Mac - Midi Getting Started, How to get started Options

[RWCS]

I'm new to both Macs & MIDIs. My neighbor asked me to help. My extensive PC experience was useless. My neighbor that is making the request is also a beginner.

This is what we have:

* Apple Mac OSX tiger
* Yamaha UX-16 MIDI-USB interface
* Connected to a Casio PX-110 Keyboard

Plug it all together run the driver disk from Yamaha. This is were the fun stopped. Launch Audio MIDI Setup, add device and call it Casio KB. Draw "hook-up" lines to Yamaha interface. How does one tell if things are hooked-up right? How to I assign a channel number? (Casio KB has + / - function but no indication as to were you are). I've read through the manuals and help screens, and it is obvious to me there is something I'm supposed to know at such a high level the Help & Troubleshooting guides don't need to cover it. . .

Help!
Bob

[mortalengines]

Hmmm.....What sequencing software are you using? Is it something that came with the Yamaha? I gotta add that you will find it much easier to deal with all of this in some kind of sequencing environment that will send and recieve midi like Live, Logic, DP, or Cubase.

[deaconblue]

If you click on a key on the Casio, does the input "arrow" on the Yamaha darken or 'light up'?

If not, your MIDI is not configured correctly.

If you "scan MIDI devices" in the Audio/MIDI setup utility, does it show the Yamaha and the Casio or just one or the other?

Also, since it is a MIDI keyboard (controller?) then, as mortalengines points out, you'll need something to provide the 'sounds' that you're trying to 'play' (trigger).

Depending on which Mac you have (Tiger is the OS), it might have come with iLife preinstalled. iLife has GarageBand and the software instruments in GB will allow you to test the connectivity/playability.

If not, you'll need some type of MIDI environment software (see mortalengines' post for some good options).

I found the information for the Yamaha UX16 here, which has the links for the latest drivers. And the UX16 manual here.

Also, the information for the PX-110 here. You can find the manual for the PX-110 here.

Good luck. I know this may sound like a no brainer, but make sure your MIDI In and Out connections are not reversed. It is too easy a mistake to make. Just don't want to overlook anything easy. (IN to Out/Out to In)

peace.