Akai MPK88 MIDI Keyboard Controler

[EveningSky]

For some reason, DP7.24 (Mac) is not able to register the MIDI signal from this professional keyboard from the company Akai, a market leader in this type of product. I have tried to feed it a MIDI signal by USB cable and MIDI cable. The MIDI Activity Monitor shows a response to a key press, but the program cannot record a MIDI signal. I am talking about simple minimalistic keyboard action, and not the fancy MIDI control surface features of the keyboard.

The strange and frustrating think is that Garage Band and Abelton Live Lite record the MIDI signal without any problem.

Any insights? And Akai users who work with DP?

I spend approximately 30 minutes on the phone with the MOTU tech support about this problem, without resolution.

I am very frustrated and simply do not understand it.

Thank you,
ES

[Guitar Gaz]

I have an Akai MPK25 that works perfectly well - and did with DP7.24 as well.Is it included on your Audio Mid Setup (Utilities folder - MIDI Window)? Have you set the MIDI Channel on the Akai somehow so its not transmitting? Anyway it is definitely something you are doing - DP records MIDI from this keyboard family perfectly well. I have the Control Surface set to Eucon - not6 sure what this is but try that. Do you have your track set to record with the output set to the MIDI device or VI and can you hear the sound? It should follow that when you actually record, the MIDI data is recorded. You should be using a USB cable which it came with to connect to your interface.

Its hard to tell what your problem is without knowing your setup - the Akai keyboards are pretty much plug and play on its basic settings.

[EveningSky]

Hello Guitar Gaz,

To my knowledge, I have done all of the steps you suggestion, and beyond. And I am baffled by this. I am glad to hear that you are able to use your Akai with DP successfully.

The crazy thing is that Garage Band and Abelton Lite detect the MIDI signal with NO problem!

I was wondering if perhaps it is some issue with time rate or synchronization between DP and the Akai???

I will keep trying. You give me hope. But it is very very frustrating. What does DP not record the signal while these other programs do?

Yours,
ES

[monkey man]

The other oft-guilty culprit is the inadvertent filtering of wanted data in DP's... oh man, it's been sooo long... MIDI Filter window?

If you haven't already, check it out (should be in the project or setup / studio? menu). While you're there you might choose to filter extraneous, bandwidth-hogging data like poly aftertouch or even note-off velocities if you don't use them. I've even used the window to filter unwanted controllers that could inadvertently be triggered / sent by the accidental bumping of levers and whatnot.

Also check that the MIDI "play when DP is in the background" feature is on, as all it would take would be the accidental clicking of the Finder or another app's window to silence all MIDI throughput.

I can't even remember if there's a MIDI thru tab somewhere, but if there is, it goes without saying... enable it!

[frankf]

There is an ongoing thread on MOTU-Mac about similar issue. Try reinstalling latest MOTU MIDI drivers.


Frank Ferrucci

[EveningSky]

I will look into both suggestions. Thank you Monkey man and Frankt for your help with this issue. Yours, ES