multiple midi inputs interface

hi there,

i have a focusrite 8i6 interface with only 1 midi input. my mpc2000xl is connected to this input for tracking. i would like to get a midi keyboard controller to write my basslines with daw plug ins. how do i connect both the mpc and midi keyboard into the interface?

or do i just track all my mpc music first, unplug mpc from interface and then plug in my keyboard and record the basslines this way?

bottom line...how can i connect 2 midi controllers to my computer?

thanks

Most modern MIDI controllers will also have a USB connection that can be connected directly to your computer to pass MIDI data into your software. Leave the MPC connected to the interface and connect the keyboard directly to the computer via USB, unless you would like to connect the keyboard to one of your XL's MIDI Ins.

Alternatively, you can get a MIDI interface for more MIDI I/O.

thanks. sounds straight forward enough.
if i connect the keyboard to mpc midi input, does this mean the keyboard will operate the mpc or will they still remain separate?

rubberducky wrote:thanks. sounds straight forward enough.
if i connect the keyboard to mpc midi input, does this mean the keyboard will operate the mpc or will they still remain separate?

It would control the MPC. I suppose you could use MIDI Thru and and send the MIDI data to the computer as an option.

You'll probably need a DC wall adapter for the keyboard though without USB bus power being provided with the 5 pin MIDI cable.

cheers. think i'll keep it simple and get a keyboard with a usb and connect it straight to the computer to control the software

thanks

rubberducky wrote:cheers. think i'll keep it simple and get a keyboard with a usb and connect it straight to the computer to control the software

thanks

Yeah that's the easiest way really. Most any USB keyboard will have a standard MIDI socket too. So a $10 DC pack is always an option if you find you want to work without a computer. (I gave up on that and use Ableton as MIDI patch bay myself).

I would say connect your MIDI keyboard to your MPC, and connect your MPC to the interface. If you really want to keep things simple, why sequence in two places? Do all your main sequencing in the MPC and send MIDI note data to your VST's for basslines and stuff. This allows you to save complete sequences on the MPC instead of having parts on the MPC and parts on the computer, things can get messy quick doing this.

You have the option of sending MIDI data thru your MPC straight into the computer should you wish to sequence there. The keyboard doesn't have to trigger the MPC pads. Check the MPC2000XL midi routing options, I think it's the 'Soft Thru' function that enables this. In any event a keyboard controller with both MIDI ports and USB connectivity is by far the most flexible option.

Also, a midi interface with just one set of ports is extremely limiting and at times frustrating to work with. You'll get a lot more mileage out of a 2x2, 4x4 or an 8x8 when you have a lot more MIDI hardware. Your MPC2000XL has two sets of MIDI I/O so to maximise this a 2x2 midi interface is a good place to start or consider an audio interface with more than one MIDI I/O.

that makes a lot of sense clint. at least i now know i have options. thanks for the advice guys