Jump to content

Dave Maffris

Members
  • Posts

    226
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Dave Maffris

  1. Envious. Mine said $199, still might do it, however, I like the idea of the new stuff
  2. I recently picked up an older Mackie Control Universal control surface (the one with the old faders and no USB connection, just MIDI), and have it up and running, more or less, despite some issues with a fader or two. However, I also picked up an Arturia Keylab 88 Mk II, and I cannot get it to control cakewalk at all--it barely allows me to select Arturia's software patches, and no transport control, select tracks, record, etc. So far, I tried to set it up as a 2nd control surface, using the Mackie protocol. Not only does it not work at all, but I had some problems with the Arturia keyboard not producing audio--if I delete the 2nd control surface (Arturia) at least Cakewalk works and my Mackie control works. I'm wondering if it's not possible to have both the Arturia controller active and the Mackie at the same time, or whether the settings fare conflicting (for example, I need to check "disable handshake" for the Arturia controller to connect, but Mackie works better with that box unchecked). Has anyone successfully set up both control surface simultaneously in CbB? If so, perhaps you could give me some tips. So far, whatever I've tried (not much) has failed, so it's frustrating to have this keyboard with so many features and not be able to use them. Thanks in advance.
  3. Thanks for the link and the information. I was hoping for something a bit easier, but at least there is a fix. I got this unit for free, so perhaps a small expense and time to fix will be worth it, although I am not at all mechanically inclined. At least I know people that are, lol. Thanks.
  4. Update--everything's going pretty well, other than the fact that when starting it up, it calibrates the faders, but I get an error saying that Fader 6 will not calibrate, and that I need to contact Mackie Support. This is a legacy unit, so I'm not sure they would support me on this issue--so the fader (6) doesn't seem to be working properly, if at all, so for the time being I'm avoiding this track in my Daw, which is kind of lousy, but it's at least a workaround for now. Anyone know if there's an easy fix for this calibration issue? Other than that I find the unit is working well. Thanks.
  5. Thanks, I haven't had time to look at any instructions much, but I'll check out that link, I definitely could use a few tips I will keep looking into it, because I'm in the middle of a massive new paid recording project and trying to use this is a mix of helpful and not helpful, because the faders seem to always snap to zero (I mean inaudible, bottom of the board) when I open a project, instead of reading where the faders are set in the project, so I have to adjust them and sometimes they "stick" and I can't adjust them until or unless I remove the automation lane from thet rack temporarily. A work in progress for me.
  6. I got it working when I connected to my Audio interface s MIDI in and out ports. Although there are still something's not working, so perhaps you can send me screen shot of your settings for the Mackie unit. I want to make sure I have the proper items checked and unchecked. I find that the faders are not always consistent in their behavior, and at start up my Master fader is at zero and sometimes has a mind of it's own, even though the project tempate loading has the master fader at the unity position. THanks.
  7. Latest update, it’s working for a lot of things now. Still can’t get a track to be set for write automation, though. I have the Lexar template for Sonar, I can disable read automation globally, can’t set read or write per track and there is no button for global write automation, only read. Would be nice to be able to arm the automation from the Mackie control surface, perhaps I can map it manually, I do t have a manual, but have looked online a bit.
  8. Each keyboard has its own usb port. Mackie is older and only has Midi Din connectors, so I put that into my Presonus Quantum’s Midi in and out ports. I added the control surface using Mackie control profile. The faders respond, I can arm a track, solo, mute, etc. But my keyboards are no longer responding to midi messages, it’s like it’s short circuited. NOT about your ACT question, please elaborate if you can, step by step, and much appreciated.
  9. Not sure I understand, Craig, I’ll follow the article and see. But I have Windows 10 Pro installed. Like I’m say, the Mackie device seems to be reading faders, tracks, etc, but I can’t get my keyboards to respond and input any data. Normally if that happens it’s because my input on the track isn’t set up to read all Midi Channels. I’ve never hooked up my Quantum Midi connections before, and again the Mackie is connected and responding. I’m frustrated at this point, don’t know what else to try. Could it be I need to uncheck “disable handshake” in the controller properties page?
  10. Someone gave me a free Mackie Control Universal, it's the old model without a usb port, just MIDI in/out. I connected it to my current version of Cbb and for the first time tried to use an external control surface. I put the Mackie unit into Mackie Control mode. The faders responded automatically, as do the arming of tracks, etc. But I cannot use it, because when opening any virtual instrument I cannot get either of my attached controller keyboards to communicate with Cakewalk. That is, press a keyboard key and no sound and the instrument's virtual keyboard doesn't respond. It's as if it's not on the right channel, but I typically set my tracks for "all inputs/midi omni" which always works, but not now. I have connected the Mackie unit not to a keyboard, but to my Presonus Quantum Midi in/out and everything looks good in settings, etc. If I disconnect the Mackie unit and reboot my computer, Cakewalk resumes functioning normally in all ways. If someone has any advice for me, so I can actually use this Mackie Universal Control unit, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks! UPDATE: I am now able to send and receive Midi while the Mackie control surface is connected, and it seems to work, however in order to hear any sound I had to change the output on each track from Master to my Presonus main outs. Then I noticed my Master fader on the Mackie was at zero! I do t know why it snapped to zero, is there a setting I can find that will open at the unity level or whatever it is set for in my projects when they load? Still experimenting with this, progress, but still not quite there.
