DrSchmenge
Level 1 (33 points)
Audio

Q: Aftertouch message getting lost?

I have a Nektar Panorama P6, Yamaha Motif Rack ES and iLok connected through a generic ("HooToo") USB3 hub to the USB3 port on my MBP.  The Mac's USB2 port is connected to Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, and another keyboard (old Korg N1) is connected to the midi in port on the Focusrite.

 

I have several patches where I'm playing the Motif Rack ES with the Nektar keyboard, using Aftertouch mapped to the Motif's Modulation parameter... to bring in vibrato with the aftertouch. Many times it seems like aftertouch messages are getting lost... Modulation will come up as expected when I press harder on the Nektar keys, but often doesn't come back down again... Vibrato stays on until I press hard and then release again. Spoils my whole vibe.

 

Has anybody else had a problem like this and maybe found a solution or workaround? I suspect the USB hub might be a bottleneck, but I don't see any way around that.  Maybe it's the Motif itself? I haven't noticed AT messages getting lost when playing soft synths, but I'm not sure about that.

MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), OS X Yosemite (10.10.4), Mainstage 3

Posted on Sep 3, 2016 3:20 PM

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DrSchmenge

Q: Aftertouch message getting lost?

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  • by lifenoise,Helpful

    lifenoise lifenoise Sep 6, 2016 2:39 PM in response to DrSchmenge
    Level 3 (758 points)
    Sep 6, 2016 2:39 PM in response to DrSchmenge

    Try connecting the Motif Rack ES via MIDI to the Focusrite.  If it solves the problem, use a USB to MIDI cable for the the Motif. It seems I remember reading about USB communication issues with that era of Motifs and MO6s on the Yamaha forum. Is your USB hub powered? Try a powered hub and different USB cable.

  • by DrSchmenge,

    DrSchmenge DrSchmenge Sep 6, 2016 2:45 PM in response to lifenoise
    Level 1 (33 points)
    Audio
    Sep 6, 2016 2:45 PM in response to lifenoise

    Good suggestion to try Focusrite MIDI Out to Motif Rack ES MIDI In. That shouldn't be too painful. If that solves the problem, I don't see any point to try a USB-to-MIDI cable. I am using a powered USB 3 hub, and the cables are new... but it wouldn't hurt to swap out cables one-by-one to check if any of them are flaky. Thanks!