Problem Adding a controller (M-Audio Keystation 49es) to Tracktion 5 in Windows 8.1

[track_keystation49es]

I am using Windows 8.1.
In Control Panel / Device Manager, under Software Devices I see Keystation 49es [0] (In)
In Tracktion, I went to Settings / MIDI DEVICES and clicked on the button which says "Create New Virtual Midi Input...".

At this point, I don't know what to select for the options.
I accepted the defaults but my device does not show in Settings / Audio Devices (I tried the Audio Device Types - it does not show).

I have had Tracktion installed but never really tried to use it much. Recently I lost all programs and have been reloading software including Tracktion.

My computer has updated to Windows 8.1 and I don't know what to do. I am not sure if the windows version has anything to do with this.

I have also tried to get this to work in Ableton 9 Lite (used to be recognized in Ableton 8 Lite in Windows . I can see it but have not been able to configure it there as yet either.

Thank you for your help.

[AegisPrime]

A Virtual MIDI Device is just that - virtual (usually your computer keyboard). Your Keystation should show up as an *actual* MIDI device - is 'only show enabled devices' turned on? If you can see the Keystation in Tracktion you should be able to double-click on it to enable it.

[Peter Widdicombe]

As said before, you should be able to simply "use" the devices once the MIDI driver has been installed (typically auto-installed; although it may take a minute or so for the drivers to be installed).

I have connected a UNO USB MIDI, a CME XKEY, and a Casio low-end practice keyboard, and all have been recognized, but I believe I did have to enable them on the settings / MIDI Devices in Tracktion.

PS - the driver has to be present BEFORE tracktion is loaded, I believe. Once installed, you can presumably connect it after the fact, but first time in, the driver must be present.

Now, using it as a control surface as well requires different settings (under Settings / Control surfaces) to use play/record, etc.; although I'm not sure if that keyboard has the additional buttons for that. (From a picture, it doesn't...)

[track_keystation49es]

AegisPrime, first of all, thank you for your reply.
I'll start with what I see in Tracktion in settings
- Control Surface
M-AUDIO KEYSTATION 49es (cannot remember if it was there or I added it)
-- I think these are all default
Input Device - Keystation 49es
Colour Selection Button - has a solid circle
Hide Midi Input Device - has a solid circle
Channels 8
Parameters 18

- MIDI Devices
Enabled Keystation 49es Input
-- I think the settings at the bottom are all default

- Audio Devices
I have not seen the Keystation 49es show up here for any options I have chosen including
ASIO
Windows Audio
Direct Sound

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Only show active devices -- I think is turned off
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I did notice that earlier today when I hit keys on the 49es that it appeared in the window for the song that the line was reacting to the key press. But no sound. I don't see that happening any more.

[track_keystation49es]

Peter Widdicombe, Thank you for your reply as well.

There are no drivers at m-audio related to my device with an explanation as to why ... which I don't remember.

After my post, I installed and have run the IGNITE software included (by download) with the keyboard. The device shows up in it and allows me to play so that the 49es keystrokes are showing and are audible.

I was hoping that maybe installing this would help Tracktor but I don't think it has helped.

[AegisPrime]

Ok, so it sounds like Windows and Tracktion are recognizing your controller - you should see it in your MIDI devices like this:



Now in an edit, change one of the inputs to your MIDI controller as seen below:



Lastly, if you want to hear the controller being played you'll need a VSTi plugin inserted on that track - if you don't have any to hand, TAL's NoizeMaker is good: http://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker

[Peter Widdicombe]

You say you "see" note events coming in from the keyboard? These would show up in the "input level meters" on the left side of the track.
DO you actually have a .VST assigned to the track? Remember, the keystation generates MIDI note events only. There's nothing to "hear" or output to audio here. What you have to do is have a virtual synth module (.vst) in the track to convert the midi notes to something you can hear; and from there you have audio that can be fed through to the output channels.

Plus, depending on the .vst that you have, it may require some "tweaking" to work. For instance, the SFZ .vst requires that you point to a sample file and select the patch you want. Unfortunately, Tracktion now doesn't include any virtual synths by default; although there are literally thousands of free ones out on the web.



Plus, IS the keystation a full controller (i.e. with play/record/rewind keys)? If defined as a controller within tracktion, it's possible the keys are being hijacked as control keys. If you created the control surface yourself, it's possible to do that (although it's unlikely you remapped the WHOLE keyboard as control ). If you created it, then disable or remove the control surface (unless you spent a lot of time mapping it, which is unlikely).

[track_keystation49es]

I had given up on it but will try to review the posts again and give it another try. Thanks everyone