  11. Someone gave me a free Mackie Control Universal, it's the old model without a usb port, just MIDI in/out. I connected it to my current version of Cbb and for the first time tried to use an external control surface. I put the Mackie unit into Mackie Control mode. The faders responded automatically, as do the arming of tracks, etc. But I cannot use it, because when opening any virtual instrument I cannot get either of my attached controller keyboards to communicate with Cakewalk. That is, press a keyboard key and no sound and the instrument's virtual keyboard doesn't respond. It's as if it's not on the right channel, but I typically set my tracks for "all inputs/midi omni" which always works, but not now. I have connected the Mackie unit not to a keyboard, but to my Presonus Quantum Midi in/out and everything looks good in settings, etc. Another problem is I cannot seem to load my previous projects, they just hang while loading. If I disconnect the Mackie unit and reboot my computer, Cakewalk resumes functioning normally in all ways. If someone has any advice for me so I can actually use this Mackie Universal Control unit, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
  12. I'm also taking a wait and see approach to this. I'm intrigued about the Next being cross platform, as I do have a Macbook Air that I have configured for live use via GigPerformer, and it would be cool if one could transfer Cakewalk by BandLab and or the new Sonar projects into Next and have at least some type of access on a MAC, too. As far as price, that is a sticky issue. I also purchased Studio One when Gibson bailed out, and have sporadically tried to use it, even upgraded it once or twice, but I still am very limited in how to use it and not comfortable with a lot of it (I have used their Mastering feature, though and that I do like). Now that Cakewalk has Arranger sections there has not been any need for me to migrate to Studio One--as I also hae scores of unfinished projects along with "finished" ones that I occasionally revisit and rework. If the price is reasonable (not sure what that will be) I would pay, but it is hard to accept having to pay after several years of free updates, etc. Subscription model doesn't appeal to me, even though I'm using that for my Izotope software, so I remain in the "maybe" camp for all of this new stuff. I have applied to be a beta tester for NEXT, doubt I'll get in this round, but my curiousity is there. Hoping that Sonar will have some new and powerful features, although I don't really have a definite wishlist for it right now, it does what I need pretty darn well already.
  13. Does one need to have Symphobia to use this product? Very interested, but I don't own anything by PS except the free orchestra.
  14. Ok, slightly off topic, but my man Jim Roseberry, who built and sold me a great studio computer a few years ago, just spent over an hour on the phone with me when my computer decided to do some not so funny things, like not booting up, not recognizing my audio card, etc. although I could get it to boot, it was thru a painful tweak of BIOS SETTINGS, and after reboot my thunderbolt interface stopped working. I am lucky to have an alternate audio interface, but for over a week it was both painful and frustrating. Jim correctly diagnosed the problem via email (dead CMOS battery), and today he walked me thru replacing it, adding the BIOS tweaks from his original co figuration, and after a struggle where I was a bit challenged, we got thru it and it’s all fixed again! I’m sure many of you know, Jim’s computer builds are as good or better than anyone in the business, but what really stands apart is his commitment to his customers and service before, during and after the sale. Thank you, Jim, and to all of you looking to purchase a new DAW machine, you could not do better than working with Jim Roseberry. He is one bad mofo’ and that is the highest compliment I can give. Plus he’s a quality human being. Thanks, Jim. Now, back to work for me… PS. Go here! https://www.studiocat.com/ oh, and visit my YouTube channel, too! All music created with Cakewalk, and video and audio created on a DAW from Jim. https://www.youtube.com/user/midiexpert
  15. for me, 67 bucks, def want this one to complete the collection!
  16. Oh, I forgot about the jam points, that could be the deal-maker...thanks for the reminder, Peter.
  17. I'm very interested, as MODO bass has become a go-to staple for me, but with the addition of Fretless and upright models, it could take it next level, indeed. However, I'm looking for a better price at some point, until then I can cover these other models with other brands...plus, it's not out yet, so pre-ordering is not quite as compelling. I'm sure at some point I will upgrade, it because I like MODO bass very much, indeed.
  18. That is a very nice price, and I think I will pick this up, simply because of that...I checked everywhere, no one else comes close to this price, and I could always use another good mic for the studio and rehearsals, etc.
  19. Yes. I'm thinking about getting some of the Tributes, including Floyd, Toto, etc. Didn't really realize these were out there, even though I have had the Arturia suite for years...guess I was under-utilizing it.
  20. damn demo video got me. just ordered. Did I need it? Of course not. Want it? Absolutely.
  21. When I try to load this now (recently) Cakewalk simply crashes and no matter what I try, it just won't load this instrument anymore. I have tried a repair using Spitfire's audio tool and I'm up to date with CBB. I will contact them, but I wonder if anyone else is having this issue. I think it's also crashing with BBC Orchestra, but I didn't get to test that one again, too busy at the moment.
  22. Despite all the hardships, financial, health, etc, that so many have suffered, there is always something to be appreciated and enjoyed, and this group and community are on the short list of things I have thankful for. Plus, I'm doing a flurry of purchases at year's end (Spitfire, NI) to add to a needed tax deduction list, as I made a bit more money than expected earlier in the year (good for me), and then the newer Variant comes along and just rains on our parade. Still playing tonight, still writing and making music and videos, but looking forward to 2022 as well. Talk to y'all next year.
  23. I hear ya...man, that is unbelievable how you survived on that income--no wonder you are the King of the bargains....
  24. Congrats! I passed that milestone several years ago, waiting until I was 66 so I could continue to work if/when needed. All I can say is...it is a good thing, and you will appreciate it, whatever the size of the monthly check, because we paid into it all these years. Now go do what you wanna do....
×
×
  • Create New...