SUBJECT: 
MRCC 880 issue with patch data sysex not transmitting from PC to synth DIN input

Using Conductive Labs MRCC 880
rcvd and tested 2022-10-29


ROUTING:
On the MRC 880, I have the routing set up correctly for
* DIN MIDI OUT to PC IN and
* PC OUT to DIN MIDI IN


=== Testing with a Casio CZ-101 synth ===
SUMMARY:
* DAW and CZ-101 work as expected when transmitting/receiving note/controller information, using MRCC 880

* PROBLEM: sysex from PC to CZ-101 not transmitting successfully in Patch Base patch editor application using MRCC 880, whereas this operation works perfectly with a simple USB to MIDI IN/OUT adapter


ENVIRONMENT:
* Hardware - Casio CZ-101, MRC 880, mac mini
* Software - macOS 11.7, Patch Base patch editor/librarian, Logic Pro, MIDI Monitor


DETAILS:
Have confirmed the following by using the macOS app "MIDI Monitor" and including in its Sources preferences "Spy on output to destinations" => so in effect, the app will display data going *into* and *out of* the PC

1. In the Patch Base app, I can use its virtual keyboard to successfully send Note On/Note Off to the CZ-101, and that data is reflected in MIDI monitor's data window. Just like a DAW, in that respect.

So, notes can be successfully routed to the CZ-101 DIN input from PC, using the MRCC 880.


2. I can use Patch Base's "Fetch" icon to successfully transfer the CZ's current patch to both MIDI Monitor app and Patch Base app -- 264 bytes of sysex -- and I can examine that data in detail in MIDI Monitor app. This is the sysex for 1 CZ patch => so sysex transfer from DIN output to PC input is working as expected.

To perform the dump from CZ to computer (initiated from computer), a dump request is first successfully sent from PC output to CZ DIN input (10 bytes): F0 44 00 00 70 10 60 70 31 F7.

=> So, at least *some* sysex is getting through to CZ DIN input from PC, just not patch data itself.


3. I can load a new patch in the Patch Base editor, from hard drive, and it will successfully populate the app's editor window (per usual) and its data will be reflected in MIDI monitor's data window as being sent to output destinations.

Doing so SHOULD automatically then update the synth's temporary patch memory to the new patch. It DOESN'T, when connected through MRCC 880; it DOES work when connected via a simple USB to MIDI IN/OUT adapter. This is consistent behavior, across many tests.

I can then make a change to the patch in Patch Base, and a complete batch of 264 sysex bytes will again be reflected in MIDI Monitor window, with each change -- i.e., the patch editor is dumping the entire patch's sysex to CZ, on each change. Again, such changes to a patch on the PC are NOT reflected in the synth's temporary patch memory, so no data is apparently getting through to the CZ.

During this operation, I can set the MRCC 880 to "MIDI Mon" and see a brief flash, so apparently something is coming into MRCC; but in any case, data is not then transferred successfully to the CZ-101, no matter which MIDI IN DIN port it is connected to.

- - -
Don't know if a firmware update can address this issue, but as of now, the new unit is not working as expected. I tried lowering the MIDI transmit speed to MRCC Ports in Patch Base -- no joy, same issue.

Thanks for any help. There is nothing on the forums I can see about this issue - nothing much yet about the MRCC 880, in general, as it has just been released.

Hello,

I have tried to update my MRCC several times. I am currently on v 1.1.020 and trying to update to v1.1.052.

I open Teensy, load the hex file, press AUTO and then use the paper clip to press the little inlaid button on the right side of the MRCC. The MRCC freezes like something is about to happen, but then nothing does and it remains frozen till i reboot it.

I've tried on 2 different Mac's...both running 10.14.6 with several different cables long and short on both. One is a "MacbookPro11,4" and the other is "Macbookpro13,3"

Any idea why this could be happening?

Thanks!

JAMS

I've got my MRCC recently and used hours of configuring labels and the correct routing between USB and 5 DIN ports over the R7 modul. But I'm facing the problem that saving over an existing presets sometimes don't work. It say "User 1 saved" but in the same turn the preset name itself turns from green to red. It also doesn't help to save to another preset slot. All become red and when turning off and on all my work are gone. What a PITA!!! I already replaced the microSD but that doesn't help. FW is 1.1.052, so it's up to date. Any ideas?

Attached Files

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I've got a Roland Juno DS-88 that sounds great for some things, like pipe organs and grand pianos. I have it set to midi channel 8, but it responds to every channel input.
After much back-and-forth with Roland, they came up with a way to filter everything else but channel 8 out, but it's an extremely large amount of work on an interface I don't enjoy using.
Is there a way for the MRCC to only send midi signals on channel 8 to this  keyboard? To block out everything but channel 8? I'm trying to read the manual for the MRCC but I don't really see a way to do this.
Anyone got any ideas?

Hello
Question about types of keyboards that can be used for editing labels …
Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard eg the usb Bluetooth dongle? 

Thanks.

I just ordered an MRCC and my plan is to use it with an iPad Pro as my central "control plane" for everything audio and MIDI. I will have all my synths' MIDI going through the MRCC and all my synths' audio going through a Scarlett interface. Both of the Scarlett and MRCC will be plugged in to a USB hub and I will be using AUM to manage everything on the iPad.

After ordering everything, I got a horrible feeling when I realized I wasn't sure if the MRCC will work correctly when not plugged directly into my iPad but through a USB hub (using an Anker hub if it matters). Will I run into any issues? I ask because I've had issues in the past controlling USB of MIDI devices if they were going through a USB hub.

To be clear, I am not trying to use the MRCC *as* a hub, I want to connect it to my iPad *through* a USB hub. I wanted to call this out as I saw some other people asking about using the MRCC as a hub.

Thanks in advance!

Hi. I recently did a factory reset, since when Motif 1 has been running at twice the speed of Motif 2 when they are on the same clock division. I'm using the latest firmware, but have also tried re-installing it, but the problem persists. Any advice?

Hi ?? all!

I’m excited to be using my new MRCC with my Elektron gear … but second day in … the monitor isn’t showing any data occurring or shown … 

Wasn’t like this when I first got it in day one.
There was data happening 

But now the LOAD/SAVE is on Factory … where as when I first turn on and connected it showed red user I think ? 

Any ideas ? thanks.

This may be stupidity on my part but here goes:

I Have the MRCC connected to my Mac via the PC connection.
I have no problem creating music in Logic and having it control external MIDI devices. It works great.

However, When I try to play soft synths on my Linnstrument (connected to USB B on MRCC) I get nothing.
In fact the blue light under the PC connection will not stay lit. It turns blue only while holding down. How do 
I get it to RECEIVE controller info?

Thanks!

Hey, 

So I have the MRCC and while it works like a charm... I find once all the wires are connected, using the actual controls becomes a pain.

Is there any official software or non official software I can use to create or control presets?

I know it defeats the purpose, but this scenario will only get worse once I rack the unit