Controlling Pro Tools Soft Synths with MPC Sequencer

[JDN]

I saw someone do this, and I can't figure out how to do it. I have my controller midi out going into MPC2000XL midi in 1. MPC out A is going to Digi002 Midi In. What I want to do is use the MPC's sequencer to trigger various softsynths. For instance, maybe have battery be MIDI channel 1, Kontact MIDI channels 2-6, Sample tank MIDI channels 6-10, Etc.

What's the best way to do this....MIDI tracks won't work, as I can only assign them to specific softsynths. I don't know how on instrument tracks to have the MIDI inputs coincide to the softsynths MIDI channels.

Anyone else doing this??

[d.dot]

Easy.
1) In pro tools, create an instrument track and insert a virtual synth.
2) Set the midi INPUT of this track to DIGI002 Ch.1 (or what ever ch. you are sending from the MP)
3) Set the midi OUTPUT of this track to synth ch. 1
4) ARM the track <--important.

There's a setting in the preferences under Midi that says "Default thru instrument:" set this to NONE.

Seems like you have everything set up correctly. Just remember to set the XL to output A and that's it's a MIDI track. To set up multiple softsynths, just shift+click the record enable on the additional tracks.

To use multiple voices in something like Knotakt or Stylus, just create and arm multiple midi tracks and assign their outputs to KONTAKT CH1, KONTAKT CH2. etc., and assign the appropriate MIDI input coming from the XL.

Hope this helps.

IMHO triggering softsynths with the MP is the best.

[O'Ryan]

I wanted to do this with Cubase with my mp......imma try it.......

[JDN]

I treid what you said. The problem is the Softsynth responds to ALL MIDI channels from MPC. Even though I select MIDI channel 1 as the midi input??

Originally Posted by d.dot

Easy.
1) In pro tools, create an instrument track and insert a virtual synth.
2) Set the midi INPUT of this track to DIGI002 Ch.1 (or what ever ch. you are sending from the MP)
3) Set the midi OUTPUT of this track to synth ch. 1
4) ARM the track <--important.

There's a setting in the preferences under Midi that says "Default thru instrument:" set this to NONE.

Seems like you have everything set up correctly. Just remember to set the XL to output A and that's it's a MIDI track. To set up multiple softsynths, just shift+click the record enable on the additional tracks.

To use multiple voices in something like Knotakt or Stylus, just create and arm multiple midi tracks and assign their outputs to KONTAKT CH1, KONTAKT CH2. etc., and assign the appropriate MIDI input coming from the XL.

Hope this helps.

IMHO triggering softsynths with the MP is the best.

[temetrepo]

i have this same problem, i end up setting up a laptop with a few standalone VSt's and connecting my MPC to 2 Machines, 1 with the VST's and one with PTMP

that's the only way ive managed to work with it.

[d.dot]

Originally Posted by JDN

I treid what you said. The problem is the Softsynth responds to ALL MIDI channels from MPC. Even though I select MIDI channel 1 as the midi input??

I do this all day, every day with my 4000. We should be able to figure it out. So what you're saying is that if you have say a drum sequence on track 1 and a midi softsynth on track 2, the drum pattern is triggering the softsynth?

I don't own an XL but maybe someone who does can chime in. There should be a setting. Check MIDI/THRU settings. Also remeber to set the preferences in pro tools under Midi that says "Default thru instrument:" set this to NONE.

[JDN]

you were totally right...it was the Defaul thru instrument preferance. i'm actually really liking this way of working for the moment...as much as MPC sequencer is so much more simplistic than logic or even Pro Tools, it's just so quick and easy to use. It seemed like it was taking forever to record sequences directly in Pro Tools.

Originally Posted by d.dot

I do this all day, every day with my 4000. We should be able to figure it out. So what you're saying is that if you have say a drum sequence on track 1 and a midi softsynth on track 2, the drum pattern is triggering the softsynth?

I don't own an XL but maybe someone who does can chime in. There should be a setting. Check MIDI/THRU settings. Also remeber to set the preferences in pro tools under Midi that says "Default thru instrument:" set this to NONE.

[temetrepo]

it worked for me also

thanks for the tip ddot

[F Major]

Good looking out on this, I didnt realize that all of the tracks had to be Armed, I had been trying to do this within pro tools for a while.

Originally Posted by F Major

Good looking out on this, I didnt realize that all of the tracks had to be Armed, I had been trying to do this within pro tools for a while.

They need to do a "record input" mode for midi so that each time you start the sequence you don't record the midi.

[F Major]

Originally Posted by no ssl yet

They need to do a "record input" mode for midi so that each time you start the sequence you don't record the midi.

I agree with you 100%

[d.dot]

Originally Posted by temetrepo

it worked for me also

thanks for the tip ddot

Glad I could help.

[JDN]

d.dot, just curious. You ever mess with the sequencers in logic and pro tools? A lot of my friends think I'm taking a step backwards by pulling out the MPC agian for sequencing.

Originally Posted by d.dot

IMHO triggering softsynths with the MP is the best.

[d.dot]

Originally Posted by JDN

d.dot, just curious. You ever mess with the sequencers in logic and pro tools? A lot of my friends think I'm taking a step backwards by pulling out the MPC agian for sequencing.

I personally don't use logic, but that's how its done at Record One. Mostly with the 3000. Everything is still tracked through the console into pro tools. Logic is used more or less as a host. Or sometimes Plogue.

Well if you're working backwards, then so are Dr Dre and Scott Storch. To each his own.

believe me, I tried to phase out my 4K. When I got my Macbook Pro, I figured I wouldn't need the 4K any more. Initially I was having midi timing issues so I went back to the 4K. The only difference now is that I don't load sounds into the MPC anymore. I transfered all my programs to my external and load them into battery or kontakt. If the arrangement gets complicated, it may start on the MPC, but usually gets spit-shined in pro tools. Sometimes it's easier to drag things around with the mouse.

