CC to SYSEX converter - I don't know what I'm doing!

Question

I'm very new to MIDI and MIDI designer, so I don't really have a clue where to start (other than asking for help).

The end result I want is to be able to control Auria transport controls using my Yamaha MFC10 midi foot switch. Trouble is the MFC sends CC, and Auria reads SYSEX (for the transport controls).

From what I've read and seen I can configure MIDI Designer to:

- read CC from external hardware
- send SYSEX codes (to other apps?)
- use supercontrols to link buttons/functions together

However, I've haven't got the faintest how to go about implementing this.

Don't suppose any of you lovely people would mind helping me put this together?

Thanks

Answer 1

MIDI Designer can be a bit overwhelming at first since it is SO versatile, but spend some quality experimenting & learning time with it and you'll be fine!  I definitely recommend you look at the tutorial pages and videos posted on the main web site to get you pointed in the right direction.

What you're wanting to accomplish should work, but with one caveat:

be sure the MIDI interface you're using with your iOS device supports SYSEX!

(I mention that because I use an iPad 2 with an iO Dock in my home studio, and the arrangement works great ~ EXCEPT for the fact that the iO Dock does NOT support SYSEX!!)

You'll need a separate MD control for each function you want to control on the Auria. Each control should be programmed to send the specific SYSEX message required to activate the various Auria transport functions.

Once the controls are working as required, each control can be linked to your desired footswitch on the MFC10 using MIDI learn for the individual MD control.  You could also implement the MD "pedalboards" feature using supercontrols to give you a lot of versatility in setting up the external controller links (see the tutorial videos for demos).

Either way, you could leave the programming on the MFC10 "as is", and handle all the programming requirements on the MUCH easier-to-program MIDI Designer.

Comments

Thanks for the response.

I was sure that Auria responded to SYSEX (as that's what the developer had said), but he's now saying that I actually need to send Mackie MCU or HUI protocol messages, but because of licensing he can't tell me the messages to send.

This is becoming more difficult than I expected.

There is no option to send Mackie format data from MD. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Thanks
Rich

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At present, we don't support Mackie Protocol. We'd be very interested in hearing any and all input on why we should support it (e.g., don't other apps do this nicely already?), etc. Thank you!

http://google.com/search?q=mackie+protocol+midi+designer

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Also, it's GREAT that rrivers answered this question. Let me know if there are any points that you need help with beyond this answer. Thanks!

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May I add to this thread?

I'm trying to do something very similar and also with Auria as the subject. Auria semi-supports MMC (but not completely) so HUI is the only reliable way to remotely control its transport controls. Following a load of confusing research into the HUI protocol, I've been experimenting with trying to send some HUI SysEx strings to Auria from MidiDesigner and I've hit a problem.

What's happening is that MD appears to insist on modifying the strings after I've typed them in. For example, I reckon that to tell Auria to PLAY, I need to send the SysEx "F0 00 00 06 05 00 B0 77 7F F7" so, ignoring the first F0 and last F7, I type "00 00 06 05 00 B0 77 7F" in to SysEx properties field and apply it. However, MD has actually saved it as "00 00 06 05 00 7F 77 7F " so it doesn't work as intended!

Now, it may be that my research is no good and what I'm trying to send is rubbish anyway but that's not the point. Why is it that MD is modifying what I've entered?

Please help - this is making me tear out my hair! ;)

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http://mididesigner.com/qa/2085/midi-designer-is-modifying-my-sysex-strings

Answer 2

MIDI Designer can be a bit overwhelming at first since it is SO versatile, but spend some quality experimenting & learning time with it and you'll be fine!  I definitely recommend you look at the tutorial pages and videos posted on the main web site to get you pointed in the right direction.

What you're wanting to accomplish should work, but with one caveat:

be sure the MIDI interface you're using with your iOS device supports SYSEX!

(I mention that because I use an iPad 2 with an iO Dock in my home studio, and the arrangement works great ~ EXCEPT for the fact that the iO Dock does NOT support SYSEX!!)

You'll need a separate MD control for each function you want to control on the Auria. Each control should be programmed to send the specific SYSEX message required to activate the various Auria transport functions.

Once the controls are working as required, each control can be linked to your desired footswitch on the MFC10 using MIDI learn for the individual MD control.  You could also implement the MD "pedalboards" feature using supercontrols to give you a lot of versatility in setting up the external controller links (see the tutorial videos for demos).

Either way, you could leave the programming on the MFC10 "as is", and handle all the programming requirements on the MUCH easier-to-program MIDI Designer.