External MIDI Device Configuration In Logic Pro

Tom Hanser wrote:

I'm attempting to configure an Alesis SR-16 drum machine in Logic Pro, running on OS X Tahoe 26.2. I have a U2MIDI Pro cable (MIDI to USB) connected, but apparently I don't have it configured correctly - I get a loud buzzing sound from this track in Logic Pro. [...]

What am I missing? The MIDI cable is working, as I have a green light blinking in relation to the drum machine output.

Is a MIDI connection necessary in MIDI Studio?

Thank you.

Your MIDI setup, to my eye, appears to be correct, and MIDI - digital data - doesn't usually cause audio interference unless there's a problem with cabling or interface hardware.

Your complaint of a "loud buzzing sound from this track" suggests to me that you have a problem with the grounding of audio cables. I assume that you are using some sort of audio interface between the drum machine and computer.

I would start by changing out the audio cables used between the SR and whatever audio interface you are using. If you are using any audio adapters, e.g. phone plug to RCA or 3.5mm, make sure they are of high quality.

I suppose it may be possible that you have a problematic MIDI cable that is causing the issue - but i'd be surprised. If inspection and changing of the audio cable(s) doesn't eliminate the problem, then yes, try another MIDI interface.

I suspect the U2MIDI Pro adapter cable you're using is the culprit. A good MIDI interface or audio interface with MIDI I/O might be all you need.

Also, I'd make sure your computer and drum machine are plugged into the same circuit. That buzzing does indicate a ground issue or mismatched wiring, as D.I. Johnson suggested.

It would be good to know that your outlets are properly wired, too. Klein Tools makes a nice Outlet Tester, including GFCI, for less than $20. Home Depot carries it. You plug it in and read the lights on it. It tells you instantly if the wiring is correct, reversed, lacks ground, etc.

Before I go on a gig or plug my gear into someone else's place, I always check the outlets first, as a precaution.

John

FOLLOW UP from Google Search:

Here's the AI Overview on your model Alesis Drum Machine.

"No, the classic Alesis SR-16 doesn't need specific drivers for Mac because it communicates via standard MIDI, but you will need a USB MIDI interface to connect its MIDI DIN ports to your Mac's USB port, and your DAW (like Logic Pro) recognizes it as a standard MIDI device without extra drivers, relying on CoreAudio. For recording its sounds, you'll need an audio interface to convert its analog outputs to digital audio."

I interpret that to mean: It works as a drum pad/drum machine MIDI controller with virtual drums (software drums), such as those in Logic Pro. If you want to use its built-in sounds, then you need an audio interface to record the sounds that come with it.

Behringer makes a quality inexpensive audio interface with quality MIDAS preamps and MIDI IO. Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD USB Audio Interface on Sweetwater for $109. It's got 2 XLR inputs, which come in handy, especially if you want to sing and play, then you'll be all set. These interfaces always rank way above their price point because of the good MIDAS preamps (N/A to your MIDI, but good to have when you want to plug in a guitar, microphone, or keyboard).

John

Tom Hanser wrote:

Thanks, D.I. Johnson.

Can this even be done? Can you patch in an external MIDI drum machine into Logic Pro or some other DAW? I'm surprised someone hasn't said, "Just use Logic Pro's drum machines."

I still like this Alesis drum machine, and I'm curious to know if it can be used with Logic.

Thanks again.

You're welcome.

Yes, you can patch the SR's audio output into LP to record on its tracks.

You'll route the SR output thru a USB ADC (analog to digital converter) interface, a.k.a sound card, into the Mac. In Logic you'll select that USB ADC as the input to record the audio into an LP track. The same can be done with vocals or other music instruments.

Get started with Logic Pro for Mac audio tracks - Apple Support

USB audio cards can be inexpensive and simple or complex and very expensive. For users with needs such as yours, this Behringer UCA222 USB Audio Interface - sweetwater.com model is pretty popular.

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