MIDI ISSUE: 1X1 Midi, but 2 devices

[Funkylb]

I also posted this query in the Midi Mania discussion, but my problem also falls under the aegis of this forum.

Hey folks! I've got a question about using 2 midi devices with an audio card that only has one set of MIDI I/O inputs. I have the Lexicon Omega, a Yamaha S90 keyboard and I want to buy the Akai MPD24 Midi Pad Controller all going into Acid Pro 6.0. The Omega only has a single set of Midi I/O. I want to use my keyboard for triggering samples from SampleTank loaded as a VSTi into Acid and then use the Akai pad to trigger drums using EZDrummer loaded as a VSTi into Acid. Let me say that I know how to use VSTi(s) in Acid etc...I know how to use SampleTank and EZDrummer with a single midi instrument (my keyboard). I'm wondering how do I use both midi devices independently when I only have a single set of Midi I/O on my audio card (the Lexicon)? In other words I ONLY want the Akai pad controller to trigger drums and I ONLY want my keyboard to do all other instruments. I was reading about the master--> slave config using the MidiThru port on my keyboard, but I don't really get it 'cause it seems the two devices are then not independent of each other. Any help is appreciated.

LB
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[dementedchord]

the two become independent when you assign them to different channels... of course ther are only 16 of them...

 

[iqi616]

I also posted this query in the Midi Mania discussion, but my problem also falls under the aegis of this forum.

Hey folks! I've got a question about using 2 midi devices with an audio card that only has one set of MIDI I/O inputs. I have the Lexicon Omega, a Yamaha S90 keyboard and I want to buy the Akai MPD24 Midi Pad Controller all going into Acid Pro 6.0. The Omega only has a single set of Midi I/O. I want to use my keyboard for triggering samples from SampleTank loaded as a VSTi into Acid and then use the Akai pad to trigger drums using EZDrummer loaded as a VSTi into Acid. Let me say that I know how to use VSTi(s) in Acid etc...I know how to use SampleTank and EZDrummer with a single midi instrument (my keyboard). I'm wondering how do I use both midi devices independently when I only have a single set of Midi I/O on my audio card (the Lexicon)? In other words I ONLY want the Akai pad controller to trigger drums and I ONLY want my keyboard to do all other instruments. I was reading about the master--> slave config using the MidiThru port on my keyboard, but I don't really get it 'cause it seems the two devices are then not independent of each other. Any help is appreciated.

LB
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If I understand this question correctly, you first need to use a MIDI merge unit to get the MIDI Out signals from the pad and keyboard into the computer (as your interface only has one MIDI input) you then assign one MIDI channel to the pads and EZDrummer and use the other MIDI channels for the keyboard. MIDI Solutions sell MIDI merge units - not so much demand for them these days so there's less choice and most music shop staff give you a blank stare if you ask them if they stock them.

 

[Funkylb]

Thanks

The midi merge box does appear to be what I need for this problem. They're not that expensive either. Thanks again, iqi616.


LB

 

[Whale Bone]

As long as you're triggering a softsynth and not another hardware module...
Your S90 should have a USB port (mine does) which can also be used to transmit and receive MIDI. I use the USB port on mine so I can leave my older stuff configured to trigger my Roland JV-1080, which is connected to my one MIDI port on my sound card.

You'll need the USB drivers (found easily online) for the S90 and you'll need to set its MIDI port to USB in the utility menu.