USB/Midi connection setup help

[themetallikid]

Ok, I'm all ready to start using the Bandhelper app for my acoustic stuff and I have songs/setlist setup, Just can't seem to get them to talk to each other. 

 

I have an older MidiPlus Midilnk 2x2 I used to use with my Axe FX/LAMF foot controller/Axe Edit back in the day.  I think it should work to allow the Helix to send the CC messages to scroll/change songs...but I'm not getting it right.

 

Can someone confirm the Midi settings I need to make sure are enabled or set right?

 

I have the Midi Channel set to Omni (BH app is set to 'All'), I have CC's 80-83 set up in the command center  to control prev/next song, scroll up/down functions.  I have them set to send a midi message of 127.  In the Midi settings menu I have Midi Thru on, Midi over USB On, MIDI/PC Receive/Send to both Midi & USB, Duplicate PC Send on.  I'm sure some of these I dont really need but just want to make sure i'm not sabotaging my own setup.  

 

On the Midi/USB cable I have there are 5 lights: red, yellow/green, yellow/green.  the red I assume means (its been awhile since I used it) that it is connected, the yellow/greens show any information being transmitted in/out for each pair.  

 

When I step on my stomp buttons, I'm seeing no blinking of the yellow/green lights which makes me think something isnt set right in the Helix.

 

Any help?

[soundog]

A few quick thoughts:

 

1) Some of those cheaper MIDI USB converters/cables don't work worth a hoot. The "iConnectivity mio USB MIDI Interface" has worked well for me.

2) When cabling devices, sure your MIDI outs is connecting to your MIDI ins. Or vice versa.

3) When troubleshooting, use free or low-cost MIDI monitoring software on your computer, tablet, or phone to visually see what messages are being sent/received.

4) Double check the MIDI section for all devices. MIDI is picky.

5) Usually you use MIDI program changes to change songs and presets. Are you sure Bandhelper is expecting CC's instead?

 

[themetallikid]

I can definately try program changes..and see if that helps.  I do have a post on the Bandhelper forum as well, its just not as busy.

 

The cable could be junk as well, I havent used it in probably 5-6 years, just been sitting in my extra cable bin.  

 

 

As far as the settings in Helix (other than CC vs PC) am I missing anything?

[soundog]

No, the manual cover it pretty well. In the Helix Global Settings for MIDI, make sure things are set up to send/receive PC messages, and MIDI over USB is turned on. I'd let Helix send PC (same as patch numers) to corresponding songs in band Helper.

[themetallikid]

I think I got a response that triggered an 'A-Ha' moment for me.....and an admission of stupidity, lol.  

 

I have the Midiplus in/outs (as labeled on the Midiplus) plugged into the Helix in/outs (respectively).  meaning in/in and out/out...thinking the label was a guide to which cable goes in which jack....however, someone pointed out it should be the opposite Helix In/Midiplus Out and Helix Out/Midiplus In...makes total sense and I would make that mistake years ago with my Fractal/LAMF Controller/Laptop setup when I plugged them in in a hurry sometimes.  

 

It seems I was correct in my Midi settings and I  just need to reverse the damn cables, I wont get to try til later tonight.

[soundog]

If this fixes it, you have just experienced the #1 mistake made by EVERYONE who has ever used MIDI. I still make the mistake after 20 years!