Microkorg MIDI help

DESSIE · Post by **DESSIE** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 9:13 am

Hey its dessie here, just brought a microkorg, pretty sweet little synth.

I'm a bit of a newbie so a few things are still a bit unclear, i was wondering if anyone would be able to help me out with connecting the MK to my mac via MIDI, i got a MIDI cable which has MIDI IN and OUT on one end then USB on the other.

When i connect it all up and open logic nothing happens and the MAC's AUDIO MIDI SETUP program doesn't pick it up?? does anyone know the settings to get it to function as a controller of software synths as well as being able to play the MK's sounds as MIDI info instead of a waveform?

Zandarck · Post by **Zandarck** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 7:53 pm

Not 100% sure on this one, but MIDI to USB has been known not to work for many people, myself included. According to the manual it's because of the MK "Special" MIDI signals. Sorry but I think you've just wasted money like many of us

DESSIE · Post by **DESSIE** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:03 am

Thanks mate, i thought that might have been the case, looks like a MIDI interface is my next purchase then!

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:43 pm

MIDI to USB works just fine, in general. But USB depends on drivers provided by the OEM for purposes other than it's original intended uses, in which there are built-in drivers in the operating system.

There is no such thing as a USB to MIDI "cable". That IS a USB to MIDI interface, masquarading as a cable. It still requires a USB-MIDI driver. If there's a problem with it, it's probably because of the driver, or lack of one.

Having a Mac complicates the problems further, since many of the ultracheap MIDI interfaces don't provide a USB-MIDI driver that works on the Mac.

Since MIDI doesn't transfer audio signal, only musical note and control information, it's usually a good idea to get an interface that has audio input, output, and headphone amp, besides the MIDI in/out.

I recommend the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, but there are others such as the Edirol UA-4X (which is good for guitar/bass input too).

DESSIE · Post by **DESSIE** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 8:04 am

xmlguy wrote:MIDI to USB works just fine, in general. But USB depends on drivers provided by the OEM for purposes other than it's original intended uses, in which there are built-in drivers in the operating system.

There is no such thing as a USB to MIDI "cable". That IS a USB to MIDI interface, masquarading as a cable. It still requires a USB-MIDI driver. If there's a problem with it, it's probably because of the driver, or lack of one.

Having a Mac complicates the problems further, since many of the ultracheap MIDI interfaces don't provide a USB-MIDI driver that works on the Mac.

Since MIDI doesn't transfer audio signal, only musical note and control information, it's usually a good idea to get an interface that has audio input, output, and headphone amp, besides the MIDI in/out.

I recommend the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, but there are others such as the Edirol UA-4X (which is good for guitar/bass input too).

Can you download the specific drivers from anywhere? I've got an MBOX Mini which doesn't have MIDI ports which sux, and i dont really wanna go buy another interface, is there any hope of the drivers being out there?
Thanks for your help mate, i appreciate it!

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 10:44 am

The drivers depends on the manufacturer of that USB-midi interface you have. If you can't find who made it, then you're out of luck.

Here a better option for you may be to just buy a new USB-midi interface with good support, such as the Edirol UM-1EX, made by Roland.

Here's an australian review of it for you.

http://www.dansdata.com/quickshot033.htm

DESSIE · Post by **DESSIE** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 12:31 pm

Thanks xmlguy!
I'll look into buying one asap, cant wait to get this all set up correctly!
Thanks again for your help!
Dessie