Can you use MIDI drum machines with GB?

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Level 4

2,149 points

Can you use MIDI drum machines with GB?

We are using Garageband 2 with OS X 10.4.5. We have a MIDI USB interface also. Would we be able to use a MIDI drum machine (or MIDI tone generators) and use the sounds off of them with Garageband? We tried hooking it up but couldn't figure out how to get any sounds into Garageband. We're kind of new to MIDI so that's probably a big part of it. Thanks.

Mac Mini (1.42) W/Bluetooth, Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Posted on Mar 4, 2006 12:45 PM

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Answer 1

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Mar 4, 2006 1:31 PM in response to MyApple8MyPC

You should be able to use any MIDI controller if you have a compatible MIDI interface, however you are confusing two concepts ... MIDI Audio.

When you ask how to get the sounds from your controller into GB, the simple fact is you cannot. MIDI does not transmit sound it transmits instructions that tells a Synth (GB) what note to play, how long to play it, etc.

You have to create a "Software" track in GB, and then you can play that instrument with your controller (in this case one would assume you'd create a "Software" drum track to control with your drum machine).

Does that clear things up any? --HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-|>

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Answer 2

MyApple8MyPC Author

Level 4

2,149 points

Mar 4, 2006 2:07 PM in response to HangTime

Hi Hangtime, I was just at your web site 🙂

Yes I understand that MIDI in itself has no sound, but I was talking about a MIDI drum machine module like a Alesis DM Pro or DM5:

http://www.alesis.com/product.php?id=59

Also tone generators like the Yamaha MU100R:

http://www.synthman.com/yamaha/311900.html

Our MIDI interface is a MOTU MicroLite:

http://www.motu.com/products/midi/lite

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Answer 3

Mar 4, 2006 5:32 PM in response to MyApple8MyPC

For one thing GB does not send MIDI events back out, it only records them so that may be one issue. In addition I don't think GB supports sending MIDI sync info out so you can not sync your drum machine or other MIDI device to GB tracks. This is lame but hey, perhaps you'd like to buy Logic Express from Apple which does not have these limitations?

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Answer 4

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Mar 4, 2006 6:56 PM in response to MyApple8MyPC

William nailed it. Now that I see the devices you're using, what you are trying to do is have GB play your Synths (they are not controllers, which is what I thought you had), and as William pointed out, GB offers no MIDI OUT B-(>

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