Torso T-1 works fine if I connect it via MIDI TRS cable to any of my other synths… all notes play as expected etc.
However, my MachineDrum refuses to respond to any incoming notes from the Torso T-1 via MIDI TRS. Using the same cable(s) that work OK with all of my other synths?
I think it’s probably not an incorrect MachineDrum setting, because I can successfully route MIDI thru my DAW and the MD works as expected. (Torso T-1 MIDI TRS > MOTU MIDI Express > DAW > MOTU MIDI Express > MachineDrum = all notes trigger as expected)
So for some reason, a direct MIDI TRS cable connection between the Torso T-1 and the MD is not working, and I’m absolutely stumped as to why. If I plug the same cable – minus the TRS adapter – into a keyboard controller, then the MD responds as expected.
Just wondering if the community has noticed dumb behavior using MIDI TRS dongles. These are Type-A’s from Korg, so they should be OK. Thanks!
Is it a mkI or mkII machinedrum? I’m just guessing but if it’s an older MD maybe it uses 5V midi and has some compatibility issues with the 3.3V torso?
It’s kind of unlikely since the T-1 doesn’t use parasitic power but I’m just trying to think of what could cause compatibility issues.
Even if the same type A adapter works with other synths I’d still see if you can test out another adapter to make sure.
Thanks for your reply – I think it’s a mk2 MachineDrum (SPS-1UW+).
I have 4 identical MIDI TRS 3.5mm adapters from Korg (they came with my SQ-1s), and all of them fail to trigger with the MD.
I stuck a cheap oscilloscope over the MIDI TRS cable coming out of the Torso T-1 and there is some kind of attentuation happening with the TRS adapters (MIDI signal peaks approx. halved when using the MIDI TRS adapter, vs without)… couldn’t measure exactly as I had a quick & crappy bench test rigged up.
Yes, exactly. I can route MIDI thru any of my other MIDI interfaces and the MD responds. Just the direct cable connect from the Torso T-1 to the MD fails.
Regarding your comment about parasitic voltages etc… I have just tried the Torso T-1 powered by a USB-C power bank (‘off-grid’ if you like … thinking my USB hub might not have been supplying enough current?) but same failed result.
OK … this is a Torso T-1 + MachineDrum specific problem … I have a Novation Launchkey Mini 37 [MK4] and was able to trigger the MachineDrum using the same MIDI TRS & DIN cable combo as mentioned above.
The Torso T-1 will trigger other synths, just not the MachineDrum.
Everything points at it being a compatibility issue with one of the cables but I find it hard to believe that 4 adapters and several din cables are all in a state of failure. I’m not sure what to make of the signal attenuation out of the T1. I think that confirming the MD works with the SQ1 via the same TRS adapter that you’re working with makes sense as a next logical step. Even if the problem isn’t brought to light it will demonstrate that the MD is not incompatible with the TRS midi adapter.
Just to confirm, the motu midi express is not remapping the midi channel? I know it’s flexible and if the motu or even your daw is sending on a different channel maybe the torso and the MD just aren’t in agreement about what channel they’re talking on? I’m sure that you probably looked at this already but just wanted to mention it.
I run a fantastic little MIDI monitoring app called Protokol (free, Protokol | hexler.net) alongside my DAW and as far as I can see all my channel settings are correct and not being messed with along the way.
I have the MachineDrum set to channels 10 thru 13 (I use ch11 specifically for triggering sounds) and the LaunchKey worked fine with ch11 plus the TRS MIDI cable.
This is bonkers lol … Oora has the same setup, but perhaps an older Torso T-1 firmware?
Most of what I’m reading on google for the T1 is issues with USB midi sync, not much in the way of compatibility with TRS midi.
As a sanity check I might try running through some different midi channels on the T1 and see if the MD reacts to anything.
You mentioned older firmware and that’s possible, it’s an older video, however one would like to imagine firmware compatibility works in the opposite direction and gets better over time rather than worse.
I’ll keep looking for another minute here and see if I turn up anything in that direction.
I found a picture of the T1 setup app and since it shows that a different part of the configurator is responsible for TRS midi assignments I just want to make sure that you have (today) confirmed the TRS midi settings in the Torso native app? This is one place where if incorrect, the USB midi might work without a hitch, but TRS midi could still be flying blind.
No progress on this … but it seems as if the voltage of the MIDI signal coming out of the Torso T-1 TRS is significantly lower than from my USB MIDI interface. The USB interface is around 4V, the Torso seems to be less than 1V (less than 500mV unless I’m measuring this incorrectly.
