Using Logic as a sound module with MPC Live 2 STANDALONE

Hey team!

I'm trying to use Logic as a sound bank to use with my MPC as a main hub. I've got no external audio interface and have no plans getting it anytime soon - keep that in mind.

What I've tried and had success with:
1) Connected midi keyboard to the MPC with the regular USB cable (my midi keyboard doesn't have midi in / midi out)
2) Connected the MPC Live (standalone mode) to my mac over Akai MIDI Network (WIFI)
3) Routed my mac's audio with a single to double jack from the headphone out to the MPC Line Ins
4) Was able to create/record MIDI tracks on the MPC that'd play the relevant software instruments in Logic
5) Was able to hear it play through with the audio coming from the mac

The problem: LATENCY

The solution I thought was easy - getting a MIDI to USB converter. Far from it, it just doesn't work.
Here's what happens:

I connect everything exactly in the same manner. Except the midi connection from MPC to Mac is now not Akai MIDI Network, but my midi converter device.

Everything works great - midi reads, midi sends. But, as soon as I plug that jack from headphone out to the MPC - midi stops and doesn't read/send anymore. I get the audio, but midi is completely blanked out.

I can keep the cable inside of mac, but remove it from Line Ins on MPC - it starts reading midi.
I replaced audio out jack with my headphones - everything works. Both MIDI and Audio.

I have no idea why this happens. Would appreciate any help as this would help me streamline my workflow a lot.

Thank you!!!

Sounds a bit weird..... What USB Midi interface are you using? First thing I would do, would be to try a different Midi cable, and Midi interface if you have one.

Here's a video of how it's all done to add more context:

submo wrote:Sounds a bit weird..... What USB Midi interface are you using? First thing I would do, would be to try a different Midi cable, and Midi interface if you have one.

Hey man! It's regular cheap-ass midi to usb converter. I've posted video above to show how it's all set up so there's more context. The thing is that it clearly works well. But something is happening when I push the audio from mac to the mpc.

Yeah, I'm guessing it's probably the cheap ass midi converter, which may or may not be properly opto isolated, which could cause a grounding issue when you plug the audio cable in. Try taking the Midi connector out of the Midi In port on the MPC. You only need the Midi out connected to get Midi data to the computer. That may work, but I'd maybe look at a better Midi interface like the ones from CME if you're on a budget.

submo wrote:Yeah, I'm guessing it's probably the cheap ass midi converter, which may or may not be properly opto isolated, which could cause a grounding issue when you plug the audio cable in. Try taking the Midi connector out of the Midi In port on the MPC. You only need the Midi out connected to get Midi data to the computer.

I tried disconnecting the IN, did not help. I need Midi IN as well since I'm recording MIDI notes inside the MPC. That MIDI then triggers the sounds on my Mac. That way my mac is only a sound module and I do zero sequencing there when drafting beats.

But thanks anyway! Let's see what other folks may say on it, last case scenario I would try buying a more expensive m-audio one or similar. Just dont want to splash the $ on it and get the same issue.

How high is the chance it being the usb to usb-c adapter actually? Would trying a USB hub make sense?

Toltek wrote:How high is the chance it being the usb to usb-c adapter actually? Would trying a USB hub make sense?

My money is the cheapo USB MIDI interface.

submo wrote:

Toltek wrote:How high is the chance it being the usb to usb-c adapter actually? Would trying a USB hub make sense?

My money is the USB MIDI interface.

Do you know what should I look for when getting another one? I laid my eyes on M-Audio Midisport Uno. Another "budget" option is Roland UM-One, but maudio is cheaper. Not sure about the opto isolation and whether it should be around MIDI part or the USB part.

If you need a cheap 1in/1out like the one you have then this one:
https://www.cme-pro.com/u2midi-pro-usb-to-midi-cable/

They are usually available on Amazon in your local area. Although the Roland and MAudio ones should be good too.

The CME ones are pretty solid though, hand have handy routing/filtering/remapping capabilities.

submo wrote:If you need a cheap 1in/1out like the one you have then this one:
https://www.cme-pro.com/u2midi-pro-usb-to-midi-cable/

They are usually available on Amazon in your local area. Although the Roland and MAudio ones should be good too.

Thanks man! Will wait a bit on it and see whether I find any other solution, otherwise will go get one.

Btw, I pulled out the jack from my mac and touched it with my finger - it's noisy as **** so it's defo grounding. And noise stops when I pull out the USB from mac. My only concern is that even if it's grounding - why does it break the midi completely? Shouldn't it just be added noise to the audio I'm sending, but midi would stay in tact?