MIDI CC not working, weird behaviour

[Strig]

Hi,

 

I'm using my Machine MK3 to send MIDI CC in order to trigger actions within Logic Pro. For example, program a button to send MIDI CC 16 on channel 16 and mapped this in Logic to insert a new Software Instrument. The knobs I've programmed to send CC 24-31 on channel 2 and mapped these to the SmartControls in Logic. All working so-far. But when I open the same project the next day, the buttons are working but the knobs don't. Apparently there is no midi cc arriving in Logic, but the MIDI Monitor app does show the CC and channels. So I change the channel to, for example 3, and all is working again in Logic. Next day, same project, the knobs again will not work and I have to change the channel from 3 back 2 or any other numbers. I have no glue what is happening but getting bit frustrated as I have changed the template so many times now. Initially is was because Logic stack track has an issue with MIDI controllers, so removed those. Quite sure it is not related to MK3 as midi is transmitted.

 

Setup: MacBook Air M1/ Logic Pro 10.7.3. Midi settings, MK3 in-out via Machine Virtual In/Out.

 

Anybody else experienced similar behaviour and/or has a solution?

 

Thanks in advance,

Frank.

[Atlas007]

Could that be related to the fact that some smart controls pertain to a saved patch?

[Strig]

Thanks for the reply. Not patch related, the some midi cc are not arriving in Logic. Checked with the Environment. Midi montior app is picking up the midi cc.

[David Nahmani]

Thanks for the reply. Not patch related, the some midi cc are not arriving in Logic. Checked with the Environment. Midi montior app is picking up the midi cc.

That likely means that Logic is hijacking the data stream for its control surface assignments? If you choose Logic Pro > Control Surfaces > Bypass All Control Surfaces, do you see the MIDI CC data stream in Logic as expected?

[Strig]

Thanks David. When I learn midi cc to control smart control knobs/ moved, it works.

However the actual received midi cc in not showed in the display anymore, and neither it is in the Environment.

 

Bypassing the control surface does again show the midi cc in the display (sure, the smart controls are not moving). I also notices that I frequently have to change the MK3 virtual input in Logic's midi settings, as these seems to change as well.

 

Any suggestions what to try?

[David Nahmani]

Thanks David. When I learn midi cc to control smart control knobs/ moved, it works.

However the actual received midi cc in not showed in the display anymore, and neither it is in the Environment.

Yes, that is the expected behavior. Once you've assigned a specific type of MIDI data (such as a specific MIDI continuous controller number on a specific channel numer), that data does no longer reach the MIDI Environment and cannot be accessed or recorded in Logic's sequencer.

 

I'm not sure I understand your setup. What are you trying to do exactly? Use the same MIDI CC for both a Smart Control and something else in a plug-in?

[Strig]

Hi David, I using the NI MK3 as a MIDI controller in Logic (MK3 is setup in midi mode to transmit midi cc). I use the buttons to control standard actions like opening and closing windows, start, stop, loop, etc. I only use the knobs to control SmartControl or control AU plugins using midi learn on the plugin. For the SmartControls I'm currently using MIDI CC on channel 1, and of for the midi learn a use a different page in MK3 to transmit MIDI CC on channel 2. The buttons are sending midi on channel 16.

 

Easy setup and quite straight forward in my opinion, but Logic keeps messing up the MIDI CC from the knobs as explained above. Would plugging in the MK3 into different USB-port have an effect on this?

Thanks and a nice weekend,

 

Frank.

[David Nahmani]

Ok so how do you assign the knobs from the keyboard to the Smart Controls exactly? Do you use Command-L, or do you click the Learn button in the Smart Control inspector, or some other method? Can you share a screenshot of those assignments?

[Strig]

Used all (Cmd-L, Learn and Learn-Mode via controller assignment page. The issue is only with SmartControls. Since SmartControls doen't work under track stack either, I have the impression that Apple is not approaching the use of this correctly.

 

How to insert a screenshot?

[David Nahmani]

Used all (Cmd-L, Learn and Learn-Mode via controller assignment page.

Then you probably have multiple, conflicting assignments. Either open the controller assignments window, and delete the extraneous assignments, or if you want to reset all Logic's assignments, you can delete the control surface preference file (quit Logic, hold down Option and click the menu Go > Library, go into Preferences and delete com.apple.logic.pro.cs

 

How to insert a screenshot?

How to attach files to your post

[Strig]

Thanks, enclosed the requested screen shot.

[David Nahmani]

Ok so it's as I suspected, you have many duplicated assignments that create the conflicts. See my previous post for instructions on how to tackle the issue.

[Strig]

Well, as it is not working now, I will reset all and build it again. If any issues, I will let you know.

For now, thanks very much for your advice and help.

Have a nice day!

[David Nahmani]

You're welcome Strig, if it ends up working let us know as well so that I can mark the thread as solved.