MIDI problems using MOTU Ultralite MK3

[ivanlp]

MIDI data refuses to emerge properly from the end of the cable. I tried with another soundcards, same cable and works perfectly, but with my new Motu Ultralite MK3 just the same problem: missing notes and timing problems.

Anyone had this problem ?

Thanks.

[Ringleader]

Yes, I am having similar problems and this is the reason I am here on the forum - for some MIDI guidance. Using Vista 64 bit with a Fractal Axe-Fx and I cannot get the editor to work reliably via MIDI on the Ultralite mk3. Bad checksum central! Any advice would be appreciated!

[ivanlp]

The Motu support is a fraud. I posted a "MOTU TechLink" in 02/16/2009 and until now nobody answer. Status: Unread

[BG2007]

May be unrelated, maybe not. I posted a few weeks back regarding problems with MIDI, the original Ultralite, and Vista 64. All worked fine under XP 32, but got stuck notes after upgrading to Vista 64. After much careful elimination of possible sources (keyboards, other software, other MIDI issues), narrowed down to Ultralite hardware, MOTU drivers, or Vista itself. Resolved by buying an Edirol UM2 for MIDI I/O, which worked perfectly from the installation; still use the Ultralite for audio.

Barry

[johnsbaker]

I'm having identical problems, and have done extensive testing that indicates that the Ultralite mk3 (non-hybrid, Firewire only) does scramble certain MIDI data.

In my case, data from a Roland TD-4 (which sends continuous timing data) gets scrambled when using the Ultralite as the MIDI interface. Checking the data with MidiMonitor shows that drum impulses (note on/off) data is coming out of the TD-4, but when it exits the Ultralite the data appears as random events (different note on/off, system exclusive, pitch bend, controller messages, etc.).

I don't have the scrambling problem with my other MIDI sources through the Ultralite. In addition, using alternative MIDI interfaces do not scramble the TD-4 MIDI data. I think the stream of timing data from the Roland (which can not be deactivated via the Roland) may have something to do with the problem, but it is nothing out of the ordinary, and other interfaces don't have a problem with it.

I have sent numerous support messages to MOTU, and they seem oblivious to admitting a problem or offering a solution.

Perhaps the Ultralite mk3 firmware (still version 1.0!) is in need of a revision?

[johnsbaker]

Sorry, forgot to mention that I am running on a Mac, system 10.6.2. But the MIDI scrambling also occurs running the Ultralite in standalone mode.....

[ivanlp]

Since early 2009, same problem, never solved. Shame on you MOTU !

[cragto]

I've had a Tech Note pending for two months now on this subject and problem. I tried Tech's suggestions on properly loading and updating the drivers with no success. My responses have gone unread for a month for the first reply and now two weeks for the second. My workaround for the problem is to use a Midisport 2X2 with its beta Windows 7 64 bit drivers, which work without a hitch. The logical conclusion is this is a driver issue that MOTU cannot solve.

[johnsbaker]

Yes, I too am very disappointed with MOTU's response, and am using a MIDISport 2X2.

Have any of the rest of you with this problem checked your MIDI data stream to see if there is continuous "Real Time" data being sent (clock, start, stop, or continue) that might be confusing the Ultralite? In the case of my setup, it is my Roland TD-4 sending continuous "Stop" messages that I suspect is confusing the Ultralite, but this should not be a problem and it is not a problem with my other MIDI devices.

Or, is there only one MIDI device that causes the problem and, if so, what is it sending that might be different?

Perhaps we can isolate a common factor that is messing up the Ultralite. That's more than MOTU appears to be doing!

[cragto]

Received the following from Motu Tech a few moments ago:

"Added by Matthew on 2010/05/28 12:07:53 GMT-5
"Hi Craig,

"I want you to run a loop test within the Ultralite and Sonar to see if we get that same type of issue.

"Create a MIDI track and assign the output to of the Ultralite. Then hardwire a MIDI cable from the Output of the Ultralite directly back into the MIDI input of the Ultralite.

"Program MIDI data onto the MIDI track that you just created.

"Then create a second MIDI track and assign the input to the Ultralite and record enable this MIDI track. Then just run a pass of the the sequence so the MIDI Data that you programmed is recorded onto the second MIDI track. Let me know if you get that same stuck note issue by looking at the MIDI data has been recorded into the second track."

Has anyone tried a loop back like this and what was the result? This seems like it would test whether data is being garbled.

[johnsbaker]

I received the same request from MOTU when I was having the problem. I did the test, and the Ultralite passed.

However, when I compare the performance of different devices and different MIDI input I/Os, the comparisons clearly indicate that the Ultralite has a problem!

So, in real-world testing or situations, I am convinced that the Ultralite is problematic. The simple loopback test MOTU suggests is not rigorous enough!

[cragto]

johnsbaker, thanks for your response. Did you let Motu Tech know your thoughts about the loop back test? What was Tech's response? Please explain why the test is not vigorous enough. I'm not as knowledgeable as you, and need help understanding what shows the errors. Thanks for your help.

[dcr]

Hi,

my Ultralite mk3 MIDI Output its not working. I just got back from MOTU a refurnished MK3 because when I sent my mk3 to get repaired, they returned it with out configuration, so it was useless. and now the MIDIout of this "new" mk3 , its not working. can someone please help me ????? maybe its something about a setting that I don't know.

David.

[shermanfunk]

And here I come in 2020, Ultralite MK3 with crap MIDI issues. The Ultralite refuses to play nice with sending MIDI to external gear with Ableton Live 9, when a Focuswrite Scarlet works just fine. The Ultralite has one of the sketchiest FireWire connections too, if you breathe at it too hard the power will shut off, don’t even think about touching it while it’s on god forbid. I already had to send this unit in once, maybe I got a lemon

[terrybritton]

And here I come in 2020, Ultralite MK3 with crap MIDI issues. The Ultralite refuses to play nice with sending MIDI to external gear with Ableton Live 9, when a Focuswrite Scarlet works just fine. The Ultralite has one of the sketchiest FireWire connections too, if you breathe at it too hard the power will shut off, don’t even think about touching it while it’s on god forbid. I already had to send this unit in once, maybe I got a lemon

I had similar problems for a while with my Ultralite mk3 hybrid, and it turned out to be the graphics driver that was interfering with the Ultralite. I never would have guessed that the drivers for my Nvidia card would be able to affect MIDI, but performing a CLEAN update of the Nvidia drivers fixed the problem and it has never returned. By "Clean" I mean either let your driver installer perform a clean installation (a checkbox in the Nvidia installer in Gforce Experience), or remove the drivers manually first.

Terry