MC5 and Midi Sys Ex: Supported?

I don't have access to my computer which has MC5 on it right now to verify, but I believe it does have sysx capability.  I know MC4 and below did.

in MC5, go to VIEW>SYSX

if it's there and not greyed out then you have access to sysx commds, if it's not there or if it's greyed out then MC5 doesn't have the capability.

You simply plug the interface into the PC via the USB cable. You plug the midi keyboard/controller into the interface and run the software setup disc, select the correct drivers and you should be fine.

The purpose of the interface is to be the interface between the midi device and the computer as well as the interface device between the mic/guitar and the computer.

hope that helps you to understand it better.

Thanks, guys.

Guitar Hacker -- I have the Tascam set up as my interface to the PC via USB. I've used that for some time as the link between a mixer and my PC. The MIDI connectivity is new since I just picked up the Alesis machine. I'm new to MIDI and sysex.

Beagle -- I need to pick up some MIDI cables, probably tomorrow. I'll look into it as soon as I get them and get back and let you know how it all went.
 
Update: Under VIEWS there is a SYSX. So that answers that part of the equation. I need a couple of MIDI cables now.

Thanks again.

I was pretty sure they didn't take SYSX capability away, but since I couldn't confirm and I know they took other things away between MC4 and MC5 I wasn't sure. 

is the tascam not showing up in the OPTIONS>MIDI DEVICES as valid inputs and outputs to be set?

THe computer plays a part of course, but the interface and it's drivers determine if it works or not.

Be sure the cables on the midi are properly connected. On the interface the MIDI IN should be connected to the MIDI OUT (on the keyboard/controller) with a midi cable from the keyboard. In my studio, that is the ONLY connection I have. I do NOT send the MIDI back to the interface.

The blinking light on the interface tells you it is seeing the midi data. Now you must complete the path into the computer and MC5 from the interface.

Be sure the drivers are updated to the most recent version.  Restart the computer. The interface should show up as an available MIDI option and also in the audio as an AUDIO option.

Select the interface in both areas and save them as defaults. You should not have to do that again.


It took me the better part of a week or two  to get my rig functional. So stick with it. 

ALSO: be sure to check if the interface you use, has a software control window. My Saffire does. It was actually the reason I was not getting sound into my DAW. It controlled the input & output levels and monitoring of those signals. Once I got it properly configured, everything worked. I had the same kind of problems going on....

So the standing advice here is that if you just bought this interface...... and it's within the "no hassle return" period.....

make haste and return it in favor of an M-Audio or Focusrite interface.

we'll do our best to help you get it going.  even if it is a Tascam. 

Guys...my apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I've been working on other things and got so involved this just totally slipped off my radar until recently.

So, nothing has worked and I'm beginning to believe it's what Beagle said: Tascam just doesn't have good midi support in their drivers. I haven't taken this up with them but I guess I will have to. If you have any suggestions in the meantime I'll give them a shot as well.

So, I am in business!

I upgraded the drivers to the most current available, 2.02, and I have MIDI connectivity now. I haven't tried to move any SYSEX data from the Alesis to the PC yet, but I'm sure I will be able to now that I have MIDI connectivity.

Thanks for the suggestions. I should be all set. If I run into any difficulties, I know where to turn.

Reggie