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Hi there. I am a newbie to the computer-based world and need help. I am trying to connect my new Fastlane to my digital piano (no USB on piano...just old school midi). I connected midi out from piano to midi in on Fastlane and vice versa. How do I know if it is working? I don't see any of the indicator lights come on. Help!!!

27" imac, 8gb ram, 1tb, 2.93 ghz quad core, Duet, SG Pro X 88-key piano/controller, Motu Fastlane

A few bonehead troubleshooting questions and things to look at:

1. The Fastlane is connected to the mac via USB. Sorry, had to ask! Sometimes it's the simple things! Also, try another USB cable, never hurts.

2. The AudioMIDI setup window shows the Fastlane as a valid interface. The AudioMIDI setup is located in Applications/Utilities. I always drag it to my dock so it's readily available because it's a handy little app to have at your fingertips. If the Fastlane isn't recognized, try the "rescan MIDI system" button in the top of the AudioMIDI setup window. The Fastlane should show up as a little rectangle with several little boxes on the bottom, each box represents an input or an output and it should be obviously labeled which is which. Then you add an instrument either by choosing one from the list, if it exists, or just add a MIDI keyboard generically. (See Mac help for assistance on this if necessary). Then you draw lines (cables) on the screen from the inputs and outputs you are using on the Fastlane and the keyboard so the lines on the screen reflect what the hookup is in the outside "real" world. At this point, your DAW should be able to recognize this routing configuration automatically.

3. The drivers, if any are necessary, are installed for the Fastlane. Try www.motu.com for the most recent drivers.

In your keyboard, if you are going to route MIDI out to it from the DAW track so you can use its sounds, you need to turn Local Control to Off, otherwise you'll get a MIDI feedback loop. Your keyboard will sound strange, kind of phasey, because it's playing two notes at once, one from the keyboard, and the other via MIDI. Plus it cuts your polyphony down by half. Don't want that!! This will be done at the keyboard.

HTH,

Mazz

Mazz,

I'll give it a shot. Thanks! If I am able to play and hear the software instruments within Logic, does that mean it's working? It's tough being a newb!!

Herm

If you are able to play the software instruments, it's working for sure!

You'll get the hang of it eventually, it's a learning journey, enjoy the ride because once you get on, you won't be able to get off!

Cheers!

Mazz

Thanks, Mazz. For years, I told myself I wouldn't have to worry about the tech side of music and to concentrate on writing, but that's not realistic in this day and age.

By the way, I bought a 48" adapta desk for $100 for a center desk. My 88-key digital piano is on an X-stand and I pulled the desk partially over the piano. It's working well and I don't have to worry about the desk bouncing around. I'll post a pic on the Center Desk thread.

The studio is your instrument. Might as well embrace it!

I did look up that adapta desk and it looks great. I was trying to locate one locally. Still on the hunt. Great idea! I have an option for my new studio but it's not ideal, that table would be great. Thanks for the tip!

Mazz