Invariably in any studio, but particularly a public studio where many different people work with the system set up and the equipment, MIDI problems arise. This is especially true when you are first learning MIDI because there are so many points at which the signal can be interrupted that you may find your early contact with the MIDI applications somewhat frustrating.

Here are the components we need to check. In every case, we need to look for flashing LEDs which tell us if the MIDI signals are being sent and/or received. Keep this in mind as you work with each component in the MIDI chain.

MIDI Interface: This receives signals from controllers and sends signals to various sound processors. It can be use in a live mode or in a sequencer mode. Be sure the right mode is selected for your application. There is also a MIDI Through button which can interrupt the MIDI signals if it is pressed down. This is probably the first thing to check if the interface LEDs are not flashing.

Sound Processors: These are usually the synthesizers, but could also include MIDI signal processors and MIDI mixers. These devices will have LEDs which blink when a MIDI signal is received. If the Interface is blinking and the processors or sound modules are not, then the setting of these devices need to be checked. This are done in the read out panels of the modules. You will need to scroll through the data window (usually in an edit or master mode) and check to see if MIDI is enabled, will it accept Program Changes, and what is the MIDI Mode? The MIDI Modes of Poly, Solo, and Multi are often the choices. When working with the computer, you want the MIDI mode to be multi in order to take advantage of the multi-timbral features of most synthesizers.

Keyboard or other MIDI Controllers: Check to make sure that the keyboard is sending messages to Channel one. Also check the MIDI Cable. Sometimes the lack of a signal from the keyboard is simply due to a faulty MIDI cable or loose connection.

Computer Connections and Software: The computer will have a port which is assigned to send and receive MIDI signals. This is often assignable in the configuartion of the the computer. For example, the MIDI cable for the MacIntosh is often assigned to the modem serial port. In any MIDI setup one looks for the assigned port and assignment of a speed for the port such as 1 Mhz. This is displayed in a dialogue box with the ability to select the port and to select the hz. This fundamental selection must match whether or not the MIDI cable is connected to the right port. Also be sure the MIDI cable is securely connected to the computer port and to the MIDI interface. This cable sends and receives MIDI messages.

Troubleshooting MIDI Problems

MIDI TOOLS: Studio Setup MIDI Applications MIDIScope

1. Be sure that the MIDI-Through Button is up (not down) on the MIDI Interface.

2. Then see if the keyboard or controller is sending MIDI to the interface. Select "Live Keyboards" on the interface and play some notes on the keyboard. Do you see the LEDs blinking on the Interface? If not, check the setting of the Keyboard to be sure it is sending messages on its default channel, and also check the cable.

3. See if the LEDs are blinking on the sound modules. If not be sure to check if the MIDI mode is enabled and the settings on the modules are receiving messages on the same channel that is being sent by the keyboard (usually channel 1, the default channel).

   If the LEDs are responding on the interface and the sound modules move to the next step.

   Include the Computer in the MIDI Chain

4. Change the Interface setting to use with the sequencer (seq16, for example).

5. Open up a MIDI application. Enter notes with the mouse. Look for the LEDs on the interface to flash. If the LEDs flash, the computer is sending MIDI messages to the Interface.

6. If the LEDs don't flash (no signal from computer to Interface), open up Studio Setup. Check the Studio Setup. Does the flow chart representing the connection of modules and types of modules represent the studio? If not open Studio E setup from the MIDI Utilities file. You will now see the configuration of Studio E Modules.

7. Now select "Check Connections" from the menu and click on each sound module. You should see the LEDs flash on each sound module as you click on it. If you have the sound levels up on the mixer and amplifier, you will also hear the modules.

8. Check to keyboard. We know from ther "Live Keyboard" mode that the Keyboard is sending messages. Play some notes on the keyboard with your MIDI application set to receive these MIDI messages. You should see "notes" appearing as you play or right after you play.

9. If the application is not receiving the notes, open up the MIDI program called MIDIDScope from the MIDI Utilities folder. Play some notes on the keyboard. You should see vertical bars appear representing the keys you have pressed. If you don't, then you know the problem is with the interface connect to the computer. If you do see the vertical bars, but the application isn't recognizing the notes, the problem is in the application. Check your application settings and you will likely resolve the problem.