Feature Request: Support for External Synths/Modules (via MIDI)

Question

Hi,
I just posted a feature request (via the Apple Feature Request form) but also wanted to post here. I use a combination of hardware instruments (sound modules) and software instruments.
*My Setup*
- Keyboard #1: M-Audio Axiom 25 (also includes a USB MIDI interface)
- Keyboard #2: Roland A-33 Controller Keyboard (via my Axiom-25's MIDI In)
- Edirol USB MIDI Interface (sound modules plugged into MIDI Outs)
- Sound Module #1: Roland JV-1080
- Sound Module #2: Yamaha TX802
MainStage currently takes care of all my software instrument needs, however, what is missing is the ability to add external physical MIDI devices as either patches or as channel strips. I would like to use a combination of software and hardware instruments in the same song, and control this via Mainstage.
Example:
- Patch 1 could potentially contain 2 software instruments, each seperately controlled by a physical keyboard (this is currently possible)
- Patch 2 could contain 1 software instrument and 1 external sound module each controlled by a physical keyboard (this is currently impossible)
- Patch 3 could contain 2 external sound modules, mapped to different ports and/or channels, and therefore independantly controlled by my 2 keyboads (this is also currently impossible)
Would I be correct in assuming that this is a fairly common limitation of MainStage?
Message was edited by: olafwagner

Answer 1

I have achieved MIDI out from Mainstage, thank to the information found on this forum..
what I actually do is send Prg Change from every preset I select to control a hardware vocal harmony pedal. this way i don't have to remember which setting i use on every song or even, section of a song.
*Step 1:*
Library>application support>Logic> create a folder named precisely MAINSTAGE CALLBACKS
inside of it, create an applescript with this code
on action(parameter)
set myprogramchange to programchangenumber of parameter
tell application "MidiPipe"
MIDISend toPort "MidiPipe AppleScript Input" withData {192, myprogramchange}
end tell
end action
*step 2*
download MIDIPIPE from http://homepage.mac.com/nicowald/SubtleSoft/
and install it in your apps folder
*step 3*
start midipipe, and define the following modules
MIDI IN-> use applescript input from menu
MIDI OUT-> route to your midi interface desired output
save this to a Midipipe file you can easily access
Now, when I go to a gig I FIRST (this is important) load midipipe and my preset, and just hide it and let it work in the background
Start mainstage, and set the program change of every PATCH to what I want to be sent over MIDI OUT when I enter the preset (-1 if needed or modify the previous applescript).
Ok, this just gives you Prg change... if you want something like CC or others, you can look at some of the example files on midipipe, and write your own applescripts to be used from a control within mainstage (you know, select a screen control, and assign it to an applescript located in library>application suport>logic>Mainstage scripts. you have to tell the applescript to receive incoming data from mainstage and send it (with even some filtering or transforming) to midipipe to go to the outside world.
One last idea: i used a free plug-in called MIDIIO that, although the plugin analysis on mainstage might say does not pass, you can use it anyway, and lets you insert it as if it was a plugin instrument...then you just route your screen controller to a MIDI parameter on that track, and there you go...but in the past it was not as solid as the midipipe solution.
I am still investigating...I am pursuing having my hardware controller knobs to follow screen settings everytime I just change a patch, but lack some info on how to get parameter values when entering the patch ¿anyone knows, blueberry, zuelito...? I promise to share the results!
best