External MIDI controller...help?

[muzzy]

First time I've tried MIDI control of a Kronos (usually just play). I've tried plugging a Novation Launchkey 25 in, but there doesn't seem to be anything going between the two. I've set the MIDI channel on the Novation and tried putting Prog sounds in Combi mode to that channel, but there's no response. Everything I can see on the MIDI tabs show that it's set to receive, but I'm getting nothing.

Any suggestions? What am I doing wrong?

[ronnfigg]

What is your midi connection? 5 pin DIN or USB? If it is 5 pin DI be sure OUT goes to IN and IN goes to OUT.

[muzzy]

It's USB on both ends. Is there some setting on the Korg to change from send to receive?

[karmathanever]

I maybe showing my ignorance here but I wasn't aware the you could MIDI connect 2 keyboards with a USB (both ends) cable???

Pete

[KK]

I maybe showing my ignorance here but I wasn't aware the you could MIDI connect 2 keyboards with a USB (both ends) cable?

Pete

Hi Pete,

No problem, we all learn every day. I enjoy learning on this forum too. USB is simply a way of transmitting things which original goal was to "standardize" different types of computer connectors - and using only one type of connector for everything instead of all different ones like on older printers, mouses, etc. And since MIDI was created around 1983, so older and also transmitting at a much slower rate than the newer USB, it is easy to transmit MIDI and also many other things at the same time on an USB cable.

Strangely though, in certain situations, MIDI data transmitted through USB can sometimes become corrupted and create problems - and I never experienced that using good old MIDI cables between MIDI gear.

[psionic311]

That connection should work, Muzzy. Are you powering the Launchkey using the USB cable only? If so, try using a power adapter and see if that works.

Pull up an INIT combi on the Kronos, which will have 16 instruments, one on each channel. Does playing the Launchkey work now? If so, watch the meters on the main combi screen to see which instrument, and therefore which MIDI channel is working.

Lastly, try the other USB port on the Kronos, and failing that, try another USB cable. Good luck.

[ronnfigg]

Let's clarify some terms here. In a Combination the P0:Play page, Play Tab there are 16 Timbres. In Korg products Channel refers to a MIDI channel. Timbre 16 could be assigned to any one of 16 MIDI channels. Don't think that just because you call up Timbre 3 it will be on MIDI channel 3. That assignment is made on Combination P2:Timbre Parameters (note the "Timbre" in the page name) on the MIDI Tab. Try this- set the Novation to send on Channel 1. The Kronos is generally set up to transmit MIDI on Channel I. Check in the MIDI tab to ensure something is on MIDI channel 1. Play the Novation. You should hear that sound. If you don't- I would highly recommend you post some more specific information on you configuration. We might be able to help you better. I use a Roland A88 connected with a USB (Type B to Type A) cable and it works fine. Also make sure the Timbre is enabled. The green play button should be on. It could be a bad cable too.

[tim.condon]

Hi Muzzy-

I ran into problems trying to connect the Novation Launkey mini to my Kronos, too. I even tried a powered USB hub to ensure it wasn't a voltage issue.

After doing some research, I concluded there are problems with a variety of Novation controllers interacting with the Kronos (see this thread, for example: http://www.korgforums.com/forum/phpBB2/ ... c&start=15 and particularly the comment by coyote144 about the Novation impulse).

On the other hand, I can confirm the very-similar Akai MPK Mini 2 *does* work, as do various other controllers listed on that thread. Perhaps you can exchange your Novation for one of those?

--Tim