External synth sound output/routing issue

[elimia]

I know this is probably old hat, but I have been stuck for weeks on this. I've read the manuals, help section, forums, and I'm just not getting it, so here goes.

Equipment: Windows software, Akai Miniak (external synth, set to local control off), M Audio Mobile Pre USB preamp, Akai MPD 32 (to route midi through), Ableton 8, ASIO drivers

My current routing: Akai Miniak ----(Midi out)---->Akai MPD 32---(Midi out, USB to computer)----->Akai Miniak (Midi in)
Akai Miniak----(audio output)---->M Audio Preamp---->USB to computer

MIDI routing:
Track Sync Remote
Input: MPD 32 input (AKAI MPD 32) on on on
Input: MPD 32 (AKAI MPD 32) on
Input: MPD 32 (AKAI MPD 32) on
Output: MPD 32 output (AKAI MPD32) on
Output: MIDIOUT 2 (AKAI MPD 32) on

Using External Instrument plug in for each channel, each set to (MIDI FROM): all instruments, all channels------MIDI TO (Ext Ins plug in): MPD 32 Output, then 8 seperate channels

I am so stumped. I am getting a MIDI Track IN signal indicator in yellow, MIDI Track OUT signal in orange. I can see the inputs when I press the synth keys, but can't hear anything.

[elimia]

Anyone? Your knowledge to hear I want (my best Yoda impression).

[yur2die4]

1. How are your speakers hooked up, what are your audio preferences (driver for external card in use, or inboard from your computer?). And what is your master out routed to?

2. Are you saying you get activity on the level meters also? Or only midi activity?

3. A screen cap of your external instrument setup might be interesting possibly (not necessary maybe)

4. So you are saying you plan to have audio coming from vst's? Or audio from your also synth?

[elimia]

Screenshots: http://s1167.photobucket.com/albums/q639/synthguy23/

Basically I'm trying to just record sound from the AKAI Miniak (hardware synth, not VST)into Ableton so I can launch the sounds as different scenes. I'm now using a Saffire USB/MIDI audio unit. Right now I'm not getting any signal from Ableton that it is getting the MIDI, although the Saffire unit is indicating a signal. I have the audio out from the synth going into the inputs of the Saffire. MIDI out from the synth goes to MIDI IN in the Saffire, MIDI out from the Saffire goes to MIDI IN on the AKAI Miniak.

Please help. I've been at this for almost a month and I'm still not getting sound. I don't know what else to do.

[yur2die4]

Alright. First thing I would do, is determine each individual problem.

For starters we will look at the actual audio From the Miniac into your Saffire.

Create a blank audio channel in Live and play around with notes on the Miniak. Either have Auto on and the channel Armed for record, or set it to in. The important part is to try selecting different channels from the input. Hopefully the level on both your interface and Miniak are set properly, and for now have All inputs for the Saffire turned On in audio preferences. Hopefully you will eventually catch a signal. Take note of the one you choose.

Lastly, sometimes Windows interferes with priorities. Right click your speaker thing for Windows and check to make sure it is NOT your default audio device. You want your card commited to Live. That is how ASIO is expected to work.

If we can't get this resolved, the midi aspect won't do much good

[elimia]

Well. FWIW, I can plop an audio track in and play the external synth keys and hear the Ableton synth. And I'm getting a MIDI signal indicator in Live that it registers the synth, just no sound yet. I have all audio output going through the Saffire.

[elimia]

Ok, with all the windows stuff turned off (audio) and MIDI out set to channel 1, there's the sound. I swear, this is the same way I was doing it before to no avail. Thanks for the tips, that seemed to get me over the hump!

[elimia]

One last question - the drum kits that I mapped to the lowest keys on the synth don't make any sound, while I can hear the rest of the pads, basses, etc. Would that be a channel routing issue?

[elimia]

One last question - the drum kits that I mapped to the lowest keys on the synth don't make any sound, while I can hear the rest of the pads, basses, etc. Would that be a channel routing issue?

To follow up (and this makes no sense to me): when I have local control turned off on the synth, the lower keys with the drumkits don't make any sound, but when local control is on everything plays. Weird.