Old Motifator threads are available in the Archive.
digijohn
Total Posts: 14
Joined 06-03-2003 status: Regular |
Howdy, folks. I’m trying to control plug-in parameters in Pro Tools from my Motif XS. I realize that Pro Tools isn’t supported “officially”, but MIDI is still MIDI, so I’m hoping there’s a way. I’ve had limited success using the “learn” feature in the Xpand! plug-in, but there are some knobs that Pro Tools can’t see. Also, when I try to assign a fader to a parameter, it works fine until I try to assign another fader to another parameter—then the plug-in forgets the first fader assignment. So it’s pretty frustrating. Is there any way to find out which MIDI CCs are controlled by each knob/fader? Of course these values will change with the “Selected Part Control” and “Multi Part Control” buttons. On a similar note, can I assign a MIDI CC to a knob/fader? Thanks for any advice. |
digijohn
Total Posts: 14
Joined 06-03-2003 status: Regular |
So, nobody is controlling Pro Tools with their Motif XS then? How about being able to assign MIDI CC output to each knob and fader? Any idea about that? The manual is unhelpful in this regard. |
motif8mine
Total Posts: 1743
Joined 10-22-2004 status: Guru |
What you are going to run into is that some XS faders and knobs utilize system exclusive messages instead of MIDI CC’s… |
digijohn
Total Posts: 14
Joined 06-03-2003 status: Regular |
Oy. I haven’t had to deal with sysex data in years. So if I understand correctly, there’s no way to tell these knobs and faders what to do. Hmmm. I wonder if a program called MIDI Quest can make the connection for me? I’ll look into it and report back. |
Bad_Mister
Total Posts: 36620
Joined 07-30-2002 status: Moderator |
The Control Sliders send System Exclusive that is true, but is only true in modes where you are addressing the Motif XS. For example, in VOICE mode the CS send System Exclusives messages where CS1 controls the Element Volume of Element 1, CS2 controls the Element Volume of Element 2 and so on. In PERFORMANCE mode, the CS also send System Exclusive messages to address the individual Motif XS PARTS the CS1 controls the PART Volume of PART 1, CS2 controls the PART Volume of PART 2, and so on. In SONG/PATTERN MIXING mode however, the CS send cc007 Channel Volume based on the Track associated with the Control Slider. If you would like to assign different CC messages to the Knobs and Sliders of the Motif XS to send out via MIDI - this is done in MASTER mode. Make sense? Master mode is where you can assign a corresponding KNOB and SLIDER to send specific CC messages on the MIDI channel assigned to a particular ZONE. If you would like to use multiple Knobs and Sliders on a single Zone you can do this as well. What you can do is assign as many of the 8 possible ZONES to the EXT Transmit channel as you require. But very important: You want to only transmit the NOTE-ON Events to that ZONE once… here’s what I mean. The NOTE LIMIT Range should only be set to send once to the particular MIDI channel - so for example if you designate multiple CS to a single transmit Channel… only have one of the ZONE’s NOTE Range active… Set the others so that they are G8~G8 (this will prevent the keybed from sending multiple note-ons to that transmit channel.
To activate the MASTER Mode ZONE function:
Then by pressing buttons 1-8 you can assign the MASTER ZONE functions as you require.
REMOTE mode works to control plugins that follow the provided templates… if you cannot get REMOTE mode to communicate with your particular plugin, then you can certainly program the MASTER mode to address your EXTERNAL device - with some thought about what you want to accomplish.
In MASTER mode, ZONE Edit, each Knob and CS can be set to cc numbers 1-95. For more on Master and its uses please see the following SUPPORT article;
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digijohn
Total Posts: 14
Joined 06-03-2003 status: Regular |
Outstanding! Success! Thanks, Bad_Mister. I am able to control plug-ins in Pro Tools from my Motif XS! I have to set up a template for each plug-in, but the point is IT WORKS! Woohoo! I had tried putting the Motif XS in MASTER mode before, but without the knowledge of how to set it up, so your post really helped, plus that Power User article on understanding MASTER mode. Now, if only Yamaha could include the REMOTE function for Pro Tools alongside all the other major DAWs. That would be fantastic. I think the Mackie HUI protocol would work, but I’m no expert. Thanks again, man! P.S. I got a response from someone at Sound Quest about using that Midi Quest software. Here’s what they said, in case anybody cares:
So it wouldn’t have worked anyway. |
KJandKT
Total Posts: 648
Joined 07-12-2008 status: Guru |
I posted this in another thread, but should have included it here instead. Bad Mister,
Is there any reason why the XS couldn’t be made via a software update to operate in HUI mode so that other DAW users besides DP, Cubase, Sonar and Logic could use the XS as a control surface too?
