Midi triggering in Garageband

Question

Level 1

0 points

Midi triggering in Garageband

Hi all,

Perhaps foolishly ⚠ I bought a generic USB - MIDI adaptor on ebay (it shows up as 'VIEWCON..' in the Audio MIDI utility on my MacBook). It's a cheaper version of the Yamaha UX-16 if that helps.

I'm trying to set it up so that I can trigger MIDI drum sounds in Garageband using my Roland TD3 digital drum kit. GB registers that there is 1 MIDI input connected, and I'm pretty sure I'm leaded up properly - TD3 MIDI out to adaptor MIDI in.

In addition, the Audio MIDI utility on my MacBook recognises the USB adaptor (but not the Roland TD3 attached to it!). When I click 'test setup' in the Audio MIDI utility nothing happens, and when I 'rescan' nothing new is picked up.

On the USB-MIDI adaptor itself, there are 3 lights (red, orange, and green) the orange light flashes intermittently, moreso when I make sounds on the kit.

As I said, all I want to do is use the Roland TD3 to trigger MIDI sounds in GB - it seems like I'm really close but not quite there yet!

Any help would be really appreciated!
Thanks

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 18, 2009 10:04 AM

Reply

Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jun 18, 2009 10:11 AM in response to akf1

akf1 wrote:
I'm pretty sure I'm leaded up properly - TD3 MIDI out to adaptor MIDI in.

correct, out to in

In addition, the Audio MIDI utility on my MacBook recognises the USB adaptor (but not the Roland TD3 attached to it!)

as it should be, the computer can not see anything beyond the interface.

. When I click 'test setup' in the Audio MIDI utility nothing happens, and when I 'rescan' nothing new is picked up.

it being "a generic interface" could be an issue. some interfaces require a driver, and if you don't know what the interface actually IS, that could be problematic. a start might be some web searches on "VIEWCON" to see if there's more information regarding it and a mac.

Reply

Answer 2

gjmnz

Level 3

858 points

Jun 18, 2009 7:37 PM in response to akf1

akf1 wrote:
I want ...... use the Roland TD3 to trigger MIDI sounds in GB

Hi akf1

If you have time, are you able to explain in a little more detail your set up with the TD3, and how you want to use it with GB? I am very interested in a MIDI drum kit myself and would love to just use GB to record MIDI drum tracks.

Cheers. G.

Reply

Answer 3

akf1 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 19, 2009 4:25 AM in response to HangTime

Hi Hangtime,
Thanks very much for getting back to me. The info that came with the device was

*Supports Windows XP,Vista and Mac OS X operating systems.*

*Latest Version with a built-in driver.*
*USB powered and Class Compliant for true plug & play.*
*1 in + 1 out MIDI interface.*
*16 MIDI input channels & 16 MIDI output channels.*
*LED's indicate power in,MIDI in signal and MIDI out signal.*
*Supports Windows XP,Vista and Mac OS X operating systems.*

I've had a look and can't find any downloadable OSX drivers online. I assume that not having the correct drivers wouldn't prevent GB from recognising the input, or Audio MIDI utility from recognising it's connected?
ie: Does the fact that it's being recognised mean that the drivers are OK?

Do you think it could be an issue with the the Roland TD3 not sending the correct signals? Having said that I've got to the same situation using a Yamaha PSR-290 as the midi trigger...

Round in circles!! Thanks for your help

Reply

Answer 4

akf1 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 19, 2009 4:29 AM in response to gjmnz

Hi gjmnz,

I'm just using the midi out of the TD3 to trigger drum sounds in Garageband. The plan is to play the kit as normal but instead of triggering sounds from the TD3 brain, to trigger (and record) sounds from the GB library via this USB-MIDI cable.

In short, it's the standard TD3 set-up, with a cable to connect the MIDI output to my Mac. Hope that helps!

Reply

Answer 5

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jun 19, 2009 4:47 AM in response to akf1

USB powered and Class Compliant for true plug & play.

"Class Compliant" is the key here, this negates my supposition above, it means no driver should be needed.

I'm to sure what else to suggest, you seem to have things set up correctly.

are you plugging the interface directly into the computer's USB port?

Reply

Answer 6

akf1 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 19, 2009 7:11 AM in response to HangTime

Yes, I'm plugging directly into the USB port. As you said, it's hard to think where the problem may lie - it must work to some degree as the computer recognises the adaptor, I just can't get it to recognise the MIDI signals....

Reply

Answer 7

Jun 22, 2009 12:29 PM in response to akf1

I'm probbly stating the obvious but you do have a software instrument loaded with a drum kit ?

Also do you see the MIDI input dot flashing in GB when you tap on your TD-3 ?

Message was edited by: IronManJFF

Reply

Answer 8

akf1 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 22, 2009 3:11 PM in response to IronManJFF

I've tried it with a few different drum kit software instruments with no luck. When I have the MIDI adaptor plugged in, the orange light flashes intermittently, but more strongly when I tap the TD-3. It definitely responds when to signals, but the light also flashes when there should be no signal...

Reply

Answer 9

Jun 22, 2009 5:01 PM in response to akf1

In GB interface there is a little flashing dot that flashes when GB receives MIDI signals.. if you don't know where to look , you could also use this freeware http://www.snoize.com/MIDIMonitor/ to help you determine if your Mac is receiving MIDI signals at all from your TD-3. Just start the software and start tapping.

Reply