Exchange tips and tricks for the Akai MPC4000
By RAZ Sat Feb 16, 2013 1:57 am
I'm trying to MMC my MPC 4000 via my Yamaha 01v mixer but, commands (REWIND and FAST FORWARD) won't transmit. I have the device set to receive "ALL." I figured that if I actually had the correct device number, maybe I'll get all of the commands to transmit. Perhaps I don't have the 01v settings correct. I really don't know. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! "IRIE-LOVE-"I-NITY!"
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By Ian Canefire Sat Feb 16, 2013 5:57 pm
In its normal state I believe most machines are set to 17. You can change this number of course. All machines need to match. It states what number it is in the MISC page...then look for the sync page... on the MPC4000.

Cheers,
Ian
By RAZ Sun Feb 17, 2013 12:03 am
The only ID reference I found in the MPC was the SCSI DEVICE #, in the (GLOBAL/CONFIG) page. I also tried each command on every single device number in the 01v. All 127 of them. "None of them" worked "at all." I only received a transmission when the "device number" is set to "ALL" in the 01v. Yet and still... The (REWIND,FAST FORWARD and PAUSE) commands won't transmit. In the "MIDI" page of the 01v, I have all "TX" ports set to on. I guess some commands just aren't compatible. Anyways... You are a "Tech Angel," I.C. I give thanks!

"IRIE-LOVE-'I' NITY!"
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By feline1 Sun Feb 17, 2013 8:54 pm
Um, I have rarely used MIDI Machine Control in anger, but I didn't think it involved "device IDs"?

It is certainly *nothing* to do with SCSI Device IDs (which is for uniquely identifying SCSI drives plugged into the SCSI port on the back of the MPC4000).

The MPC4000 has a default SysEx "device ID", which you can change if you have more than one MPC4000 and want to send different SysEx commands to each one, but again I don't think that's anything to do with MMC.
(Read the MPC4000/Z4/Z8 SysEx PDF if you want more info about that).

The MPC4000 will only respond to MMC if you go to the appropriate menu and tell it listen for it (you can specify which MIDI IN port too).
I can't remember how to do it, but it's clearly explained in the MPC4000 Reference Manual, which I suggest you read.
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By Ian Canefire Sun Feb 17, 2013 10:08 pm
Hey Raz I am not sure about the other mixer you have but when it comes to midi and the akai mpc or most devices it is very simple. Now if you are talking about sysex code then I am no tech angel.
Machines (the master usually) are set to Transmit (TX) while the Slave machine is set to receive(RX)...these are on the MISC page in the MPC 4000. You must then determine if you are going to use Midiclock or MTC or something else. I always use Midiclock and something called synctrack which is not in the akai machine but it responds to it through midiclock.
MMC is the easiest part in the whole equation usually...just make one the master and the other the slave and go from the masters midi out to the slave's midi in
Like Feline said one does not affect the other, so you inssue is puzzling. I just made a video and will try to upload another more specific to midi and the MPC4000 for you. HOwever all of these machines are pretty much the same when using midi.
Cheers,
Ian
PS DOn't get frustrated.
PPS the video discussing the midi parameter screen in another machine....
By RAZ Mon Feb 18, 2013 2:39 am
I have my 01v set up to master the MPC and the MPC set to receive command via midi clock. (((NOT TO SEND MMC.))) I know the difference. I have my midi cable going out of the the MIDI port from the 01v and into the (MIDI I) port on the MPC. In the MISC/SYNC page under (SYNC IN) I have the (MODE) set to MIDI CLOCK. The (SYNC) is set to "Midi IN I." The (FRAME RATE) is set to 30 because the 01v works on a 31.25 frame rate. "Which is stated in the 01v manual." I have toggled between frame rate 30 and 30d in the MPC. Neither seem to make a difference. Although this may be the reason for the "partial transmission." The frame rate may not be high enough. The (SEQUENCE START) is set to "ZERO's." The (RECEIVE MMC <Midi Machine Control>) is set to "ON." Under the (SYNC OUT) everything is set to "OFF." I also have the actual "Sync" turned "on." As I stated before... I've been able to transmit (PLAY, STOP and RECORD) commands to the MPC via the 01v. The only commands that won't transmit are (REWIND, FAST FORWARD and PAUSE.) I may have to sync them through my "Midi Xpress XT" for a tighter sync. I just wanted to try a "direct" connection first. I'm not frustrated. :lol: I'm not using this particular equation for a project. It's strictly for "learning" purposes. I want to know how to get the most out of my equipment just in case I may need to use them in their full capacity one day. Thanks for your kind responses. You are a real humble brethren.

"IRIE-LOVE-'I'NITY!"
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By feline1 Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:49 am
MIDI Clock and MIDI Machine Control (MMC) are two totally different things, and Frame Rate is a parameter in SMPTE, which is a 3rd thing!

MIDI clock just uses simple single-byte messages for "STOP", "START", "CONTINUE" and the clock pulses (24 ppq)

MMC is uses a short SysEx-type string of bytes and has more sophisticated tempo and position info embedded.

You can set the MPC4000 to respond to EITHER MIDI clock, MMC or SMPTE - depending on which one you are sending from your master device.

It's sounds very much to me like you are setting your MPC4000 to respond to something different that what you are sending it, therefore it doesn't work.
It also sounds very much like you have no clue about these basic concepts, because you haven't RTFM or acquainted yourself with basic MIDI fundamentals.
So, I'd suggest you man up a little on those areas. :twisted:
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By Ian Canefire Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:40 pm
Respec' Raz you are correct and I am wrong. I looked through the entire machine and I also do not see the device ID number. In every other machine I have, the device ID is somewhere on the midi page or on the sync page. This is interesting. However it kind of makes sense since MPC's have so many midi out ports. Now I am going to search through the MPC manual for it, though I think we realize it is unnecessary.

MIDICLOCK does not work with frame rates and offsets. Frame rates and offsets are used with MTC(midi Time code) or with SMPTE. MidiClock works with Tempo maps and the song position pointer or timeline bar on a DAW screen. Thus midiclock can move you in increments like beat, measure, ticks or by time. To use MidiClock you need to make sure all of the synced machines are at the same bpm. MTC works with the time values a little more specifically. Note the difference being timing and time

If one machine is on MTC and the other MIDICLOCK it will not work right. Set them both to the same thing.

In any case the MPC4000 has always worked for me when I sync it to other machines either as a master or slave and all of my machines are device number 17(the default position).

I am sorry that I did not look more closely to begin with at the MISC page and the SYNC screen. Nothing worse than spreading the wrong information.

Biggup,
Ian
By RAZ Tue Feb 19, 2013 6:29 am
IRIE, much love Ian...
So true. Thanks for the info about frame rates also. I haven't delve too deep into MTC yet. I've only been dealing in midi sync also for most of my projects. Even for working with computer. I looked into that "Sync Track" component. It's pretty cool. I noticed a lot of people are using it with a component called "Xoxbox." It seems like it would be something retro to trend for us "product junkies!" :lol: BTW you have a nice set up. You indeed are a "Tech Angel," I.C.

"IRIE-LOVE-'I'NITY!"