How to connect Keith McMillen QuNexus to Elektron Digitone via midi?

BlackMedusa · 2023-07-23T16:54:30.149Z

Hello,

How do you get midi working between the QuNexus and the Digitone?

I have the QuNexus midi out (ch10 - via usb-mini to 5 pin din midi cable connected to the midi expander port) going into the Digitone’s midi in.

Both are connected and powered up but I can’t seem to get them talking. Initially when I first powered up the Digitone it worked, but when I configured the Digitone to work with the Model: Samples after watching BoBeats YouTube video Summer of Synths episode featuring Slow Haste: How to Build an Easy to Use & FUN dawless synth setup // Summer of Synths, the Qunexus stopped working with the Digitone.

I’d like to use the Qunexus as my main midi controller for both the Digitone and the Model: Samples. I’m using auto channels to work on selected tracks.

Can I connect them with usb midi instead of 5 pin DIN midi to avoid the extra midi cable since they both have usb midi?

I do have the QuNexus editor software on my Mac.

I am not using the Keith McMillen Expander.

System Setup

Digitone (brain, synth, sequencing) → Samples (drums)

Audio - Digitone → Koma Field Kit mixer ch 2

Audio - Model: Samples → Koma Field Kit mixer ch 3

QuNexus is using ch 10 on the Controller in the QuNexus editor.

Digitone is using Auto Channels

Note: Factory settings on most everything except for the customizing done to get the Digitone and the Samples talking.

I followed these instructions but they don’t seem to line up with the reality of what I see in the QuNexus editor.

I researched these threads before posting this thread:

Keith McMilen Qunexus Red Other Gear

Anyone use a qunexus red? I’m interested because of the MPE part and small size formfactor. dislike the color though haha. curious to hear your opinions or potential alternatives!

Favorite controller for Elektron gear Other Gear

Hey @pselodux, wondering if you still use the QuNexus to control your Digitone? I have the same setup and am having a difficult time getting them to talk to each other.

Do you use an ext. controller w/DN? Aftertouch, breath Digitone/Digitone Keys

Arturia KeyStep seems to be some kind of a present standard for a basic keyboard MIDI controller. And it sends velocity, aftertouch, modulation depth, and pitch bend (of course velocity and pitch realize their basic functions by default). So using them seems to be essential, but sufficient at the same time.

Keystep, Digitone configuration Digitone/Digitone Keys

I’m sure you could do this but the sequencer on the OT and DN are much better. There is the chord mode on the Keystep which is really good.

midi = 5 pin din

usb-midi = obvious

Any help you can provide is appreciated.

BM

comradecry · 2023-07-23T17:11:38.144Z

From what i remember Qnexus has 3 tracks that can have different midi outputs, make sure the one that you set to ch10 is selected on the controller itself.

BlackMedusa · 2023-07-23T17:26:52.038Z

Okay, I’ve got it working on midi channel 10. I had to set the midi channel on the device itself, rather than in the QuNexus editor. Thank you!

Problem now is the midi preset resets every time I power cycle the Qunexus. It’s like the Qunexus forgets the midi channel is was previously set to.

Also, how can I control play, stop, rec on the Digitone from the QuNexus?

As if that weren’t enough, I’d like to also use a different midi ch to control the Model: Samples from the QuNexus, but I’m not sure how to set it up.

BM

comradecry · 2023-07-23T18:03:47.358Z

BlackMedusa:

Also, how can I control play, stop, rec on the Digitone from the QuNexus?

In Sync options of the DN enable the transport receive. I think you can only start and stop though, no rec.

Make sure that your controller can send transport messages aswel.

Maybe you missed “save/apply” button in the editor? Perhaps your midi settings on Qnexus didnt do anything because they werent saved on the device.

BlackMedusa · 2023-07-23T18:38:41.558Z

comradecry:

In Sync options of the DN enable the transport receive. I think you can only start and stop though, no rec.

That worked.

comradecry:

Make sure that your controller can send transport messages aswel.

It can. Play and Stop work, but as you mentioned rec does not. That’s ok though, play & stop are enough.

comradecry:

Maybe you missed “save/apply” button in the editor? Perhaps your midi settings on Qnexus didnt do anything because they werent saved on the device.

I think I’ve got this piece sorted out. It doesn’t retain the preset selection when power cycled. It does retain the midi ch setting.

BlackMedusa · 2023-07-24T02:48:09.140Z

Go figure, about an hour after I got the qunexus working I changed directions and decided to use my Organelle M as a midi controller/sampler/fx processor/looper/utilities box.

Now I’ve gotta crack that nut. Jeez, when does it end?