Ableton Forum

Hello,

I am using Ableton Live 10 for backing tracks. I understand Ableton can send patch changes via a midi signal. I would like to control multiple devices via ableton Live and I'm wondering what kind of external hardware do I need?

My idea is to send patch changes to the keyboard player, a midi note to a dmxis box for simple light cues, and if possible, a usb midi signal to patch changes on a Line 6 Pod Go. Is this possible? If so, what gear would I need? I am using a windows laptop for Ableton and a Presonus StudioLive 16r for interface/mixer. There is no midi in the StudioLive mixer. Is it possible to connect an additional piece of hardware via usb as a "midi hub" at the same time as the existing mixer with usb?

Thanks for your time,

-Thomas H

Hi, I might be able to help a bit as I do something similar, but with different equipment from yours.

I have a MacBook that sends midi signals to DMXIS, a Roland TM6 drum module, a Yamaha DTX-M12 drum pad thingy and a Strymon Timeline. The DMXIS, Roland and Yamaha have USB midi and they just connect to the Mac via a standard Anker USB hub. I have a MIDI channel for each in Ableton with MIDI From set to No Input and MIDI To set to each device and on separate MIDI channels. Then I have MIDI clips to send notes or patch changes.

The Strymon has 5-pin DIN MIDI so I have to connect this via our audio interface (Focusrite 18i20) as this has a DIN MIDI out (so the chain is Mac to Focusrite via USB then Focusrite to Strymon via DIN). Again, set the MIDI From and To in the same way and pick a different channel for the Strymon. The key with this set up is to use a good quality DIN to DIN cable. I tried cheaper ones and the signals didn't always work so bought a Roland one and it's been fine.

Like you, I wondered about a MIDI hub but this set up works perfectly now (and if I needed another DIN connection I could come out of the Strymon).

I hope that helps? Let me know if you want me to clarify anything, and good luck!

Cheers

D

Hi D, Thanks much for your reply! I'll try it out

-Thomas H