Ableton Forum

BlackMath wrote:I would first try a different usb port...then reboot with keyboard in a new usb port..then reinstall the keyboard drivers from m-audio

hoffman2k wrote:Which MIDI Mode are you trying to work in? Remote Input? Track Input?
Are your MIDI preferences set up correctly? To play instruments you need to activate Track Input.

Coupe70 wrote:mac or pc ?
which os ?
which version of live ?

do the vsts work in live when you play them using your computer keyboard ?

what do you mean by "they work in stand alone mode" ?
do you mean when you start them stand alone like for example
the Native Instrument synths you can play them with your
M Audio keyboard ?

ShelLuser wrote:

MaxLangevin wrote:Hey, I have an m-audio keyrig 49 and I'm trying to play with all sorts of different vst's in ableton live. I know the vst's arn't the issue because they work fine in stand alone and I got a few of the ableton ones in there too that all have the same problem.

The problem is when I press a key, it doesn't recognize it, but very rarely it will play one of the keys and just sustain it.

Ok...

Question 1: What OS and what Live version are you using ?

(I know I'm asking more than that, but these are the questions which matter most for now, though its obviously more useful if you answer all my questions).

FIRST to rule out the obvious: In Live click the "keyboard icon" (upper right corner of the screen, to the left of the "key" icon). Pull one of your VSTs onto a midi track (should get armed automatically). Now press, say, something between a to j. Do you hear any sound?

Going a little ahead of myself but: when you plugged the m-audio in does it get recognized by your OS somehow? Better yet: when you go to Live's preference screen (midi tab) do you get to see this specific device?

Question '2': When you have your setup connected and start hitting a few (random) keys; do you see any midi activity in Live? To be exact: Upper right corner, there are 2 sets of small squares ('left' and 'right'). Which of the 2 light up ?

ShelLuser wrote:

MaxLangevin wrote:Sorry about not being clear.

Don't worry about it. When re-reading my previous comments I can understand some of the confusion. And well; it simply is a lot harder to write stuff down than to explain face to face. And I will be honest with you; I didn't take my time with my last response.

Always keep in mind that the "written word" is often perceived a lot harsher as it may have been intended.

And the middle row does play notes but not always, I have to press it a few times, so it is same problem I have with my keyboard, and it sustains the notes too.. Secondly, it is the square on the right that lights up when I hit the keyboard (keyrig49), and I saw the change in Live.

Great info!

There are 2 kinds of "midi signals" to keep in mind. Notes data and control data. Notes are the stuff you generate on your keyboard and which can generate sound, control data however is generated when you turn a dial or move a slider or such (for example).

You may have guessed by now; the left set of squares indicates "control data" (officially put: "remote-control assignments") whereas the right set indicates midi messages which Live's tracks can use (so easily put; "note data"). Keep in mind; I'm not really using official wording (so I think).

My conclusion so far is that there's nothing wrong with your keyboard setup. Esp. given the direction (right) of the midi signals and (more importantly:) the fact that the computer keyboard responded the same as your "midi keyboard".

I base that conclusion on the fact that an external midi device (even if you operate it through usb) can generate some "latency". Or, in easier wording: delay. You press a key and you hear the note after a small delay. Usually small enough yet large enough to go unnoticed.

Now; I cannot rule out latency just yet but we are well on our way to get a good understanding of your problems.


SO: What sound card do you use? Are you using (or have you installed) some sort of ASIO sound driver? You can make sure about this by checking Live's preference screen; go to the Audio tab. There it will tell you the driver type and audio device.

Also; could you tell us some of the names of the vst's with which you experience these issues?


At this moment I think that the cause of your problems could be due to the vst's themselves (considering that the computer keyboard reacted the same) OR a latency ("delay") problem, which could be caused by your sound card driver. Which should be solvable but don't get your hopes up yet; I also cannot rule out that I overlooked something. But we're going to get close enough, that I'm certain off.

ShelLuser wrote: At this moment I think that the cause of your problems could be due to the vst's themselves (considering that the computer keyboard reacted the same) OR a latency ("delay") problem, which could be caused by your sound card driver. Which should be solvable but don't get your hopes up yet; I also cannot rule out that I overlooked something. But we're going to get close enough, that I'm certain off.