Line 6 Catalyst 60 with a Morningstar MC6 MKII

[loganfive]

Hey all!  I got a Line 6 Catalyst 60 amp which is great.  I'm really enjoying the stock sounds already on the amp.  I updated the firmware and using the Catalyst editor on Windows 10.  I've got my Midi board set up pretty well and wanted to be able to at least turn on/off an effect on the Catalyst with the Morningstar.  I know it's USB MIDI and I'm able to control Songbook which is a windows app with the Morningstar so I know my PC is set up to work with USB Midi.  I'm using LoopMIDI too.  In the Catalyst manual it has the list of CC commands.  I've tried a bunch of them along with PC commands but I can't get the Morningstar to communicate with the Catalyst.  I have a Widi Jack but that won't work.  I was considering buying the CME H2Midi Pro to do a Dinn Midi coming from the Morningstar directly into the Catalyst without going through Windows.  it's another expense risk (I already bought the Widi Jack which i don't need).  If anyone has any advice I'd really appreciate it.  

[rd2rk]

You need to connect the Cat to a computer/HOST device via the USB Port, as the Cat60 does not have a 5-pin DIN connector and your MC6 is not a HOST.

If you don't need apps on the computer, the CME H2Midi Pro will do the job, and it's Amazon Prime Day sale priced now!

You can also use a cell phone or iPad with a hub, just be sure to get a hub with a charger connection to keep the device charged while in use.

If going the iPhone/iPad route you'll need some sort of routing SW such as AUM.

Although I have a Cat100 which has a proper MIDI DIN connector, I have tested using MIDI over USB using my iPad and AUM, and it works fine.

I also run the Catalyst Editor that way. Using a Mobile device vs computer also eliminates USB ground loops/noise.

There's probably an AUM/MIDI router alternative for Android (DAW?) if you are so afflicted, but you'd have to research it.

I don't allow Androids in my house. ;-)

 

NOTE: I have had intermittent communication problems with my Cat100, unrelated to connection method, using any other MIDI Channel than Channel 1.

That could just be a problem with my system, I haven't spent much time on it since Ch1 works for me, but it's something to keep in mind.

[loganfive]

Hey thanks a lot for weighing in.  I'm using Windows for Songbook so if I'd probably just use it instead of my dreaded android lol.  I suppose if I wanted to test the android I'd need a USB-C to USB-B cable?  I may just get the CME H2Midi Pro and connect the morningstar like that.  The Cat sounds better straight in than running my pedalboard lol.  I guess your CCs are just the ones in the CAT manual?  I'm just wondering if I'm using the right commands in the Morningstar.  i also have a Midi Baby 3 but i couldn't get that to work either.

[rd2rk]

I don't see any reason why you can't use the MC6 for both Songbook on the computer and Catalyst Edit and MIDI over USB on the Cat60 with the CME.

Since you're going to use the computer for Songbook, you can test the Cat's MIDI by simply connecting the Cat's USB to another USB port or hub.

The CME is only necessary if you're NOT using a computer or mobile device as HOST.

Running any DAW should allow you to route MIDI from your MC6 to the Cat.

Or you can use MIDIOX.

Just use different MIDI Channels for Songbook and the Cat.

The default MIDI Channel for both Songbook and Cat60 is Channel 1, so change one or the other.

Yes, I use the MIDI messages defined in the Cat's manual.

Whenever using MIDI and especially when controlling multiple devices/apps, you want to use a MIDI Monitor app to confirm that your controller is sending what you THINK it's sending to WHERE you think it's sending it.

Some DAWs have built-in monitors, some require a plugin. What DAW do you use?

[loganfive]

Thanks again for your help.  I'm not using a DAW at the moment.  I used to use Cubase.  I am trying LoopMidi, MidiBerry, MidiOX and MIDIPatch, but I can't seem to get any of them to fix the issue.  I created 4 Midi ports with loopmidi.  I'm not runnig Songbook and Cat simultaneously yet.  i changed the USB hub I was using and now plugging the Cat directly into my PC.  I'm trying to send a program change to switch the preset which isn't working.  i'm also just trying to turn effect 1 on/off using CC 28 with CC value 0 to turn the effect off.  I tried CC28 with value 127 to try turning it on too.  I'm using Midiview which does connects to the Cat but the Cat doesn't seem to be receiving messages.  When I press a Morningstar Switch I have for PC command and CC28, the Cat isn't receiving anything according to Midiview.

 

Could you please tell me what CCs you are using?  I read you have to set the CAT to Midi 0, but wasn't sure if this was a PC or CC change?  I'd like to get effects to turn on/off on both channels and use a PC change to go to different presets.  Perhaps also change from channel A to B.  Thanks!

[loganfive]

I got it working using MidiPatchbay. I had to change to channel 11 for both the MC and the Cat. I have to keep MidiPatchbay running in order for it to work. Just wanted to let people know in case they were having issues with this.

[rd2rk]

Good to hear!

I don't see any reason for the MIDI Ch11 unless it's a MIDIPatchbay thing, CH1 works for me, and I tried it on Ch3 the other day and that works too.

Whatever my earlier problem was, it's fixed.

As long as it works for you, the MIDI Channel is unimportant unless you add other MIDI devices.

Yes, whatever HOST app you use, DAW, MIDOX, whatever, needs to be kept running to handle the actual routing of the signals.