AKAI controller Transport fixes for DP10!

[Michael Canavan]

So if people are interested I spent way too long over the last couple days figuring out MidiPipe on OS X to get transport controls working on the MPK88 and MPC live here. It's a utility application that converts MIDI data to other types. Akai use MIDI CC or MMC messages to control DAWs like Logic or Live etc. Unfortunately DP10.11 as it stands does not receive MMC messages over USB successfully, and CC is just awful for transport controls like Stop, Play, Fast Forward, Fast Reverse, and Record.

So enter MidiPipe, which has no manual, it's old but it's updated for Catalina even, but being free f@#! your manual right? I'm no MIDI expert, but I'm persistent, so last night I successfully got the aforementioned Fast Forward and rewind, Stop, Play and Record etc. working on the MPK88, and proceeded to get it working on the MPC Live (as a Plug in), as well for Play, Stop and Rewind.

Cool thing about DP is you can set a Startup Clipping with MidiPipe automatically opening up with the patch that allows transport control already up. So it becomes more or less a set it and forget it deal.
Warning here, this is all about getting it all just right, a couple times during the process I had the transport flipping out and had to force quite DP until I figured out how to convert the CC messages from the Akai hardware to a note that has a note off message as well. Once fixed DP10 can then receive the converted CC to note signal and record it as a shortcut in the Commands window.

If anyone wants any help with it, more than willing to, it's a PITA, but it's doable, and it's pretty sweet to have the record button right on the keyboard, used that feature almost immediately after getting it to work!

[terrybritton]

...until I figured out how to convert the CC messages from the Akai hardware to a note that has a note off message as well.

In Windows, we have the free-for-home-use (postcard-ware) Bome MIDI Translator Classic. (€ 29 incl. VAT for professional use.)

This is very valuable information, so thanks Michael!

Terry

[Michael Canavan]

...until I figured out how to convert the CC messages from the Akai hardware to a note that has a note off message as well.

In Windows, we have the free-for-home-use (postcard-ware) Bome MIDI Translator Classic. (€ 29 incl. VAT for professional use.)

This is very valuable information, so thanks Michael!

Terry

I definitely think it's worth doing, it's weird how little things like this make life easier.

I really wish MOTU had better partnerships with control surface manufacturers. Ages ago when Mackie first introduced Logic Control, the first version of Mackie Control was geared specifically towards DP. It's the only time I've seen any direct partnership.

These days I imagine it's a bit of a PITA considering hardware manufacturers go for the big four in Live, Logic, Cubase, and Pro Tools. MOTU certainly aren't the only DAW developers left to fend for themselves, but it was sort of disheartening to see the partnership with Novation out the door with Logic 10.5's new clips and grid feature. I was really hoping they were already in talks with Novation considering Novation transports work out the door with DP. Akai are a much harder nut to crack, being the other Launchpad type control surface developer.
The hope I have is that MOTU put out a new version of DP control for iOS and include iPad support that has Clips in it. That makes a whole lot of sense. Logic does this already, but it's something that would put more of the control in MOTU's hands than teaming up with Akai etc.

[cuttime]

Is it my imagination, or has DP 10 actually taken steps back in transport control? I could swear that MCU and HUI control was more complete in DP 9! I am certain that I used to have scrub (shuttle) functions under DP 9. I can't find any way to implement this in DP 10. I wrote MOTU about this and they told me I must be confusing this function with something else.

[Michael Canavan]

Is it my imagination, or has DP 10 actually taken steps back in transport control? I could swear that MCU and HUI control was more complete in DP 9! I am certain that I used to have scrub (shuttle) functions under DP 9. I can't find any way to implement this in DP 10. I wrote MOTU about this and they told me I must be confusing this function with something else.

Yeah I sold my Mackie a while ago, but I remember being able to scrub with the data dial etc. Could be a commands conflict, you look into that?

[cuttime]

Is it my imagination, or has DP 10 actually taken steps back in transport control? I could swear that MCU and HUI control was more complete in DP 9! I am certain that I used to have scrub (shuttle) functions under DP 9. I can't find any way to implement this in DP 10. I wrote MOTU about this and they told me I must be confusing this function with something else.

Yeah I sold my Mackie a while ago, but I remember being able to scrub with the data dial etc. Could be a commands conflict, you look into that?

I searched the commands list and can't find anything resembling jog/shuttle.

[terrybritton]

Is it my imagination, or has DP 10 actually taken steps back in transport control? I could swear that MCU and HUI control was more complete in DP 9! I am certain that I used to have scrub (shuttle) functions under DP 9. I can't find any way to implement this in DP 10. I wrote MOTU about this and they told me I must be confusing this function with something else.

Yeah I sold my Mackie a while ago, but I remember being able to scrub with the data dial etc. Could be a commands conflict, you look into that?

I searched the commands list and can't find anything resembling jog/shuttle.

MCU is an entirely separate protocol from the commands, so I'm not surprised. Keep investigating - it is very unusual for only one piece of the protocol to be removed.

Terry

[cuttime]

MCU is an entirely separate protocol from the commands, so I'm not surprised. Keep investigating - it is very unusual for only one piece of the protocol to be removed.

Thanks for the input, Terry. I understand this, but this is when my knowledge begins to break down. I've never understood why certain HUI/MCU data looks just like MIDI note data (for instance, transport STOP is a Note ON/OFF A5). I've tried to educate myself in these things, but perhaps I am clueless. If you or anyone knows of some sources for enlightenment, please share.

This video has sent me searching the Commands window more than once:
https://youtu.be/HYLYToioV-w