Hey everyone,
So I'm not necessarily "new" to MIDI, but I'm not expert. I am experiencing MIDI Clock Sync issues in my current setup with regard to the Volca Keys internal sequencer.
Here is my MIDI chain:
Arturia Beatstep MIDI OUT -> Kurzweil PC88 MIDI IN -> Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT #1 -> MicroKORG XL MIDI IN -> MicroKORG XL MIDI OUT -> Volca Keys MIDI IN
Depending on how I set my MIDI channels, I can choose which combination of all 3 voices will play the sequence. That has not been an issue- so I know the MIDI is being received by all units AND that it's being properly merged/passed through the Kurzweil.
Beatstep is the Master clock (i.e. not in EXT SYNC mode)
Kurzweil is set to EXT clock, and to TRANSMIT clock.
MicroKORG XL is set to EXT MIDI clock, but I have not found a similar setting to transmit clock? (Maybe this is my issue)
I've checked the MIDI settings of my Volca Keys (it is set to Auto)
But no matter what I do, the internal sequencers tempo is not sync'd. I can adjust it via the tempo knob and no matter where I start in the sequence, there is significant drift.
Anybody have any pointers? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Volca Keys/MicroKorg XL - MIDI Clock Sync
Moderators: Sharp, X-Trade, Pepperpotty, karmathanever
Hi,
The XL has no MIDI THRU functionality. Meaning once you let it sync on the clock available on the MIDI IN port, it stops sending its internal clock on the MIDI OUT (it starts to send 'Active Sensing'), but it does not forward the clock from MIDI IN to MIDI OUT. It is a pity that it is missing, but on the other hand it is not abnormal. The missing MIDI THRU port is normally used for that purpose.
I even dare to doubt that MicroKORG XL MIDI IN -> MicroKORG XL MIDI OUT is working at all at your side, I mean for other events like notes. Are you sure on that?
I think you better look for something like this: http://www.midisolutions.com/prodqth.htm. It is a MIDI splitter.
Have fun.
The XL has no MIDI THRU functionality. Meaning once you let it sync on the clock available on the MIDI IN port, it stops sending its internal clock on the MIDI OUT (it starts to send 'Active Sensing'), but it does not forward the clock from MIDI IN to MIDI OUT. It is a pity that it is missing, but on the other hand it is not abnormal. The missing MIDI THRU port is normally used for that purpose.
I even dare to doubt that MicroKORG XL MIDI IN -> MicroKORG XL MIDI OUT is working at all at your side, I mean for other events like notes. Are you sure on that?
I think you better look for something like this: http://www.midisolutions.com/prodqth.htm. It is a MIDI splitter.
Have fun.
microKORGXL, Kaossilator Pro, monotribe, SQ-1, volca fm, Kross 88 BK
Alesis SR18, Akai Miniak, Fender Strat, Line 6 Spider II 112, Zoom MS-50G
Alesis SR18, Akai Miniak, Fender Strat, Line 6 Spider II 112, Zoom MS-50G
OpAmp,
I screwed up my initial post and need to make a clarification that I think will explain what you mention.
I have the Kurzweil performing MIDI merge duties, meaning my MIDI IN is being merged with the internal MIDI signal and is being sent through both of the outs. I think in the example where I was able to get all 3 voices playing the sequence, I must've had the VKeys and the Korg MIDI INs being routed from the #1 and #2 MIDI OUTs from the Kurzweil PC88.
Does this help?
So what you're saying is that, bc the XL is slaved to the Beatstep/Kurzweil, it won't even forward that clock information down the MIDI OUT? So basically, what good is my MIDI OUT in this set-up besides using an external controller to trigger the XL?
This is becoming troublesome bc I also need to sync one more device to the tempo, my Alesis SR26.
It sounds like what you are saying is that, I need a MIDI THRU box. Little buggers are effing expensive for what they are. I figured I would be able to accomplish something as simple as tempo sync with what I had currently...
I screwed up my initial post and need to make a clarification that I think will explain what you mention.
I have the Kurzweil performing MIDI merge duties, meaning my MIDI IN is being merged with the internal MIDI signal and is being sent through both of the outs. I think in the example where I was able to get all 3 voices playing the sequence, I must've had the VKeys and the Korg MIDI INs being routed from the #1 and #2 MIDI OUTs from the Kurzweil PC88.
Does this help?
So what you're saying is that, bc the XL is slaved to the Beatstep/Kurzweil, it won't even forward that clock information down the MIDI OUT? So basically, what good is my MIDI OUT in this set-up besides using an external controller to trigger the XL?
