8pre Mid Not Working [RESOLVED]

[Lezlad]

I've been very happy with the audio capabilities of my 8pre, but I cannot for the life of me get the MIDI input to work. The 8pre seems to work fine, I can record on all 8 channels, the MIDI and audio drivers show up in device manager, any programs I use recognize the 8pre MIDI input, and it generally seems to be in good working order. However, when I press keys on my MIDI keyboard, nothing happens. The 8pre does not send any MIDI info to the computer. The issue is either with the 8pre or my MIDI cable at this point, but I see no reason for the cable to be bad. I've update my drivers and firmware. I've tried three different keyboards. I'm at a total loss as to what I could be doing wrong. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

[buzzsmith]

We/I need more details.

Windows computer? (Assuming yes.)

What is your controller that would go into the MIDI IN of the 8Pre?

Then what is the module or VI that you are trying to transmit/record MIDI to? (MIDI OUT to the hardware, if that is the case.)

Is there a MIDI activity light on the 8Pre?

Are you using DP?

Buzzy

[Lezlad]

Yes, I'm running windows 7 64 bit.

I've tried a Casio CZ-101, a Kawai ES1, and Akai MPK41.

I'm attempting to use a keyboard to control a DAW. The settings in my DAW are not the problem. I used MIDI-OX to monitor any MIDI signals and the computer is definitely not receiving anything.

I really wish there was a MIDI activity light on the 8pre, because that would make this whole problem a lot easier to solve. Unfortunately, there seems to only be activity lights for analog and optical.

No, I'm not using DP, but again it shouldn't matter what program I'm using.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Have you uploaded the MIDI drivers from the MOTU site?

[Lezlad]

Yes I have. I upgraded the firmware on the 8pre to v1.03 from here

http://www.motu.com/download/download_m ... duct_id=14

and I installed the latest PC drivers using the Universal Audio Installer and MIDI Installer.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Well that's the extent of my PC knowledge... ☺ The only other thing I can think of (again, I'm a PC moron) is if there is something in the OS that needs to recognize the device as a MIDI device, like the equivalent of the Mac OS CoreMIDI? Or perhaps some conflict with some other device, either installed now or previously.

I'm sure MOTU can suss it out for you via a tech link or a call on Monday.

[Lezlad]

Unfortunately, I bought the unit second hand, and the guy I bought it from forgot to transfer the registration to my name, so no Motu tech support. That's what I get for buying stuff used!

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Just call and explain it to them. They'll probably just take his name off and put your name on. Or have you already asked?

[buzzsmith]

I have a foggy recollection from years ago of transferring a hardware registration. Either I sold a unit or I bought one.

If so, I don't recall any real hassle...but it was probably 6-7 years ago.

And to the OP...is there another MOTU (even just MIDI) interface you could borrow to troubleshoot?

Buzzy

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Or a different machine? PC or Mac?

[Lezlad]

Well, I just tried it out with a different PC. Still nothing. I kind of assumed transferring the registration would be a pain buying second hand, but I'll definitely give them a call on Monday!

[Lezlad]

I'm posting this just in case anyone else ever has this problem.

I got the unit registered to my name, contacted Motu, and apparently this never really happens. I tried connecting a cable between the in and out ports and sending some MIDI from the computer, but no input was received. Either my cable or the unit is dead, so I'll just have to ship it to Motu and get it fixed. Thanks for the help guys!

Edit: Aha! It seems I have a busted MIDI in port. Either that or my keyboard is really bad at sending MIDI. Anyway, if I hook up the MIDI out port on the motu to a device, I can send to the device. Still have to get it fixed, but at least we know the source of the problem.

[buzzsmith]

I'm sure that this has crossed your mind, but I certainly would check with another MIDI keyboard to verify before sending the unit to MOTU. And maybe even just another cable for good measure.

I have an M-Audio ProKeys controller (I hate it) that has a problematic MIDI out. The MIDI cable has to be inserted just right and then draped over the end of the keyboard to put some pressure on the connection!

Glad, though, that you seem to be closing in on the issue!

Buzzy

[Lezlad]

Hooray! I found the answer! On a whim I tried a factory reset of the 8pre. And now everything works! I have no idea what happened to it to make the input stop working, but everything is ok now.

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Sometimes electronics are like babies and need to be burped or have their diapers changed. Glad you found it!