The FastLane MIDI Adapter/Switch.
The Korg Triton LE keyboards in MU360 allow users to enter musical notation into programs like Sibelius, Finale and Garage Band by playing it. However, the keyboards seem to be vulnerable to a lot of problems with users adjusting the cables.
Musical instruments and computers communicate with each other using a standard called MIDI. MIDI provides a very compact method of communicating musical notation between electronic devices. The market for MIDI-enabled musical instruments cover the spectrum from grand player pianos to MIDI guitars and violins. Fortunately, we just need to support the Korg Triton LE keyboard.
Complicating this on the Macintosh is the need for an extra adapter box that converts MIDI input into USB signals. The M360 and M373 Macintosh systems have a two-instrument adapter.
The FastLane device has two input jacks (labeled A and B) on the left; and two output jacks (also labeled A and B) on the right. The button on the bottom selects a feature called MIDI thru and should be out.
The indicator LEDs at the bottom of the device should flicker each time you press a key on the Korg keyboard. If they don't flicker, you should take the following steps.
Flip the switch and test the keyboard. If you don't see lights, flip and test again. If this still doesn't work, make certain that all three cables are firmly seated into the FastLane, that the black USB cable is plugged into the USB port in the back of the Macintosh, and that the cables are firmly seated into the jacks on the back of the Korg. Also, check the power on the Korg. You should have an LCD display showing the current Korg "voice." You might also want to set the Korg into the right mode by pressing the PROG button next to the LCD display on the Korg. This sets the Korg to output a single "voice." The button on the bottom is the MIDI Thru switch. It should be out.
If the client has no open files, rebooting the macintosh may solve the problem. However if the client has work open, or rebooting the macintosh does not work, you may need to configure the device manually.
The next step is to launch Audio MIDI Setup to check the Macintosh configuration. Audio MIDI Setup is the main control panel for MIDI input. If it is misconfigured, the application software that uses MIDI won't work either. You can launch Audio MIDI setup through Spotlight by pressing Command-space. Type "audio", then when Spotlight shows the Audio MIDI Setup, press Command-Enter.
A common problem with Audio MIDI Setup displays two "FastLane USB" devices, with the keyboard connected to one that is greyed out. It will look something like this:
What happened here is someone unplugged the USB cable from the Macintosh, and then plugged it back in again. The Macintosh detects the FastLane when it is plugged in, and registers it as a second device. Click the greyed out FastLane, then click "Remove Device".
To reconnect the Triton LE to the FastLane, first look at the FastLane. If the cables are coming out of A, drag and drop the arrowheads from the Triton LE to A. If the cables are coming out of B, drag and drop the arrowheads to B. The correct configuration should look like this:
If none of the above steps work you can remove both the the devices by selecting them and clicking "Remove Device". Clicking "Rescan MIDI" will add the Fast Lane. But you will need to add the Triton LE manually. Click "Add Device." This will put a generic device on the control panel. Select this device and click "Show Info." You will see the following control panel:
You only need to worry about the manufacturer (Korg) and the model (Triton LE). The system will work with the rest as defaults.
Sometimes a client will swap the input and output cables. Try swapping input and output cables. If that doesn't work, try switching the cables from A to B. Then go back through steps 3 and 4.
Local control means that the sound generator of the Korg is directly controlled by the Korg keyboard. People using sequencing software like Digital Performer may turn local control off. Local control should be turned on for most applications. Instructions for setting local control can be found at this page.
If all else fails, file a problem report and cc. mltech@indiana.edu on the issue.