Unable to connect keys with PC

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

Hi there all, I have a problem which I decided to try to resolve again, as again I mean that I have bought a USB MIDI cable (ROMIO) they said that it should be plug-and-play or something like that meaning that when I plug it, it doesn't require additional installation. But my problem is that I have a CASIO CTK-900 and it came with a CD with applications. One of them should synchronize both keys and PC but:
1. When I click on synchro a DATA ACCESS will appear on the screen of my keys but that will last like 1 second then error appears on my PC: MIDI TIMEOUT
2. I have a sounblast soundcard with many MIDI options which I don't know what to choose I have

MIDI IN: SB Audigy 2 ZS MIDI IO [E880]
USB Audio Device
USB Audio Device [2]
MIDI OUT: USB Audio Device 1,2
SB Audigy 2 ZS - Sw Synth, Synth A, Synth B, MIDI IO [all E880] and Microsoft GS Wavetable

3. The cable cost me like 60-70 euros and I bought it in January, cant remember. So I would want to know what am I doing wrong or if it will ever work Sad

Thanks in advance

Blues4dog · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Tasmania

It sounds very much like a 'driver' problem with either the Keyboard or the USB interface.
I would suggest that you check all the documentation for both regarding drivers.
If that doesn't help, you may have to search the web for updated drivers.

Hope this helps.

BTW, there will be a way to get them communicating.

B4D

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

Yeah, I've went through the documentation and the manual step-by-step but still the same thing

Blues4dog · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Tasmania

OK. I don't know how familiar you are with the workings of MIDI but if you like I can help you out step by step. Firstly, what MIDI software are you using?
Does the cable indicate transmission of MIDI data when you play the keyboard?

B4D

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

The problem is I am not very familiar, well I have bought this cable http://www.esi-audio.com/products/romio2/ and I am trying to use the software that came with the keyboard Data Manager and SMF Converter. If you suggest any other program just say which one and yes the cable partially works, When I open the Data Manager and I press something like mixer I am able to mix Chorus, Reverb, Attack, Delay, Release etc.

Blues4dog · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Tasmania

Now I need to know exactly what you want the MIDI connection to do. The software you have described would imply that it is meant for making changes to the keyboard settings/patches and converting MIDI files to a format suitable for the Casio. If you want to record MIDI data and use it to control sounds from, or on the PC you will need sequencer software like cubase or sonar etc. There are freebies on the web but I'm not very familiar with them.
Is that what you want to do?

Further to this, it would benefit you to understand how MIDI works. A good guide is here:

http://www.tweakheadz.com/how_to_get_started_with_midi.html

There is plenty more info if you google 'midi basics'.

Sorry to sound like a school teacher but MIDI can be difficult to master unless you understand what it is actually doing. Once you get that it suddenly becomes very simple. (but at the same time as complex as you like)

B4D

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

Yes, you've guessed it partially. I want to do the things that are able to do in sonar and so but also I want to add those MIDI files to my keyboard so it would play as background music. Also adding new sounds (as pianos, guitars, synth etc.) would be good, which CASIO let it download on specific keys from them.

Blues4dog · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Tasmania

I assume then that you have Sonar. if you just hook up the cable and start Sonar, create a midi track, select the midi input from the list and you should be able to see if midi data is coming through from the Casio. Does that happen?

If so, you should be able to open the midi file in Sonar and then send each tracks midi output to a corresponding channel on the Casio. The midi file should then play on the Casio.

Try that first and let me know. I just want to see if your cable is transmitting and receiving data.

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

It would be a lot more easier if you would have an MSN, that would be better cause it would be live so I would not have to wait for you to reply here Smile

Blues4dog · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Tasmania

Sorry about that. I had to go away urgently last week and then when I came back I couldn't get on to the forum for some reason.

I don't have MSN or anything like that.

Did you try the stuff from my last post?

B4D

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

The forums were somehow down, I've edited my reply last time but id didnt last after the reset. I've written that I've managed to make it work partially, I can play MIDI through my keyboard by changing the MIDI I/O to USB Audio now 2 problems: 1. How do I record from keyboard with the keyboard sound to pc, 2. How do I save a MIDI from PC to keyboard.

Blues4dog · Joined: 15 Dec 2008 Posts: 13 Location: Tasmania

Record it as a midi sequence on the PC and then save it as SMF. Your manual should tell you how to load SMF into the keyboard. The keyboard will use it's own sounds after the midi file is loaded.

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

ok I'll try thanks for the help

Ra02 · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 8

sorry for double post but take it as a bump. What should I exactly do to record my keys in Sonar or Fruity loops. I am still able to playback from PC to keys but the opposite is just impossible, I've everything I could come up with. I would like to start recording Sad

saivenkat · Joined: 27 Oct 2009 Posts: 3

I would suggest that you check all the documentation for both regarding drivers.
If that doesn't help, you may have to search the web for updated drivers.
hpe this will help...
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