help w new iMac and DP8/XPressXT MIDI

[smilinpig]

Hi..been awhile since I was here. I recently re did my studio, and got a new iMac. (2.7ghz, 21.5 haswell, w/ OSX 10.8.4) I use an old express XT, and I am having so many MIDI issues I'm about to give up. I've used DP since V 1, and been doing this for what..30 years and I cannot figure out what isn't connecting.

First, everything wired up, USB from XT to iMac. When I play through the XT alone, all of the synths ( JV-1010, JV-1080, Proteus 2000, and Kurzweil PC 88 controller) work fine. When I patched through the iMac/DP, it worked but I get stuck notes, missing notes, like its limiting the voices. Never had any issues on my old G5, which recently died (RIP).

So I reconfigured Bundles and audioMIDI OSX. Trashed MIDI drivers and redownloaded, reinstalled...Now I get MIDI input from the XT, I can see it in the MIDI monitor showing the PC 88 input - but I cannot connect to any devices, nor can I record MIDI. I do however get playback to any synth from a previously recorded MIDI track. Tried all the input options, every channel from the XT, Any channel XT, PC 88. My old setup i set it once to the PC88 I believe and never ever had an issue.

I also wired the PC 88 through MIDI on my Scarlett 2i4 I/O ( has 1 MIDI I/O)...same deal. I can see the MIDI input, it will play back to it, but I cannot record, nor can I control any VI synths like Novation.

MIDI seems to be getting in but not getting thru. I have rewired, reconfigured, etc and it looks like everything is OK, but its just not getting through. At one point yesterday with the MIDI lag I lost MIDI input -unplugged the XT and replugged and got signal but that doesn't fix this . I even did the tutorials something I have never had to do - and still no luck. I'm missing something and it may be something new, IDK, but it is frustrating.

I have Logic too, which I'm learning. WhileI can actually get the keys to sound, there's the unacceptable lag/loss of notes. I don't see it with the Scarlett so far, so I am wondering if the XT, which is not the 2011 reissue, is not compatible or useable anymore?

I certainly appreciate any help or suggestions.

Had a lot of DP8 demo crashes too...most upon opening. I want to buy it but it crashes every 4 or 5 openings. How bad is DP8 for bugs and is it an OS issue? Thanks

[mikehalloran]

What OS? I would certainly go to 10 .8.5.

Is your XT compatible with intel macs? I can't find the link on the support site that discusses this nor can I find the updated chip notes anymore.

What's the firmware version?

Have you installed the latest MOTU universal MIDI Driver?

[smilinpig]

Well I found the input problem...I had somehow left off the Input filter or had changed it accidentally. So I have signal. However the MIDI drop outs/lag etc seems to be from the ExpressXT. Did some more research last nite and it seems to be a lot of people have the same issue w/ the XT because its USB 1.1. They blame Apple (?), and so far there is no fix I can find. Latest drivers installed, sent an email to MOTU looking for a firmware/hardware or driver update for the XT....the Scarlette's single MIDI works perfect so my guess is because the XT is USB 1..I'm going to have to get a new MIDI box.

Thats 350.00 down the drain for the old XT which is in mint shape and otherwise works perfect. AND 135.00 for a new micro -express...technology

Appreciate your time and help Mike...Thanks

[mikehalloran]

This is probably a Hail Mary but how long has it been since the battery was changed? All sorts of things go wonky in these units when that C-2032 memory battery gets low. If it's been awhile, I'd try it.

While you are inside, burnish all the internal connectors by removing and re-seating them.

This will also re-set everything to the factory default settings. Worth a try, IMO.

[smilinpig]

Units been sitting 2-3 years..I had problems with my arm after I got hit in a nerve at the hospital..lost coordination and its finally getting better. Lost time too, but I've redone everything and I'm happy except for the MIDI issues. Thanks for good suggestions, I'll open it up and try a battery, cleaning. It works perfect not hooked up to the iMac...but you never know.
Thanks again Mike..