Midi Setup Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter famous beagle
  • Start date Start date
famous beagle

famous beagle

Well-known member
Ok y'all, this is what I've got, and this is what I want to do (see picture).

I basically want to control my EMU, my QY70, and my drum machine with my keyboard controller, and I want the QY70 and the drum machine to chase my AW16G recorder.

So ... do I need a midi patchbay to do this? Or can it be done by daisy chaining ... or ... what?

Thanks much.
 
Last edited:
Using the AW16g as the master clock for the system is a good idea in my opinion since it is the most flexible and the most dependable master source. The problem here is getting both the midi information from master keyboard (note information) and the AW16g (midi clock data) into the QY70.

To combine two midi data streams you'll need a midi merger like this one. Plug the AW16g into input # 1 --- that's the side that gives the merger the small amount of power it needs.
 
ssscientist said:
Using the AW16g as the master clock for the system is a good idea in my opinion since it is the most flexible and the most dependable master source. The problem here is getting both the midi information from master keyboard (note information) and the AW16g (midi clock data) into the QY70.

To combine two midi data streams you'll need a midi merger like this one. Plug the AW16g into input # 1 --- that's the side that gives the merger the small amount of power it needs.

Ok thanks a lot. But what about the drum machine? Do I need a merger for that too?

And what about the multiple midi outs from the controller and the AW16G? Do I need a midi patchbay?
 
I would look at a multi port midi interface, that way you can patch everything in software
 
altitude909 said:
I would look at a multi port midi interface, that way you can patch everything in software

Would this still be the best way to go even if I don't record on a PC? (I record on the AW16G.)
 
yeah, most goods ones can be used w/o a comp
 
altitude909 said:
yeah, most goods ones can be used w/o a comp

Ok, sorry. I'm a little confused. Do you mean I can use the multi port midi interface without using the computer at all, or do you mean I can use it in conjunction with a software program but still record on my AW16G?
 
famous beagle said:
Ok, sorry. I'm a little confused. Do you mean I can use the multi port midi interface without using the computer at all, or do you mean I can use it in conjunction with a software program but still record on my AW16G?

Standalone MIDI patchbays allow you to configure your routing as you want via its front panel (generally). You need to specifically get a standalone-capable interface, though.
 
fraserhutch said:
Standalone MIDI patchbays allow you to configure your routing as you want via its front panel (generally). You need to specifically get a standalone-capable interface, though.

ok thanks.
 
The JL cooper will definitely work, I would research the other one but IIRC about the DMC one it should be ok.

Better new ones will work as both a computer interface and have the capabilty to store patches so you can unlpug from the comp and use independantly
 
I don';t know about the JLCooper unit, but the MX-8 definitely is.

I actually had (still have) the MX-8. It was designed as standalone. I used it for gigging for a number of years. It also allows you to store patch parameters and the like.

I should dig it out of storage to check up on it.


famous beagle said:
 
altitude909 said:
The JL cooper will definitely work, I would research the other one but IIRC about the DMC one it should be ok.

Better new ones will work as both a computer interface and have the capabilty to store patches so you can unlpug from the comp and use independantly

I think the point of standalone is that they work independently of a computer.
 
Thats my point, they should do both (motu comes to mind)
 
famous beagle said:
Ok thanks a lot. But what about the drum machine? Do I need a merger for that too?

And what about the multiple midi outs from the controller and the AW16G? Do I need a midi patchbay?
We're getting WAY over the requirements of Famous Beagle's simple setup.

The single two in, one out midi merger that I linked to in my post is all that's needed in this case, as there are only two sources --- the master keyboard and the master clock --- that require merging.

The drum machine can be clocked directly from the QY70, and that's the way you should set it up with the midi thru going to the Emu module.

As far as 'multiple midi outs from the controller and the AW16g' you are probably getting some steps ahead of yourself in imagining how your setup will interconnect.

Keep it simple, stupid. I know that's a cliche but in this case, where the next generational step will probably be to a computer-based setup I think it best not to needlessly complicate things.
 
ssscientist said:
We're getting WAY over the requirements of Famous Beagle's simple setup.

The single two in, one out midi merger that I linked to in my post is all that's needed in this case, as there are only two sources --- the master keyboard and the master clock --- that require merging.

The drum machine can be clocked directly from the QY70, and that's the way you should set it up with the midi thru going to the Emu module.

As far as 'multiple midi outs from the controller and the AW16g' you are probably getting some steps ahead of yourself in imagining how your setup will interconnect.

Keep it simple, stupid. I know that's a cliche but in this case, where the next generational step will probably be to a computer-based setup I think it best not to needlessly complicate things.

I'm all for simple, but I still don't understand exactly. Let me see if I understand what you're saying.

From the AW16G, I go midi out to one of the midi merger's in. Then I go out the midi merger .... wait ....

I'm confused. How many mergers do I need? The keyboard needs to be able to control the qy70, the emu, and the drum machine. Could you draw a diagram or something? I'm not getting it.

Thanks for all the help everyone.
 
I don't even need a diagram to explain further --- it's really very simple.

Plug the AW16g into one input of the midi merger and the master keyboard into the other. Then plug the single midi out of the merger into the midi in of the QY70.

The QY70 only has two midi ports, so you want to make sure the out/thru is switched to 'out', then connect it to the drum machine's midi in.

Then run the last midi cord from the midi thru of the drum machine into the midi in of the Emu module.

When you push 'play' on the AW16g, the entire system should start --- QY70, drum machine and all. If not, you may need to fine tune some things like making sure there's an appropriate number of blank measures in the QY70, or both the QY70 and the drum machine are set to external sync. And make sure you have the AW16g in 'midi clock' mode, not 'mtc' mode.
 
That's all great as long as 16 channels is sufficient. It's not for me :) I need the multiport.
 
I use a MOTU MTP AV , it has 8 interfaces that support 16 channels of midi each :D it can store patch setups and is configurable from my PC.

Maybe a bit more than you need depending on how complex your midi tracks are, but has tons of potential for you to add more gear :D
 
ssscientist said:
I don't even need a diagram to explain further --- it's really very simple.

Plug the AW16g into one input of the midi merger and the master keyboard into the other. Then plug the single midi out of the merger into the midi in of the QY70.

The QY70 only has two midi ports, so you want to make sure the out/thru is switched to 'out', then connect it to the drum machine's midi in.

Then run the last midi cord from the midi thru of the drum machine into the midi in of the Emu module.

When you push 'play' on the AW16g, the entire system should start --- QY70, drum machine and all. If not, you may need to fine tune some things like making sure there's an appropriate number of blank measures in the QY70, or both the QY70 and the drum machine are set to external sync. And make sure you have the AW16g in 'midi clock' mode, not 'mtc' mode.

Wow ... that's all I need to do? Ok I'll give that a shot.

How much are those midi mergers? I found one on musiciansfriend for $60, but I couldn't find any on ebay. Is $60 a decent price?

Thanks
 
Back
Top