Will an m-audio keystation controller work with my TR?

rootsgroup · Post by **rootsgroup** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:48 am

I'm about as dumb as a stump on this midi stuff, I'm thinking that an m-audio keystation controller might midi in with my TR, but as I read about it, it looks like it might only be compatible with computer type stuff.

It only shows a midi out, so unless they're s a usb/midi adapter type cable to run the midi in, it couldn't control a channel on my TR.

But I 'm thinking that any controller in it's most basic form should be able to do this.

The goal here is to find an economical (cheap!) way to come up with a second tier keyboard, but I don't want to buy something that won't even hook up.

Anyone on here want to take a shot at explaining all this to this crazy old man?

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 7:42 am

What's wrong with MIDI Out?

MIDI OUT from the keystation, in to the MIDI IN on the TR. so MIDI messages from the controller go OUT and then IN to the TR.

MIDI IN on the Keystation would be useless because you wouldn't be able to control any sounds that the Keystation has - because it doesn't have any!
Some controllers do have MIDI IN to allow you to plug in other controllers or gear, and it passes the MIDI IN port through USB to the computer - so the controller also acts as an external USB MIDI interface.

The really important bit to check is whether the controller you are looking at can be powered by a separate power adaptor (that you normally have to buy additionally), and is not just powered by USB.

rootsgroup · Post by **rootsgroup** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:44 pm

Thank you!

You answered the question that I just now realized, I didn't know how to ask!

I had a foggy concept of midi.

So the controller (m-audio keystation) dips into the sound pot (TR) grabs a glob of sound, shapes it up and sends it direct to my amp?

I thought it had to pass it back thru the TR and send the sound out thru it.

Ok, I think I've got it.

As far as powering the controller, it's my understanding that it can use a power source that will plug direct into the usb port.

So this should work out alright!

Please let me know if I've screwed up somewhere!

Rootsgroup

rootsgroup · Post by **rootsgroup** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 3:34 pm

Well, I've been reading, and oops, was I screwed up.

Think I've got it now.

I am seeing that this set-up will do just what I want.

Thanks so much for your help.

rootsgroup · Post by **rootsgroup** » Fri Oct 01, 2010 1:49 am

I've got this conversation going in the TR/LE forum as well, so I'm gonna let this one die.

thanks for reading

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Fri Oct 01, 2010 10:07 am

Yeah, I've noticed.

Just so you know:
MIDI is a control protocol. It tells another synthesiser what notes to play, which controllers to adjust, even which program, combi, or song to switch to and can give timing information to synchronise the playback of sequencers on multiple devices.
But it carries no sound.

All you're doing is setting up a timbre on the TR which is told not to listen to the TR's internal controls, but to await instruction a certain channel on the MIDI port.