Logic, a new iMac, and a Clavinova CLP-820.

Question

Level 1

4 points

Logic, a new iMac, and a Clavinova CLP-820.

At my studio I use a Yamaha S-08 synth as a MIDI controller with Apple Logic Studio 8. When I connected the S-08 to my Mac Pro, the Mac Pro recognized it immediately and it’s been working great ever since.

Now I want to have a Logic Studio studio at home where I have a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-820 that I’d like to use as the MIDI controller. The Clavinova has a MIDI output labeled “TO HOST” and the manual says it will “allow a direct connection to a personal computer for sequencing and other musical applications—without the need for a separate MIDI interface.” Sounds great, right? So, I’m wondering if you think a new iMac would recognize the at-least-ten-years-old Clav if I used a MIDI-to-USB cable to connect them. Sounds like it should work but….

I haven’t bought the new iMac yet but it’s going to happen any day now…I can feel it! Just doing my homework before dropping $1,600.

Anyone have a similar setup? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Jun 19, 2009 11:10 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,428 points

Jun 19, 2009 11:50 AM in response to PhilN

Iwthout having checked anything I'ld say you have a good chance that it works, provided the 'to host' connection is USB and not the old Mac serial port...

...done my research, and it is. You'll need a Mac serial to USB adapter to make it work...

...and they are...

...available, it seems:

But not to cheap:
http://www.tripplite.com/en/products/model.cfm?txtSeriesID=518&EID=14862&txtMode lID=3915

And I cannot guarantee it will work then; the Clavinova may need a driver, and I doubt there will be one for OS X.
I'll have a look...

Reply

Answer 2

PhilN Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 19, 2009 2:59 PM in response to Eriksimon

Wow! Thanks a million for your help! I appreciate your time and trouble. Maybe I'll look on eBay for a magic wand I can wave over the Clav to make it work. No? OK, I'll start working on what to get. This is just the sort of challenge I love, one that will make me spend spend countless hours and dollars. 😉
-Phil

Reply

Answer 3

PhilN Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 19, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Eriksimon

I neglected to mention in my post that the Clavinova also has standard MIDI in-through-out ports. I think I could use the OUT port by using a MIDI-USB adaptor such as:

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--2434

and make it work like a typical MIDI system, right?...connect a standard 5-pin MIDI cable from the Clavinova's MIDI-OUT port to a MIDI-USB adapter to the iMac via USB. Sounds reasonable. But if a driver is required for the Clavinova, as you suggest, I haven't been able to find one, either at the Apple site or the Yamaha site. The Clavinova might just be too old for Yamaha or Apple to worry about.

But, I haven't given up! I have this very nice and usable Clavinova that I'd rather not dismiss out of hand. There must be a way for this to work, don't you think?

Reply

Answer 4

Eriksimon

Level 6

15,428 points

Jun 19, 2009 4:45 PM in response to PhilN

PhilN wrote:
I neglected to mention in my post that the Clavinova also has standard MIDI in-through-out ports. I think I could use the OUT port by using a MIDI-USB adaptor such as:

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--2434

and make it work like a typical MIDI system, right?

Absolutely right!

...connect a standard 5-pin MIDI cable from the Clavinova's MIDI-OUT port to a MIDI-USB adapter to the iMac via USB. Sounds reasonable. But if a driver is required for the Clavinova, as you suggest,

No, that would not be necessary, as you would not use the built in interface of the Clavinova, for which such a driver might be needed, but an external interface, which is either class compliant (=needs no driver) or has an up to date OS X driver. The MIDI coming out of the MIDIports is still the same it was ten years ago, or even 25 years ago. (and how often can you say that about something in computing?). So forget about the driver, all you need is a two MIDI cables and a MIDI interface and you're done. This one will probably do fine: http://www.zzounds.com/item--EDIUM2EX

But, I haven't given up! I have this very nice and usable Clavinova that I'd rather not dismiss out of hand. There must be a way for this to work, don't you think?

Yes, and you've outlined it yourself. 😉

Regards, Erik.

Reply

Answer 5

PhilN Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 19, 2009 8:19 PM in response to Eriksimon

Great! I'll let you know how things work out...when I finally get the iMac and the adapter and everything installed & tested. So don't hold your breath waiting! 🙂

Thanks for your help, Erik!

"QUESTION ANSWERED!"

-Phil

Reply

Answer 6

hsavige

Level 1

0 points

Jul 28, 2009 5:09 PM in response to PhilN

I am faced with the same problem. I am trying to use my CLP340 as a controller with GarageBand 09. So far I have failed. Please advise if possible.

Reply