Logic + Morningstar MC6 midi controller

[versuswhat]

hi - I'm trying to set up my Morningstar MC6 midi device for use as a foot controller for Logic Pro (for transport functions) and also to control parameters within certain VSTs etc. I am struggling to get this going and wanted to ask if anyone had any ideas/advice! Logic recognizes the MC6 as a midi input device.

 

 

I've also programmed certain keystroke commands (for e.g. R for record, space for play/stop) on various switches on the MC6. I see the midi activity indicator in Logic light up when I press a switch on the MC6.

 

 

Despite the indicator lighting up, Logic does not perform the expected action. I've also tried setting up these functions via the Controller Assignments within Logic using "learn assignment." Logic indicates it has "learned" the command but again those actions aren't performed on hitting the switch.

 

 

Are there any preliminary steps I need to take or options to enable for all this to work? Been running around in circles for a few days on this so any help would be VERY welcome!

 

cheers,

Vikram

[speakerfood]

The MC6 is sending out Sysex commands, which are hard to debug. Is it possible to program the MC6 to send out simple CC commands?

[versuswhat]

Thanks. The MC6 definitely sends out CC commands - it's how I use it to control various parameters and functions on other midi-enabled pedals for instance. Not familiar with SysEx commands but this seems to be happening if I use Logic's controller assignment Learn mode. I was ultimately able to program keystroke functions on the MC6 using Morningstar's own editor and now have a foot controller for Logic - makes the recording workflow much quicker!

[redgreenblue]

You have to take the MC6 out of edit mode before you try to have Logic learn the command, that is why you are getting sysex strings in there. Plus not all of the functions work while the unit is in edit mode.

 

I have the MC8 and the unit is f’ing brilliant. That combined with KeyboardMaestro is going allow me to run my live show and not have to touch my computer once on stage.

[versuswhat]

You have to take the MC6 out of edit mode before you try to have Logic learn the command, that is why you are getting sysex strings in there. Plus not all of the functions work while the unit is in edit mode.

 

Thanks! Yes, I was given the same suggestion by Morningstar support (which is excellent) and it seemed to do the trick for keystrokes. But I'll try the same with the Learn mode within Logic too. Couple of questions though in case you've tried this - when you have Logic learn commands, what changes do you make on the controller? For e.g. do you just change the names for the switches so that you know what's what and leave everything else alone? And if were to save "learnt" commands to a bank on the MC6, will changing banks to one with keystroke commands still work?

 

Agree on the general awesomeness of the Morningstar controllers. & Keyboard Maestro looks amazing too - gotta check that out.

[redgreenblue]

I label everything on the MC8, it's easy to do and makes it convenient. I have a bank I use for normal control (record, cell record, next marker, etc....) and am currently setting up my live rig which will have a different bank for each song and customized as such. I have a bank of banks that these are all collected in and because the MC8 is so powerful I can use a preset to go to the bank for that song.

 

Check this out, this is slick: To launch a song I hit the preset in the bank of banks for that song, that sends a CC command to KeyboardMaestro that launches the song in Logic, goes to the bank for that song *and* sends a midi note to trigger a SP-404 that plays samples while the Logic project is loading. I can then start playing, record, trigger whatever I want from the MC8. When I want to launch the next song I use a long press of a preset, that closes the current project without saving, goes back to the bank of banks where I can then choose the next song I want to play. Of course this method is just for the live work, but one thing that is crucial to me when I perform is NEVER TOUCHING MY COMPUTER. I hate watching someone check their email on stage.

 

The MC8 can take some learning to get things right, but it is worth the effort, the device can send pretty much anything and once you understand how it works is super powerful. And their customer support can't be beat. I REALLY appreciate how responsive they are.