Work however you feel comfortable and most productive. Its great to have options... Matter of fact its a great time to be alive as far as this music technology is concerned.

[A-List]

can you run MTC through the same in/out as you use for your midi controller in protools. at the same time? does that make sense?

[Fredrik]

Isnt it always gonna be latency issues with this though? The softsynths will always be X samples late depending on your sample buffer setting. The only solution I can think of is monitoring the mpc through the DAW using digital in.

[beef_stewie]

first of all, this is one of the most useful threads i've ever come across.

i'm having an issue though. So i create my instrument track on pro tools and sequence a vst into mpc track 1. then i go to mpc track 2 and try to sequence sounds from my motif. i can trigger the sounds on my motif through my mpc, but when i hit the keys on my midi controller, im still hearing the sounds from my vst. what am I doing wrong?

[myowave]

Originally Posted by JDN

d.dot, just curious. You ever mess with the sequencers in logic and pro tools? A lot of my friends think I'm taking a step backwards by pulling out the MPC again for sequencing.

I favor using the MPC(MPC3000) to control VIs(Reason, Plugsound etc.) over a software sequencer too... What it did for me was update my MPC3000... Its not a step backward more like a step of preference... DO YOU! I'd bet your music sounds more organic than your friends who use software sequencers...

Also in ProTools, under View menu: Mix Window Shows select - Instruments(It will appear at the top of the your channels in the Mix window)...

Now you can assign midi channels directly to a specific synth from your MPC... This should stop the triggering of multiple Midi Channels...

[O'Ryan]

Good thread.

[beef_stewie]

still having trouble on this one folks. im still hearing two instruments at once. can anybody shed some more light?

i tried playing with the setting in view>mix window>instruments but I'm not getting anywhere.

do i have my setup hooked up incorrectly?
-midi controller into "mpc midi in 1"
-mbox midi out into "mpc in 2"
-mpc midi out 1 to motif rack midi in
-mpc midi out 2" into mbox midi in.

Any feedback would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
PEACE!

[spaceman_west]

Originally Posted by d.dot

Easy.
There's a setting in the preferences under Midi that says "Default thru instrument:" set this to NONE.

I almost lost my mind tonight trying to figure that out. I love you, thanks, you may have literally saved my life. thumbsup

[sas84heavyhitter]

Similar to the problem mentioned above, I need a solution for Cubase/Nuendo.

I am experiencing the same problem, when loading a softsynth (VST instrument); where it responds to ALL MIDI channels from MPC. This means that the bass and piano are playing the same notes (sequence) when they are armed to record. I have looked at the channels, but don't seem to be able to work this out.


How do you do Check MIDI/THRU settings in Cubase/Nuendo (and make the adjustments as were suggested for Pro Tools users). I have been to the preferences area and removed the tick from the MIDI Thru Active, but this only removes the sound be played back.


All help and suggestions on how I can get my VST instruments to playback their respective sequences would be much appreciated. I am using the MPC as my main sequencer.

[PettyCash]

Originally Posted by sas84heavyhitter

Similar to the problem mentioned above, I need a solution for Cubase/Nuendo.

I am experiencing the same problem, when loading a softsynth (VST instrument); where it responds to ALL MIDI channels from MPC. This means that the bass and piano are playing the same notes (sequence) when they are armed to record. I have looked at the channels, but don't seem to be able to work this out.


How do you do Check MIDI/THRU settings in Cubase/Nuendo (and make the adjustments as were suggested for Pro Tools users). I have been to the preferences area and removed the tick from the MIDI Thru Active, but this only removes the sound be played back.


All help and suggestions on how I can get my VST instruments to playback their respective sequences would be much appreciated. I am using the MPC as my main sequencer.

There is a thread on here already where I had the same issue at a friends studio. Turned out to have something to do with the input filter or something like that. Do a search and see if you can find it.

[sas84heavyhitter]

Safe Pettycash, I will see if I can find it. I am new here, so if anyone can lead me in the right direction, or knows where this thread is located, I'd be very appreciative.

[PettyCash]

Look for the "input transformer" setting. Make sure you tick off "active module".

That will make sure that you only trigger one instrument at a time.

[SampleMan]

Originally Posted by d.dot

I do this all day, every day with my 4000. We should be able to figure it out. So what you're saying is that if you have say a drum sequence on track 1 and a midi softsynth on track 2, the drum pattern is triggering the softsynth?

I don't own an XL but maybe someone who does can chime in. There should be a setting. Check MIDI/THRU settings. Also remeber to set the preferences in pro tools under Midi that says "Default thru instrument:" set this to NONE.

Man thank you i was going crazy trying to figure this out

[d.dot]

Originally Posted by SampleMan

Man thank you i was going crazy trying to figure this out

You are welcome.

[Jenre]

d.dot you are my hero!! i ****ing love you man

you wouldnt believe how difficult it is to find this information online. its not in the pro tools manual either. i knew it would be something really simple (it always is) but you enlightened me! thank you thank you thank you

i even gave up trying to do this for a while (which made my Korg Legacy Collection almost redundant) but tried again this week. managed to get the MPC1000 synced to PT with MTC and now i can use PT basically as a sound module while making beats.

you CHAMP! I LOVE YOU! no more f'ing and blinding at innate objects

[d.dot]

Preciate the love. I originally posted this over 2 years ago. A little has changed. Use an instrument track instead of an AUX. I absolutely am on board with Logic.

[grittymusic500]

This was very helpful information. Wish I would have found this before I spent hours on it... Thanks