Midi works with one keyboard but not to the other

Other Hardware Audio
1

I made a device that would 'push' 'chords' on a midi device, it works well with a keybaord (Hammond XK-1)
But when I tried it on a computer midi usb or another sound module (Yamaha ES-1) / vocal harmonizer (voicelive 2) it does not.

what should I try to do?

I appreciate any insights.

Thanks :slight_smile:

P.S.

Device is Arduino Pro Mini (5v) and attached to a usb to serial converter to upload the program
I'm using lilypad li-power to supply 5v out of a 1.5 battery.

2

You don't give us a lot to go on.

So what physical MIDI output do you have? Schematic?
What code are you running?

3

Hey Grumpy_Mike,

Thanks for replying Here are more details.


jpeg image hosting

Regarding code I used the built in sketch (midi.pde) from Arduino IDE.
NOTE: I am using this basic sketch for the purpose of verifying if the circuit
is able to send midi data; and it does (on the hammond XK-1)
There is no code added to interpret any switch input.

void setup() {
  //  Set MIDI baud rate:
  Serial.begin(31250);
}

void loop() {
  // play notes from F#-0 (0x1E) to F#-5 (0x5A):
  for (intnote = 0x1E; note < 0x5A; note ++) {
    //Note on channel 1 (0x90), some note value (note), middle velocity (0x45):
    noteOn(0x90, note, 0x45);
    delay(100);
    //Note on channel 1 (0x90), some note value (note), silent velocity (0x00):
    noteOn(0x90, note, 0x00);   
    delay(100);
  }
}

//  plays a MIDI note.  Doesn't check to see that
//  cmd is greater than 127, or that data values are  less than 127:
void noteOn(int cmd, int pitch, int velocity) {
  Serial.print(cmd, BYTE);
  Serial.print(pitch, BYTE);
  Serial.print(velocity, BYTE);
}

Again, let me point out it works fine with my Hammond XK1 and XKP-100.
But if I put it in my USB computer or vocal harmonizer (Voicelive 2) it does not work.
I am suspecting if the FTDI being still connected (although disconnected from computer USB)
may be interfering with the signal.
I will try to remove the FTDI during operation and give an update)

4

The arduino communicates to the computer using a virtual serial connection. While hardware MIDI can be sent with simply a serial connection, the MIDI over USB protocol is different. You cannot simply send serial messages and have the computer recognize it as MIDI data. There is software that converts serial messages to MIDI, like here: http://spikenzielabs.com/SpikenzieLabs/Serial_MIDI.html

5

Hello sciguy,

Thanks for the input, just to make sure I understand what you are trying to say (and vice versa):

  • Above picture is what I am using to send my midi signal to a MacBook and Garageband is also used to pickup the midi data from the Arduino.
  • this Midi USB interface is working with other midi devices such as the Hammond xk-1

I really care less about the computer, it is the Vocal Harmonizer I am more eager to make it work with.
So far If I use a midi keyboard on the Vocal Harmonizer, midi signal is recognize. However if I use the Arduino, the midi signal is not picked up.

Does this mean the Midi keyboard is doing something different than the Arduino in sending signal to the Vocal Harmonizer (voicelive 2)

Thanks again.

6

Ah, okay, my post is then irrelevant if you're using an interface.

I don't see how the FTDI board could interfere when not connected to a computer, but it's easy enough to try disconnecting it, so you might as well.

Just to clarify, the computer does not recieve proper MIDI data either, right? If so, then it's not a problem specific to the vocal harmonizer.

What version of the arduino IDE are you using? In 1.0, the serial functions work differently, and that might mess things up.

7

Hey Sciguy,

Thanks for the response, I am trying to disconnect it now as it is "bonded" arleady to the arduino midi pro.
Regarding proper MIDI data, yes it does NOT receive on PC using the usb midi interface as well.
Regarding Version it is Arduino Alpha 0022, but it is hard for me to consider this because the device is already working with the Hammond XK-1

Thanks again, I'll post the results after removing the FTDI

8
  • Took FTDI out - Still no data
  • Used FTDI as 5V supply (no connection with tx rx) - Still no data
9

ITS WORKING!

PROBLEM/SOLUTION:

The resistor installed for Midi +5v was 2.2Kohms and NOT 220 ohms
After installing 220ohms on both +5v and TX pins, signal is now accepted by the harmonizer!

SO HAPPY!!!

Thank you I hope this post will help someone some day :slight_smile:

10

Ah, those tricky resistor color bands...

It always happens that you see similar colors, and then don't bother to check carefully. Glad you got the problem fixed.