MIDI mapper with MOTU 828mkii

RTwinkie · Post by **RTwinkie** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 1:21 pm

Hi everyone! I have applications that require MIDI.

I have the 828mkii as a sound card in XP Pro. It works well for mp3's wav's etc, but I cannot seem to get it to play any mid files or interface to the applications requiring MIDI. Some of the apps inform me that I need a MIDI mapper. Is there some software that I am missing?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Twinkie

Smokehouse · Post by **Smokehouse** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 6:11 pm

Not quite sure what you're asking, so forgive me if this sounds too basic. Interfaces like the 828 don't actually 'play' MIDI files or sequences.

Either the MIDI signal is sent (via FireWire) to the 828, then out the MIDI OUT on the 828 to something that has a MIDI IN (like a keyboard or drum machine), which generates AUDIO OUT, which then is fed back into the 828 as ANALOG IN, and can be mixed, recorded, listened to, etc.

Or your software includes some sort of soft-synth which converts the MIDI into analog sounds, mixes with with other tracks, and sends the mix to the 828 to be listened to.

Does that make sense?

- Smokehouse

RTwinkie · Post by **RTwinkie** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 6:39 pm

Smokehouse,

Yep, makes sense. But I need real basic info here. I have never made an attempt before to be an audio engineer and I am way over my head.

What I have learned this week is that when I have the MOTU installed/selected via the CONTROL PANEL, I have NO MIDI support at all. Meaning that all the MIDI synth/mapper and such just disappear from the option list in the CONTROL Panel, Sounds.... So, I have now connected a small cheap set of speakers to work with the RealTek audio interface on the Mobo. When I want to practice my guitar lessons (hence the need for MIDI), I just configure for the on-board sound. When I want to go to Cubase, I configure for the MOTU828mkii. Probably crude, but effective.

I think I have also learned that my life would be much easier if I had a MIDI sound generator e.g. Yamaha Motif rack, etc. Further my situation would be much easier if I got a second PC for my music. (I'm working on that too).

Routing is my single most confused area, but as I continue to bang my head against the Cubase wall, it gets softer. (Either my head or Cubase, not sure which)

I will keep on struggling and most probably continue to ask stupid questions of you and the others here.

Thanks,
Twinkie