Nord User Forum

[Youri]

Hey guys,

So this is my first topic on this forum, and this is probably a rookie question, but any help would be very much appreciated!

I recently dusted off my old Nord Rack 2 after years of producing using software only. I am trying to set it up properly in Ableton but I can't get it to work.

So here's what I did so far: I have connected the Nord Rack to my midi-keyboard using Midi. The Midi Out on the Nord Rack 2 is connected to the Midi In port on my soundcard (Focusrite 2i4).
Now, I remember having to create a separate audio and midi track in Ableton, which I did. I have applied Ableton's External Instrument feature to the midi channel, in which I selected the Fousrite as Midi To. The channel I selected is CH 1 (not sure if this is necessary though). The Audio From menu in the External Instrument feature is set to 1/2. Both the audio and midi channels are set to 'In' (In being one of three three options together with Auto and Off) and both recording buttons are activated. When I hit one of the keys on my midi keyboard, the midi-channel is triggered and I am able to record midi notes. However, there's no sound whatsoever coming through my speakers and there's no wave form in the audio channel.

I think this may have something to do with selecting the right Midi channel using the Nord Rack menu, which you can supposedly edit using the Shift key. However, I do not know how to properly do this and get it set up right in Ableton (lost the manual ages ago). I could also be that this issue has to do with something completely different. As I really, really love the sound of this classic synth (I can hear it over my headphones), I'd love to have it working again. Any help whatsoever would be really welcome!

Many thanks,

Youri

[derrellpiper]

you can do both if you read the manuals which are available on the web.

[Youri]

Hi Derrell,

Thanks for your answer. I did find a manual and managed to select a midi channel in the Nord Rack Menu. It is now set to channel 1. However, it does not seem to interact with the External Instrument in Ableton, which is also set to CH 1. Not sure if this is the way to do it, but it seems plausible. Could this have something to do with some faulty settings in Ableton's Midi settings-menu? Again, I am new to hardware production and I really want this synth to work, so any additional tips and tricks would be really helpful.

[derrellpiper]

In Live's preferences, check the Audio setting and make sure the correct audio interface is selected. Also check the Input Config and Output Config settings there and make sure that the appropriate channels and enabled and match where you plugged in the Nord's audio. If you don't have any other MIDI equipment, just set everything to the same channel, 1 is fine.

[derrellpiper]

Also, if you're using a Mac, make sure your Audio/MIDI Setup is configured correctly for your Focusrite and your Nord. You'll have to draw virtual MIDI connections between the Nord and the audio interface or the Mac doesn't know how to route the MIDI.

[Youri]

Amazing, thanks a bunch for your help Derrell. I'll check my setting, but they should match your tips. If not, It's probably a mundane setting I'm missing out on. Anyway, thanks again, greatly appreciate it.

[LudovicVDP]

Hi,

From your first post I think you mix up some concepts (No offense here. Maybe I didn't read properly) There is MIDI and there is Audio. Midi cables/Inputs/outputs don't deal with sounds. Only with messages. Audio cables/Inputs/outputs transport sounds.
I read that you connected the Midi Out of your NR to the Midi In of your soundcard. In this case, the Rack sends messages to your computer -> Messages!!! Not sound!
Actually, it should be the other way around. Your computer should be sending (out) midi messages to your rack (in). Or your midi Keyboard (out) is sending messages to your rack (in). As you are using a keyboard, I guess the second possibility applies here.

Then, you have to connet your AUDIO OUT of your rack to the AUDIO OUT of your soundcard. (EDIT: AUDIO IN of your soundcard, of course !)

If your midi keyboard controls your rack, you don't need a MIDI channel in Ableton. Your keyboard is taking care of the midi signals, not Ableton. You only need an audio channel where you would select the input of your soundcard where you plugged your Rack.

If you prefer to have Ableton sending messages (for sequencing purposes for instance), then you have to go from your soundcard (or from an USB/midi adapter) to your MIDI IN of your rack and use a midi channel or an "external Instrument". Anyway, you still need the AUDIO OUT of your Rack to the AUDIO IN of your soundcard.

Some info there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFEVwpk83bw
And similar post there: nord-stage-forum-f3/using-ableton-to-control-nord-vice-versa-t14995.html

Sorry if you knew all this already. Then it could be useful for someone else... maybe...

[cgrafx]

Hi,
Then, you have to connet your AUDIO OUT of your rack to the AUDIO OUT of your soundcard.

Then, you have to connet your AUDIO OUT of your rack to the AUDIO IN of your soundcard.

Should be Audio Input on the Sound Card.

[LudovicVDP]

Mmmm.... Yes... Indeed...
That's of course what I meant. Thanks for correcting me.
I'll correct the post.

[fieldflower]

Also, if you're using a Mac, make sure your Audio/MIDI Setup is configured correctly for your Focusrite and your Nord. You'll have to draw virtual MIDI connections between the Nord and the audio interface or the Mac doesn't know how to route the MIDI.

I run Mac and Focusrite, and every time I hook my stuff up I have to re-scan MIDI inputs to make the Focusrite "readable" by the Mac.
Only 2 clicks so no biggie, but have to do it every time.