KVR Audio

stash98 · Post by **stash98** » Fri Dec 22, 2023 6:14 pm

This is a silly question but just making sure. If I use the USB port on the Arturia Essentials 61 Mk3 (or probably any controller) just to power it and send MIDI DIN from it into my interface, will I lose any functionality in terms of automapping etc?

The Mk3 does not have a MIDI input so I am thinking I have to use USB so I can send transport to and from my DAW. So the MIDI out is really more for sending out to hardware I believe.

BertKoor · Post by **BertKoor** » Fri Dec 22, 2023 6:28 pm

A controller only sends, so it has midi out only.

This goes for transport as well, that's just buttons pressed resulting in a message being sent. It's not receiving anything afaik.

I don't use automapping, but I thought the idea was "now move whatever knob you want to assigned" so that is one way data as well.

stash98 · Post by **stash98** » Fri Dec 22, 2023 6:31 pm

BertKoor wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 6:28 pm A controller only sends, so it has midi out only.

This goes for transport as well, that's just buttons pressed resulting in a message being sent. It's not receiving anything afaik.

I don't use automapping, but I thought the idea was "now move whatever knob you want to assigned" so that is one way data as well.

That would be so awesome if thats the case. I really would prefer to free up some USB slots.

You are right about the transport, I didnt think of that obvious thing.

stash98 · Post by **stash98** » Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:36 pm

More I read through the manual the more it seems like it wants to be connected to the computer via USB, at least that is what they suggest. Oh well, I will figure it out.

sin night · Post by **sin night** » Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:39 pm

It depends on the host/daw; your midi controller may receive some feedback, for example to turn on some lights or to enable some controller-specific functions.

I don’t have that specific keyboard, but I would use usb to connect any mute master keyboard. I use din midi for anything else (because it’s optoisolated and because the computer doesn’t see the instruments as peripheral, so I can turn them on and off and the daw doesn’t notice it); but I see no benefit by using din connections for a mute master keyboard… my only concern, perhaps, is to be able to use the keyboard in standalone mode (without a computer, through din ports) and/or working as a class compliant device (because I don’t want it to be supported only on some operating systems), but this is more a matter of longevity…

Shabdahbriah · Post by **Shabdahbriah** » Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:55 pm

stash98 wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:36 pm More I read through the manual the more it seems like it wants to be connected to the computer via USB, at least that is what they suggest.

Um... It's more than a 'suggestion'. It is powered by USB, and also communicates with the software (DAWs/instruments/effects, etc.), via USB. However, the MIDI 5-pin DIN port allows it to be connected to any external gear, OR any interface with your computer which has MIDI din input.

So you shouldn't lose any mapping options that rely on MIDI, if you choose to power it via some non-computer USB. I would think it quite odd if you did, as the manual states it uses/conforms to some protocols (MCU/HUI) that were/are pre-USB dependent. Notwithstanding, "automapping" is likely dependent on these scripts, for the software mentioned, and not other DAWs: "Custom DAW scripts for FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig Studio",

"MIDI DIN from it into my interface, will I lose any functionality in terms of automapping etc"

stash98 · Post by **stash98** » Sat Dec 23, 2023 6:01 pm

Shabdahbriah wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:55 pm
stash98 wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:36 pm More I read through the manual the more it seems like it wants to be connected to the computer via USB, at least that is what they suggest.
Um... It's more than a 'suggestion'. It is powered by USB, and also communicates with the software (DAWs/instruments/effects, etc.), via USB. However, the MIDI 5-pin DIN port allows it to be connected to any external gear, OR any interface with your computer which has MIDI din input.

So you shouldn't lose any mapping options that rely on MIDI, if you choose to power it via some non-computer USB. I would think it quite odd if you did, as the manual states it uses/conforms to some protocols (MCU/HUI) that were/are pre-USB dependent. Notwithstanding, "automapping" is likely dependent on these scripts, for the software mentioned, and not other DAWs: "Custom DAW scripts for FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig Studio",

"MIDI DIN from it into my interface, will I lose any functionality in terms of automapping etc"

Yeah totally get that its powered by USB so no matter what it needs USB power. Not a huge issue there. And I just grabbed the script for my DAW. I am just glad this thing actually has a MIDI out because so many are usb only and it can be limiting in terms of port availability.

I just was making sure in case my powered usb hub had issues. I doubt it will, but more and more devices now want to not be powered by a hub and go straight in (or at least say they perform best with a direct input) so I was just doing some preplanning there.

Sounds like I will be fine and have options, so no worries. Appreciate the responses.

Silly question on USB versus Din MIDI