This is becoming troublesome bc I also need to sync one more device to the tempo, my Alesis SR26.
It sounds like what you are saying is that, I need a MIDI THRU box. Little buggers are effing expensive for what they are. I figured I would be able to accomplish something as simple as tempo sync with what I had currently...
But now wait just one minute... so if this is my amended set-up that I mentioned to you (and I can confirm 3 voices playing the sequence)
Arturia Beatstep MIDI OUT -> Kurzweil PC88 MIDI IN -> (Kurzweil set to MIDI Merge)
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT #1 -> MicroKORG XL MIDI IN
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT/THRU (but set to OUT) #2 -> Volca Keys MIDI IN
If the Kurzweil is merging the IN with INT and sending both via OUT, then what am I still missing as far as MIDI Clock Sync?
Arturia Beatstep MIDI OUT -> Kurzweil PC88 MIDI IN -> (Kurzweil set to MIDI Merge)
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT #1 -> MicroKORG XL MIDI IN
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT/THRU (but set to OUT) #2 -> Volca Keys MIDI IN
If the Kurzweil is merging the IN with INT and sending both via OUT, then what am I still missing as far as MIDI Clock Sync?
Hi AustinBru,
Your setup description in your last post seems the more expected one by me
Because I'm pretty sure the XL can NOT do forwarding. That's why I explicitly added the question about the notes being forwarded. You suggested that it was working via the 3 voices playing.
Sure that they can be playing in your new setup description. So the XL is out of the equation. It's either:
* the Volca not syncing
* the Kurz not sending the clock on OUT#2
* or both
You can try to rule out the Volca by switching the MIDI OUT ports on the Kurz. You know for sure that Kurz MIDI OUT #1 is sending clock because the XL syncs to it. Connect the Volca to OUT #1 and see what happens then. Check also that in the global settings of the Volca, midi clock source is set to auto.
I have no knowledge on the Kurz, so I'm little help there.
Further on about the usefullness of the XL MIDI IN/OUT. Yeah, as said, the forwarding/merging is a miss. On the other hand it also a cheap board compared to your Kurz. The usecase Korg gives for the XL is, controlling an external device (only MIDI OUT), being controlled by an external device (MIDI IN), hooked up to a sequencer (MIDI IN and OUT). No merging/forwarding...
Bye
Your setup description in your last post seems the more expected one by me
Because I'm pretty sure the XL can NOT do forwarding. That's why I explicitly added the question about the notes being forwarded. You suggested that it was working via the 3 voices playing.
Sure that they can be playing in your new setup description. So the XL is out of the equation. It's either:
* the Volca not syncing
* the Kurz not sending the clock on OUT#2
* or both
You can try to rule out the Volca by switching the MIDI OUT ports on the Kurz. You know for sure that Kurz MIDI OUT #1 is sending clock because the XL syncs to it. Connect the Volca to OUT #1 and see what happens then. Check also that in the global settings of the Volca, midi clock source is set to auto.
I have no knowledge on the Kurz, so I'm little help there.
Further on about the usefullness of the XL MIDI IN/OUT. Yeah, as said, the forwarding/merging is a miss. On the other hand it also a cheap board compared to your Kurz. The usecase Korg gives for the XL is, controlling an external device (only MIDI OUT), being controlled by an external device (MIDI IN), hooked up to a sequencer (MIDI IN and OUT). No merging/forwarding...
Bye
microKORGXL, Kaossilator Pro, monotribe, SQ-1, volca fm, Kross 88 BK
Alesis SR18, Akai Miniak, Fender Strat, Line 6 Spider II 112, Zoom MS-50G
Alesis SR18, Akai Miniak, Fender Strat, Line 6 Spider II 112, Zoom MS-50G
I DID IT!! Also now with drumbox capabilities
Beatstep MIDI OUT -> Alesis SR16 MIDI IN -> Alesis SR16 MIDI THRU -> Kurzweil PC88 MIDI IN
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI THRU -> Volca Keys
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT -> MicroKORG XL
Depending on how I setup the Kurzweil PC88 MIDI settings, it seems I can accomplish quite a few things this way.
Beatstep MIDI OUT -> Alesis SR16 MIDI IN -> Alesis SR16 MIDI THRU -> Kurzweil PC88 MIDI IN
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI THRU -> Volca Keys
Kurzweil PC88 MIDI OUT -> MicroKORG XL
Depending on how I setup the Kurzweil PC88 MIDI settings, it seems I can accomplish quite a few things this way.