Hi Martin, and thank you very much for taking the time to help me. I’ve done some reading about MIDI, MIDI controllers, MIDI instruments, and the different types of connections and communications protocols. I suppose I should have done this before reaching out, but at least now I understand a bit more (although, arguably I’m still a bit confused).
To make our discussion a bit easier, I will refer to the MIDI Keyboard as “Keyboard” with a capital K, and the computer keyboard with a lower-case k. I’ll try my best to attach screenshots. Again, thanks for your patience for a noob.
I have made some progress, although I’m still encountering issues. The MCUMidi4.0 is the device driver that the Keyboard uses to interface with the computer. I’ve been able to verify that it functions correctly on both input and output by using MIDI OX software - when using this software I can see the data in real-time when I play the Keyboard (ie. Note ON/OFF data appears in the MIDI OX software). MCUMidi4.0 is also listed in my computer’s Device Manager, and confirms that it’s functioning correctly. This is confirmed on the Transport in Cubase when I play the Keyboard - the MIDI In activity meter rises and falls.
I’ve also been able to figure out how to use the Chord Pads in Cubase, and how to use the Keyboard as a “remote” for activating the Chord Pads. However, when I try to record the pads to a MIDI track, I can only use the pads via the computer keyboard in Cubase - the remote Keyboard doesn’t work during record mode. I’ve ensured to Activate Remote Control for Chord Pads in the Chord Pad editor window. I’d really like to be able to use the Keyboard to play the pads remotely during recording.
I’ve also been able to record actual played keys/chords in the Key Editor window, and am learning how to manage the Key Editor (Quantize, etc.), and listen to the playback on the MIDI Track. So, at least now I can confirm that I can play the Keyboard in the Key Editor, which records what I play, although I really have to edit everything or adjust the editor settings to suit what I want to hear during playback. I’d really like to be able to have the Key Editor recognize Note ON & Note OFF signals, so I’ll have to research how to do that.
I am also able to change the sound of the MIDI data by changing the Bank Selector and Program Selector on the MIDI Track’s Inspector. This is only if I have the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth selected as the Track Output. However, despite your instructions, I’ve been unable to use the HALion SE VST Instruments to change the sounds, and I’d really like to be able to do that as well.
The equipment I’m using:
Weird “Hand Piano” - it’s silicon rubber roll-up 61 key piano. It has a Type A USB port labelled “USB Charging” (not connected to anything), a Type Micro-B USB port labelled “Power/MIDI Out” (this is the one connected to my computer, an 1/8" Headphone jack (connected to either my mixing board or to the Steinberg UR22 Interface), and an Aux In port (not connected to anything).
I can connect the Keyboard to the UR22 Interface’s input and record what I play on an Audio Track in Cubase, but I really have to manage the gain settings on the interface carefully, then edit the track in Cubase. This is fine, but again, I’d really like to be able to use the Keyboard as a direct MIDI recording device, and as a remote for the Chord Pads during recording.
I hope this information helps you provide more assistance. And once again, thank you for taking the time. Cheers!
Ralph
I’ve attached some screenshots of how I have things set up in Cubase.