Using the Microkorg as a MIDI Controller

[BoxDJ]

How would I go about doing this? I will be purchasing a Motu Ultralite which does have a midi in and out. Would I need a set of Midi cables that go into my soundcard or do I need Midi-USB cables?

[john doe by choice]

You can use a MIDI cable from the microkorg to the MOTU, although I don't own a microkorg, so I'm not sure exactly what on the microkorg sends MIDI signals. Ableton should at least respond to all of the keys and the pitch bend, though.

[BoxDJ]

Thanks! All that really matters to me is that I can use the keys.

[BassTooth]

here: http://www.korg.com/uploads/Support/mic ... 600000.pdf

i haven't used my microkorg in a while but I think what you have to do is turn the second Edit Select knob to MIDI and set the clock to EXT(external), this makes your microkorg a slave to Ableton

...assuming you've connected MIDI cables from out/in in/out on your ultralite. just need normal MIDI cables.

[pipedreams]

yep this will work just need a couple midi cables. i currently use my microkorg with a m-audio uno interface and everything except the volume fader can send midi so you can use the knobs as well as the keys . you only need to set the clock to external if you are going to be sequencing it within live, but it works great as a pretty basic controller and is easy to sequence with live as well

[muchachotron]

you must consult the manual, there are a lot of sneaky midi parameters on that keyboard, especially if you are going to use it with a sequencer. for example, you'll be able to sync up live and the korg tempo, so the korg arp, vocoder and other time-based effects will be right in line with live -- but this is not intuitive without the manual's explanations of the parameters.

if you don't have the printed manual, download it from the korg site. you need to make deliberate settings, beyond just tethering it to the computer. all of the instructions for connecting things up will be in there, too. it's a well done manual.

you should connect the microkorg midi in and out to the midi in out of the motu, and the motu will send both the audio and midi back and forth between the computer and the korg. you can have some fun with the abundant io on that box, too -- send other channels to the vocoder inputs and stuff. good times, that micokorg is bliss.

[squelcht]

I've had some good fun routing a Microkorg with Ableton back in the day...Same setup actually---Using a Ultralite

[Hidden Driveways]

I'm likely going to pick up the MicroKorg XL soon for this purpose. The XL can go direct into the computer with USB...

[deepee]

Another vote for the XL. Has it's own USB MIDI driver.

[squelcht]

^NO shat? I didn't realize it has this new feature...Thats pretty dope

[BoxDJ]

Does MIDI-USB better than just regular MIDI calbles? Also. do the USB port expanders have any downsides such as slower response time/quality?

[Hidden Driveways]

I was browsing through the microKORG XL manual today and they do mention in there that USB is faster for MIDI than using the MIDI ports. But, I've used standard MIDI ports in the past to control stuff and I never had any speed issues.

[waterjerome]

@boxDJ: The USB midi interface requires that you have the keyboard plugged in and booted before starting Ableton. Not sure this is required with the regular Midi ports.

[Jonny B]

Old Post but thought add to this as its relevent.

I have a Midi to USB cables handy as attempting to use it via a Laptop

I tried a few years ago but didnt have any luck.

Is it possible with above protocol

Cheers

JB