reaper help - midi just won't work. most likely it's just me...

domhatch

so here's my problem reaper geniuses of gfsa. i'm about ready to go with a few songs, and i'd really like to enter the monthly comps as well. but i really need to use midi input to program drum tracks - i'm buggered if i'm sitting around inputting drums bit by bit. here's the kit:

2008 macbook pro (fast enough, big enough)
reaper 4.something, just shy of the latest update
line 6 kb37
OLD (like around 98/99) technics kn1500 (midi compatible keyboard) connected with an m-audio 'midisport' midi-usb adapter (midi in/out to usb)

so i've tried various things. creating a new track, creating a new vsti track, and a number of other things. there's a light on the midisport that indicates when midi is being sent, so that's working. but nothing shows up on the piano roll. i've enabled the device, so that's (hopefully) not the problem. i've also tried using the kb37 for midi input, doesn't work either.

am i missing something simple? i mean, obviously i am. but what is it? anyone have any insights? (and yes, tracks are armed for recording.) ?

help me midi-wan kenobe, you're my only hope.
dh

FruitarGeek

Have you installed any drivers/software for the USB to Midi cable?

domhatch

Adrian Rogowski wrote: Have you installed any drivers/software for the USB to Midi cable?

yup. i had actually lost the goshdurn thing for the longest time, and only found it a week or two ago. installed the drivers then plugged it in - it's supposedly plug 'n play. worked like a charm forever ago, but that was on a pc using cakewalk 9. give you a clue as to how long ago it was? ?

did i did something wrong?

FruitarGeek

From my experience, the USB to midi cables are much more fussier than midi to mido.

If its not drivers, make sure that the midi's are plugged in properly, and even try swapping them around, that worked for me last time.

If that doesn't work, then I can only imagine its a configuration issue with reaper in which case I am useless to help as I don't use reaper.

AlanRatcliffe

Are you hearing the drum sounds when you record?

I don't know Reaper, but shouldn't be too hard to troubleshoot if you are methodical...

- Set the input of the track as your KB37 (and set the input MIDI channel to the Tx of the KB or simply set to Omni)
- Set the track output as the Midisport. If it's a multiport model, make sure you have the correct port selected. Set the output MIDI channel (BTW - with a GM keyboard, always use channel 10 for drums - most GM devices only receive drums on 10)
- Enable MIDI through/Echo on the track so it sends the input signal to the output while you are recording
- At this point you should be able to hear your drums when you play on the keyboard controller
- Arm the track for recording and try a take

HTH...

domhatch

Adrian Rogowski wrote: From my experience, the USB to midi cables are much more fussier than midi to mido.

If its not drivers, make sure that the midi's are plugged in properly, and even try swapping them around, that worked for me last time.

If that doesn't work, then I can only imagine its a configuration issue with reaper in which case I am useless to help as I don't use reaper.

i hear you. and i've tried the old swaperoo - nada. i'll fiddle around in reaper, hoping like hell i don't duff anything up, and see where i come out. otherwise i'll just play the drums on the keyboard - bit by bit for now - and edit them painfully in reaper. you know, sort the problem out later. the lekker thing with these programs these days is you can quantize audio. booyah!

tks man
dh

domhatch

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Are you hearing the drum sounds when you record?

I don't know Reaper, but shouldn't be too hard to troubleshoot if you are methodical...

- Set the input of the track as your KB37 (and set the input MIDI channel to the Tx of the KB or simply set to Omni)
- Set the track output as the Midisport. If it's a multiport model, make sure you have the correct port selected. Set the output MIDI channel (BTW - with a GM keyboard, always use channel 10 for drums - most GM devices only receive drums on 10)
- Enable MIDI through/Echo on the track so it sends the input signal to the output while you are recording
- At this point you should be able to hear your drums when you play on the keyboard controller
- Arm the track for recording and try a take

HTH...

in answer to your first question, nope. but i shall be methodical and see what happens. thanks alan!
dh

TomCat

Have you set up the MIDI ports in "Preferences\Audio\Midi Devices" in Reaper.

If this is set correctly then check your MIDI channels as Alan has suggested.

Hope that Helps

Gareth

Probably not exactly what you're looking for by way of an answer but the REAPER forum
http://forum.cockos.com/index.php
is almost as good and helpful as GFSA, ? you're bound to find your answer there.

In the meanwhilst, I assume you set the track in REAPER to MIDI (all channels) as the default new track is set to audio.

HTH

domhatch

thanks gents.

TomCat, i thought i had, will double check the set up this evening, thanks. you never know...

Gareth, went to the reaper forum board to see if there was anything there matching my problem. didn't look like it, so hey. thought i'd try it on you brainiacs first. and yup, i set the track to midi. i didn't get a chance to go through Alan's step by step last night, will try it tonight.

thanks y'all
dh