MIDI source for internal instruments?

Question

MIDI source for internal instruments?

I have Logic Pro X set up with a Fishman TriplePlay guitar controller

and TriplePlay software to access the various internal patches.

But I also have an Alesis keyboard that is connected via MIDI out

to a MOTU Micro Lite MIDI interface.

I have an internal instrument track set up and it seems to default

to the TriplePlay controller and plugin for source.

How would I designate the Alesis keyboard as source and what

libraries and patches could I use from within Logic?

In the input side I only see TriplePlay listed as active input device.

Why would I not see the QS8 (Alesis keyboard) as another option?

I am doubtful that this type of issue would be addressed by a Logic

manual or one of the peripheral device manuals alone.

It appears to be how the Mac system and Logic manage priorities

for USB input for the sake of the Audio/MIDI setup assistant. Or am

I missing something?

I do have the QS8/Micro Lite designated as source for an external

instrument track. I had trouble getting the playback of recording

on that track to be audible. But it was a setting on the QS8 keyboard

that I had to make right. So the play back can only be via the general MIDI

patches on the keyboard. I don't see how to assign other banks and programs

that exist on the keyboard. It would be better to set up an internal instrument

track and assign the QS8 as input source.

Thank you for time and attention:

JK

MacBook Pro

Posted on Aug 24, 2019 9:35 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Pancenter

Level 6

14,644 points

Aug 26, 2019 1:43 AM in response to anotherJeff273

If you create an instrument track and load an instrument, there is no MIDI Output, the MIDI signal is triggering Logic's Instrument. Just try and do what I say, forget what you think or know so far. Create a new Software Instrument Track, open the library (far left column) Pick a category and chose a sound, your QX8 should play the software instrument. Try it.

In Logic's preferences Audio Make sure your Input/Output Device is your audio card with speakers or headphones plugged in. Set the I/O Buffer to 128.

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Answer 2

Pancenter

Level 6

14,644 points

Aug 25, 2019 10:15 PM in response to Pancenter

Ok, got what you're saying... since MIDI is not audio related (it's only data, just like one of the old player piano rolls. You can use any of Logic's software Instruments.

You wrote:

>I am looking to use it as source for a software instrument

>track. That assumes that there are patches in the Logic

>library that it will work with.

Yes of course, any software instruments of Logic's will work. You will never get the QS8 sounds in Logic, they are particular to that machine and could only be recorded as audio tracks. Simply create an Instrument Track and the library.

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Answer 3

Pancenter

Level 6

14,644 points

Aug 25, 2019 11:14 AM in response to anotherJeff273

I can help with some of it, what you're asking is very involved.

First, the QS8 is plugged in via a MOTU MIDI Interface, the QS8 will not be recognized as a QS8, the MIDI Interface is what will show up. Second, the QS8 will need to have a Multi-Instrument made in Logic's Environment with the MIDI interface set as it's Output. It's in the Multi-Instrument where the QS8 patches are placed.

More later.....

You have a MOTU MiDI interface, when you play the QS8 you should see note names appearing in the transport area, you can record a MIDI track using the QS8?

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Answer 4

Aug 25, 2019 11:51 AM in response to Pancenter

I am able to record a MIDI track with the QS8. But the recording

plays back the general MIDI patches on the QS8, not from within

the Logic environment. This track is set up as an external instrument,

not as a software instrument.

"Multi-Instrument made in Logic's Environment"

Does this mean a library specific to QS8 installed as

a plugin for Logic?

I am looking to use it as source for a software instrument

track. That assumes that there are patches in the Logic

library that it will work with.

The TriplePlay uses SampleTank and various Komplete

related plugins: Kontakt 5, Guitar rig, etc.

There is a complication with the QS8: I got it in

1998 or 9. I it is old enough the at it has an 8 pin DIN

port for computer interface. There is a CD that came

with it but I am sure it is obsolete for current Mac

systems. So, I am fairly sure that I would have to

get a much newer keyboard with a USB interface

port, and possibly software and drivers to go with

it. I like the QS8 and it is working fine. I am pained

to get rid of it.

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Answer 5

Pancenter

Level 6

14,644 points

Aug 25, 2019 6:16 PM in response to anotherJeff273

Actually... wonder of wonders, I have a QS8. If you have MIDI OUT from the QS8 plugged into MIDI IN on the MOTU MIDI Interface you should have no problems playing one of Logic Software Instruments. Does the MOTU MIDI Interface install a Driver, does it need a driver? Anyay the QS8 will work with any of Logic's Instruments. As lonf as the MOTU MIDI Interface is recognized by the system and working in Logic.

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Answer 6

Aug 25, 2019 11:02 PM in response to Pancenter

O.K. I was wondering if I could include graphics with these posts.

I could also post screen shots.

The Micro Lite MIDI interface is also quite old. But MOTU still makes

it and I found updated drivers for it and installed them. It does send

the MIDI code to Logic and Logic will record it as an external instrument.

Then as an external instrument the playback will be though the QS 8

general MIDI programs. If I want sound recorded from it I would have to

loop the audio out put from QS8 back into the mixer and on to a Logic

audio track.

Regarding your graphic:

In track 7, the lower column on the left where there is a white boarder

aroung "setting". That and the other rectangles below it are the input parameters.

In my project, for the software instrument track I have TriplePlay is visible in one

of the rectangles. I don't have the machine up. I am writing from another machine.

I can remember with of the rectangles has TriplePlay as the source for that track. If I

click on it I get a list of different option: Micro Lite is not one of them. Would I have

to create a new software instrument track and find out if it lists Micro Lite (QS8) and

MIDI channel it should receive on?

I am working alone. So I would be recording audio and MIDI tracks one

at a time. These would be backing tracks that I would mix down onto a

Canon video camera as I video myself playing the lead parts.

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Answer 7

Aug 27, 2019 10:37 PM in response to Pancenter

I have followed the instructions above and have the QS8 playing

the internal instrument.

However, the next question is:

supposed I had more that one MIDI controller besides the QS8?

How would I designate a particular source for instrument track?

I did as instructed in the last reply and I chose piano -> Steinway grand.

So "Steinway..." shows in the input area for the track. In the track settings

for the track I have MIDI channel set to 1: the channel the QS8 is set to.

But if I change the MIDI channel to 2 or above for the track MIDI channel,

I still get MIDI signals processed for that track. But I shouldn't. Am I missing

something here?

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Answer 8

Pancenter

Level 6

14,644 points

Aug 27, 2019 11:13 PM in response to anotherJeff273

That is correct, what youre changing is technically a MIDI Output not an Input. It's setup so the two (or more) MIDI Controllers can trigger Logic's Instrujments. In the menu Files/Project Settings/Recording there is a checkbox for

Auto Demix By MIDI Channel.......

When you select that and go back to the Arrange Page (main track screen) Set up two instruments, One on MIDI channel 1 the other on MIDI Channel 2. You shouldn't have to even select a track. Set the QS8 to transmit on MIDI channel 2 does it play the right instrument? How about MIDI channel 1 now?

NOTE: Project Settings as you would guess have to be setup per project. Logic's Preferences are Global.

p.s. Logic's somewhat archaic MIDI implementation is often complained about.

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MIDI source for internal instruments?

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