John P.S. sorry for posting this same basic question in the other thread earlier… |
Bad_Mister
Total Posts: 36620
Joined 07-30-2002 status: Moderator |
I’m sure there is a reason, I don’t happen to know what that is. I spend as little time in politics of music and more in the “how to” of the gear. The original Motif had a template for Pro Tools (although it only allowed minimum integration - Slider for track Volumes, Transport, Track Select, Track Mute) when compared to the others. The other companies seemed to get involved when the templates were developed for the Motif ES - and much more functionality was added. I don’t know the reason that Digi is not included. You ask me as if I speak for Yamaha (lol). I work for Yamaha - I do not have a statement for you. So please don’t go quoting me on the subject. I was not really involved in that at all. If you are a Pro Tools user, what does Digi say about this. I’d be curious (I know you don’t speak for Digi, but you are a customer of theirs and you should be able to find out). I’ll ask around at Yamaha if any one knows the back story. I’ll let you know. The Motif ES, 01X, Motif XS use a modified Mackie Control - which is far more recent that HUI. But you would know more about that than me. |
KJandKT
Total Posts: 648
Joined 07-12-2008 status: Guru |
Thanks for the reply Bad Mister. If you do find out any info I appreciate it. I will try and find out from the Digi side. It may be however nothing that they can do. I believe if a board is made to operate in HUI than it will work in Protools, so it may just be a programming thing for the XS. But definitely I appreciate your answer :)
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KJandKT
Total Posts: 648
Joined 07-12-2008 status: Guru |
Bad Mister, Were you ever able to find out anything about this? It is my understanding that control surfaces can be made to work in HUI mode with the proper programming. So maybe all that needs to be done is for Yamaha to program the HUI mode protocol into an OS update for the XS and now new XF? And I believe although Mackie Control is a newer protocol, it will not work with Protools. HUI on the other hand I believe is a protocol that companies can program with and have recognized on the Protools platform. As long as a device is programmed to work in HUI mode, Protools will indeed recognize it. Making the XS/XF work as a HUI controller for Protools would attract a lot of Protools customers. It would be well worth the programming efforts. Thanks and God bless! KJ |
youdog
Total Posts: 482
Joined 01-31-2009 status: Enthusiast |
If you use Protools and a Motif just hook up to the M-Box. Most protool users who have the Motif don’t care about Yamaha Remote Control. I know some folks who use Cubase and a Motif es & xs but donn;t use Remote. |
KJandKT
Total Posts: 648
Joined 07-12-2008 status: Guru |
I do use my digi interface (002r) with the XS, but that has nothing to do with using a controller for mixing (the reason for my question to Bad Mister). I don’t have a dedicated controller for mixing and most people I think would agree that it is extremely handy to mix with physical faders and knobs. I’m not sure how you exactly came to the conclusion that most Protools users who own a Motif don’t care about Remote Control? There are probably hundreds or thousands of Protools/XS users who don’t come to this site and post so there really is no way of knowing how they feel… I have the opposite take on it. I feel that most studios do use a physical controller for mixing...thus why it would be so beneficial to be able to use that feature on the XS. Some people (myself included) cannot afford a separate controller and would benefit greatly from having that ability. It already is part of what the XS can do...it just doesn’t have a HUI template in order to do it with Protools. How often do we hear about how much people like to put down the mouse and mix with a controller on forums, articles, reviews, etc...? Quite a lot. Everyone likes/needs different things. You may not need that function, but I bet a lot of people do or would desire it. Have fun making music Youdog and blessings… |