can't get external synth signal into Logic Pro

Question

can't get external synth signal into Logic Pro

I have my external hardware synth (modal cobalt 8) hooked up via usb into hub and midi going into my motu microlite midi interface then into the NI Komplete audio interface into my Mac m1 running Sonoma 14.2.1 and Logic Pro x 10.8.1

I can hear everything fine thru headphones connected to synth as it plays its own sounds. I can't hear it thru my Mac system and the audio interface. I have a Maschine mk3 hooked up the same way and I can hear and record fine with it.

logic recognizes the synth as it is shown when using External Instrument plugin within logic. it also recognizes when pressing keys as the Key indicator changes with each key that is pressed but no sound is heard and no level is displayed within logic.

the keyboard on synth can be used as controller as it will play the virtual instruments within logic, it just won't let logic receive the external sounds...

I have no idea what is going on.

help! lol

thanks in advance!!!

Posted on Feb 6, 2024 11:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

timfromdobbs ferry Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 7, 2024 6:16 AM in response to timfromdobbs ferry

so I found out that my settings in the EXTERNAL INSTRUMENTS panel were wrong. I needed to set MIDI destination back to the Cobalt 8 synth, have correct MIDI channel 2 and the audio input on my audio interface are inputs 3-4 (not 1-2 like I had originally)

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Answer 2

Pancenter

Level 6

14,814 points

Feb 7, 2024 10:41 AM in response to timfromdobbs ferry

Have you hooked up the analog outputs to an audio interface?

Ahhh, just saw your second post.

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Answer 3

morozco

Level 2

367 points

Feb 7, 2024 1:51 PM in response to timfromdobbs ferry

so it is compatible with older hardware. The advantages of USB is that you don't need 2 midi cables to send and receive midi events. It also can supply power so things like your Komplete audio interface doesn't need a power supply to make it work. The one caveat is that many newer macs don't include a lot of usb ports so you need to use a hub, which I think you said you use. You can get rid of all the midi cables and the motu midi box and just go usb as long as you have a good quality hub. And you might need to step up to a powered hub depending on how many devices are hooked up to it that rely solely on the usb for power. For instance I have an audio interface and a keyboard that are both powered by usb. Neither require a power supply to function. I use a powered hub that does plug into ac so it has enough juice to power two items. I'm guessing your synth and machine both have their own power supplies, so you may not need a powered hub.

Sorry this got so long. Just want to encourage you to ditch the midi and just plug into usb and I think you'll appreciate the reduction of cables.

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Answer 4

Feb 7, 2024 1:30 PM in response to morozco

i understand that as well… just have never tried it just using usb..

same with the maschine.

my question would be to you… why do they still make hardware with separate midi ins and outs??

i have no idea

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Answer 5

morozco

Level 2

367 points

Feb 7, 2024 1:21 PM in response to timfromdobbs ferry

Glad you figured it out. I'm wondering why you are using the motu midi interface when the synth has usb. You should be able to just use the usb

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Answer 6

Feb 7, 2024 2:38 PM in response to morozco

thank you for your response!

yes … it does make sense and i am going to roll up my cables and put them in the ‘drawer’ … to never be seen again…..

laughter.

peace!

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can't get external synth signal into Logic Pro

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