Using MPC live to merge 2 external midi ins

Apologies if this has been covered somewhere already, if anyone can point to a thread I would be grateful.

TLDR: I would like my knob and fader midi controller to send messages through a 5 pin midi in on mpc live "classic" to an external synth already being controlled (successfully) by the same mpc. In essence I would like my mpc to act as a midi merge box. I see an option to "merge" in mpc midi track settings, but it is not recognizing any midi signal from the controller. I have checked all channels and put everything to all ports in/all channels in. I get no readings from the midi meter.

More details, it may be extra tricky as the synth is only responsive to sysex (a yamaha sy77). But If I plug directly from the controller to the SY and bypass the mpc it is working and modifying properly- but then I need a merge box to use both. It just seems that something is being filtered by the MPC. I have tried sending in CC from the same controller just to troubleshoot with the same result. Anyone point to what I may be missing, settings?

Incidentally, I have used the MPC as a master CC controller many times in the studio to run outboard gear. I just need it to pass the external along.

Thanks,
Ed

Lampdog wrote:That MERGE has a diff purpose.

Yeah ok did not see that Thank you!

Hmm I would have still thought it was possible. “Input: All ports all channels” sounds like I could use more then one input device on same track? Maybe MpC only listens to one at a time

I am doing this. Create new track, set the monitor to In, set inputs and channels accordingly. If you are on 2.11, you can also fliter events if necessary.

Lampdog wrote:For me.

MPC X as master midi (all usb midi).
Kronos2 control surface, set slider to cc07.
I can control Subsequent-37 cc07 volume.

Both keyboards connected to powered usb 3.0 hub and hub to MPC X.
Same channels, same tracks.

Thank you Lampdog. As far as I can tell by your screenshot I have the setup correct. I may have to look deeper at Tutors' explanation. I went through it pretty quickly. But are you saying then that your Kronos 2 is going "thru" the mpc and controling volume on your moog? If yes, then that's what i am talking about. I would think something was up with my control surface (Novation ZXero mk2) but when bypassing the mpc and plugging in from controller to the SY77 I get an immediate response. It's weird. Seems like some setting somewhere but I can't find it. I'm not even trying to record midi contoller or CC functions in the mpc just pass it along.

jamos wrote:I am doing this. Create new track, set the monitor to In, set inputs and channels accordingly. If you are on 2.11, you can also fliter events if necessary.

Jamos hmmm you make it sound ez, I don't know what's the problem But I am really glad to hear it is working for you though so there is hope yet. Yes, I just checked and I am on 2.11 and see the midi filter, though the default seems to be that they filter all those CC out? They are all check marked to start with.

Checked means they are passed thru, not filtered.

Don't forget the MIDI in/out monitor on the MPC (1/0 icon at the top of the Menu), this is really helpful for this kind of thing.

Do these current gen MPC's even handle sysex? Lampdog, Tutor?

jamos wrote: Don't forget the MIDI in/out monitor on the MPC (1/0 icon at the top of the Menu), this is really helpful for this kind of thing.

This is the key right here. I had completely forgotten about that. I checked the midi flow in using the SYSEX commands and it was empty. Did not register any midi flow at all. Using the same controller switched to a template sending CC commands and it showed midi messages flying thru.

So I guess that is the answer. I can't go "Midi thru" with Sysex. It's being filtered before it gets in. OK, I'll have to do it a different way