Could someone give me advice on connecting my Motif xs8 to GarageBand running on a Mac mini?  I have enjoyed onboard sequencing on this keyboard for many years and have finally decided to step it up with a DAW.  I’m pretty late in the game...lol.

I have intentions to purchase a USB interface when budget permits for additional functions and connectivity, but it is my understanding that I can connect directly through USB for this.  All I am trying to do at this point, is the most basic function: to use my Motif to trigger software instruments in GarageBand.

Mac is 2018 Mini, running Big Sur and latest GarageBand, and been trying to connect through USB TO HOST port with a printer cable USB type b 2.0 on motif end and USB type A 2.0 on the Mac end, with no results. Motif MIDI IN/OUT is set to USB and both receive and transmit channels are set to 1.  Device Number set to all.

Do I need to download a driver?  Does my USB connection need to be a USB C on the Mac end?  Thanks in advance.

A driver is needed. This one…
https://usa.yamaha.com/support/updates/usb_midi_driver_for_mac.html
...will work for Catalina/10.15. Yamaha, as of last month, is “Testing” compatibility with Big Sur/11. See the attachment.

mi_os_mac_windows_compatibility_202101-2.pdf  (File Size: 114KB - Downloads: 264)

Hey,
Thanks very much for the reply.  I will download and try this driver and give it a go.  How does one go about finding out when Yamaha has concluded that particular testing, and is offering an updated driver good for Big Sur?

DeChristopher - 28 February 2021 02:59 PM

Hey,
Thanks very much for the reply.

You’re welcome.

 

DeChristopher -

I will download and try this driver and give it a go.

OK. Please let us know how things work out.

 

DeChristopher -

How does one go about finding out when Yamaha has concluded that particular testing, and is offering an updated driver good for Big Sur?

My approach has been to periodically check Yamaha download sites.