PROBLEM: Using MPC500 as MIDI Sequencer

Hi Friends,

So I bought a used MPC500 off a 100% positive feedback seller on Ebay (this may be the source of my issue). I am trying to use the MPC500 as a MIDI sequencer for my other gear. Whats happening is: when I have pre-recorded some performance data on the MPC using samples from the MPC and then looping them on a sequence in (TRACK 01), I then try playing/recording my Juno106 as linked by MIDI into the MPC on a separate track (TRACK 02), the Juno106 notes will start cutting off the volume of the recorded performance data from the MPC sampler (TRACK 01) (and it does so in a weird inconsistent kind of way) as if everything is set to mono or track group mute (which it is not). Again the Juno106 is being recorded on a separate track (TRACK 01) with program assignment: OFF; MIDI channel set to the one that my Juno uses (ch5); and track type set to: MIDI.
The pre-recorded looped performance data on TRACK 01 has its own program assignment, separate track, and track type set to:DRUM. And by the way, it doesn't matter whether the program on either track is triggering pads that are set to play mono or poly, note on or one shot, or mute group ON or OFF. Also in MIDI sync MODE, it doesn't matter whether the MPC is sending an THRU, soft THRU or OFF.

As a matter of fact: this wasn't initially a problem. At first the JUNO was slightly cutting out the volume of the MPC sampler, as if it was busing sidechain compression or something. And steadily within about 20 minutes it starting cutting it off entirely. I hope this all makes sense. My only options, to me, seem to be to reformat the Memcard or that the MPC is malfunctioning is needs some kind of tech service, or scrapping it and getting a new one.

As you can probably tell, I have thoroughly troubleshooted this problem reading the manual sections indicated twice. I am 99% certain I have done everything right. I must sound freakishly OCD. oh well. I spent money on this.

Any wisdom to offer? Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!! Cheers!!!

yeah i think the juno is multitimbral
I am able to turn omni mode off on the juno and it doesn't change anything
Ive tried turning mute group on and off - doesn;t solve anything

VintageAudio4Life wrote:yeah i think the juno is multitimbral

No, it is monotimbral, it only plays a single polyphonic sound, on a single MIDI channel.

One google search could've saved you this headache (ref. Juno's wiki page). Good advice is to never assume anything with any piece of (music) gear or software. Treat things like not existing until proven otherwise.

what on the Juno Wiki derictly references my issue? I read the Juno106 wiki. It didn't say anything about my problem. I also own a copy of the ownser manual which I read too. Because I can turn the Omni Function off (which means the Juno only sends note on/off messages and bender messages as MIDI OUT) I can MIDI sequence fine on my laptop using a saffire pro interface, in/out - no problem. I feel like it's not a problem the Juno is creating, but I want to see if anyone can confirm that. Because as I have already said, I can turn the midiomni function on the juno off - so the MPC should be getting really clear straight forward MIDI messages. Perhaps the two pieces of equipment are just incompatible?

Omni just means that the synth obeys received midi messages regardless of the channel. Monotimbral means that it can only play one sound at a time.

I suspect that your track01 is sending midi to Juno which causes notes to cut out as you're sending data from two tracks. Mute the track02 and listen if Juno gets triggered.

Your Juno and MPC are very much compatible as they both follow MIDI standard.

Juno sends out a CC 123 All NOTES OFF after releasing keys.

Thanks for clarifying MIDI OMNI (that was something I was definitely ignorant about). Ive also already tried unhooking MIDI out from the MPC, so that the MPC is ONLY receiving MIDI messages from the JUNO, The JUNO also has MIDI IN unhooked (for purposes of troubleshooting), so it is not getting any information form the MPC. Ive also tried them both hooked up both with MIDI IN/OUTS connected in a full circuit.

And wouldn't turning the MIDI THRU function OFF in the MPC also remedy that issue? Therefore the MPC wouldn't be sending back MIDI messages to the juno that are being simultaneously played by the Juno? That I have also tried - no resolution yet. Thanks for your suggestions so far! I am totally open to receiving more suggestions.

I guess i'm just stumped about whether the issue is coming from the JUNO, the MPC, or just my own ignorance...

IS there a way to filter the CC123 in either machine that is easy to due? I also run all my MIDI through a MOTU MIDI timepiece (8ch MIDI Router). Perhaps I can isolate the JUNO CH's CC123, that I will have to research. I know the MOTU isn't part of the problem because I have already tried adding and subtracting it from the equation.

Thank you for helping me get clarity on this issue, its been driving me nuts...

Is there a way to filter the Juno's CC123 in either machine, is easy to do? I also run all my MIDI through a MOTU MIDI timepiece (MIDI Router). Perhaps I can isolate the JUNO CH's CC123 and filter it out, that... I will have to research. But will that not just make of the Juno's note on messages stay in full sustain? Also, I know the MOTU isn't part of the problem because I have already tried adding and subtracting it from the equation. The problem persists in either case...

Thank you for helping me get clarity on this issue, its been driving me nuts...

Does it happen if you plug the MIDI output from the Juno into the MPC MIDI input directly, not going through the MOTU, and not plugging the MIDI output from the Juno into the MPC (using the MPC pads to trigger the Juno sounds, rather than the Juno keyboard)?

Do you have any other MIDI keyboards that you could use for MIDI note input to the MPC sequencer, rather than the Juno?

Might have to look into filtering the all notes off MIDI message coming from the Juno, either in the MOTU setup utility, or a third party MIDI utility on the computer.

Ok - so i fixed the problem. It's the Juno is sending CC123 (all notes off) via a MIDI controller messenger - and therefore turns off all notes played on the MPC. Fortunately my MOTU timepiece was able to mute all MIDI controller data coming from the JUNO106 (I only need it for its notes) Head ache resolved!

Thanks to everyone for your help!