio > MIDI) -- I even unplugged the USB, re-plugged it, & physically viewed the "MIDI Status: 1 MIDI Input detected" go from "0" to "1". So again, I'm confident that we're good on the GB connections.
Next, on the MR 76 I hit Sound Select > MIDI-OUT: CH01 000:000 (see pic) . . . at this point it gets conflicting. I'm to "change the MIDI Channel to match the 'track' you are sending it to" . . . hitting the "Send to Track" button on the MR sends this "CH01 000:000" to any of the selected 16 Tracks ON the keyboard rather than the New Track IN GB. I simply select the Track #/button & hit "Enter", but then nothing appears or happens -- that is, NO SOUND from either keyboard or GB.
And yes, I checked ALL connections & volume levels, I tried putting on headphones, + no wave forms appear if I hit Record.
So . . . I cannot help but believe we are so very close, & that maybe the Operator (me) is missing just one very simple step. I've randomly changed every parameter, but no go.
The last line in your guidance also has me rather baffled: "Any track that has the MIDI Out instrument assigned to it will control any external MIDI module or keyboard connected." Hmmm . . .
One other thing: so you know it's just not me, I took the MR to Guitar Center & 2 different techs (both into recording themselves) were also stymied. We all got to the same point as in the pic, but couldn't make a 'sound'.
Have you any more rabbits in your hat? . . . thanks again, RnB
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