Hello everyone,

When I last posted on this forum, I said I was working on:

...saving the mixes for each song on the XF and only sending the corresponding number for the SONG or MASTER program at the start of the MIDI file for each song. This may prove to be more smooth and reliable. I will share my findings on this soon.

Well, I am happy to share with you all that I have been been successful in using the App “Sweet MIDI” on my iPad to send a System Exclusive Message to the MOTIF for the correct MASTER for each song which then selects the correct linked SONG on the MOTIF and then the MIDI events that play the MIX for that SONG quite well, except for a few minor timing glitches, probably caused by the fact that I am using an iPad as an external sequencer.

However, I also want the option to be able to play recorded audio in synch with the MIDI file playing the tone generator of the MOTIF. I have a MIDI clock signal coming from the iPad which will trigger the playhead in the MOTIF’s sequencer, which makes the Play light flash in synch with that clock signal as the play head moves. However this only works in SONG mode, not MASTER mode.

I don’t really need to use MASTER mode, so I would be quite happy to leave the MOTIF in SONG mode and send System Common messages (i.e.: F3 00) to the MOTIF to select the correct SONG for each MIDI file.

I use Steinberg Cubase’s SysEx editor to create System Exclusive Messages. However, to switch SONGS in SONG mode I need to create System Common Messages to trigger the selection of the correct SONG/MIX at the start of each MIDI file. But I don’t seem to be able create a System Common Message with SysEx editor as when I type in “F3” it changes it to “7F”. F3 = 243 & 7F = 127 in hexidecimals so that ain’t gunna work. I must be going about this the wrong way.

I have searched the web high and low, but I cannot find anything about creating System Common messages in Cubase or any other macOS application.

I have found some some information about how you can use Cubase to create System Exclusive Messages that should be helpful, but I’m having trouble understanding it. I think I need to use a “double byte” to address the SONG Patches on the MOTIF. Please find “MIDI_Devices.pdf” attached.

Can any of you help? It would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Grant

MIDI_Devices.pdf  (File Size: 1348KB - Downloads: 242)

synthmax - 20 February 2018 04:17 AM

[...] I use Steinberg Cubase’s SysEx editor to create System Exclusive Messages. However, to switch SONGS in SONG mode I need to create System Common Messages to trigger the selection of the correct SONG/MIX at the start of each MIDI file. But I don’t seem to be able create a System Common Message with SysEx editor as when I type in “F3” it changes it to “7F”. F3 = 243 & 7F = 127 in hexidecimals so that ain’t gunna work. I must be going about this the wrong way. [...]

MIDI messages begin with a Status byte. Some are followed with one or more data bytes.

Status bytes range from F0 (240 decimal) to FF (255).

Data bytes can have values of 00 to 7F (127).

SysEx messages begin with F0 (Start of Exclusive) and are completed with F7 (End of Exclusive). F3 (Song Select) is an invalid Status byte for a SysEx message, and too high in value for a Data byte. Since F3 isn’t valid for SysEx Status, apparently Cubase “assumes” it’s a data value, and reduces it to the highest legitimate one. If I had programmed Cubase, for SysEx I would have had it reject anything other than F0 for the Status byte, and anything over 7F for data, not change your entry.

I don’t use Cubase (or the iPad app), and I don’t know if or how Cubase can generate a Song Select message. Perhaps you can record it - the XF sends F3 and F2 (Song Position Pointer) messages whenever the Song number is changed from its panel. In Pattern mode, it sends just the F3 message when changing Pattern number from the panel.

Hi there 5PinDIn,

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate your help.

I have been doing a bit more work and research on this matter and you are right, the MOTIF does transmit SONG Select messages that can be recorded and potentially transmitted back to the MOTIF.

I have recorded a SONG Selection message using a rather handy bit of software called “MIDI Tools”. See attached screenshot of the message. However, I’m still unable to include that message into a MIDI file using Cubase. I have searched it up thoroughly online to no avail.

I will post a query on the Cubase user forum to see if anyone knows how to include a System Common Message in Cubase for the MOTIF that will do the trick.

Regards,
Grant

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