NP4 input in any form isn't recognised

[acylon]

Dear all,

I'm new to this forum and new to the Nord keyboards. So I'm looking for help, since I'm beginning to go a little bit insane right now..

I bought a np4 and it sounds and work perfectly, but when I try to record it, the keyboard doesn't send any audio signals to whatever hardware/software I'm connecting it to. And I tried various things out, pretty much everything: I have Logic on my Mac, a Focusrite (an old one, not the Scarlet) and the MK3 from Native Instruments.

I tried to connect the np4 to the sound card through the line outputs (with a ts-cable, since it's unbalanced, right?). The focusrite shows me that it receives the signal, but either Logic nor the MK3 software recognises it. The setting should also be fine and connected to the focusrite, but it doesn't work.
I tried to connect the np4 through midi to both the focusrite and the Maschine as a hardware, but it doesn't work either.

I'm feeling kind of helpless.. Did anyone experience similar problems?

[catosim]

Hi, not an expert on the area, but a few hints:
If the keyboard works with amplifier/speakers AND the sound-interface receives signal - then your keyboard is OK!
So the first thing is to check if Logic recognise the Focusrite as your input device: Preferences\Audio\Input Device.
PS: Midi cannot send Audio Signals

Best of luck

[acylon]

The keyboard works when connected directly to the speakers and works also when connected through the sound card the the speaker (plus the sound card shows that it's receiving a signal). So, I guess that the keyboard works.
Logic recognises the sound card, the settings should be right and it works with other keyboards as well. Still, Logic doesn't show any sound coming in (mono, stereo, nada). Same happens when I use the Maschine Software (either connected to the sound card or directly to the hardware).
PLUS I experience the same problem with the midi connection.

So I'm wondering, what on earth am I doing wrong? Any ideas?

[LewTheKeysGuy]

let me see if I can help you here, as this is my field.

oh yes, firstly before I go forth, Merry Christmas to you.

so that I understand this correctly, you are sending the audio from the nord Piano 4 via outputs 1 and 2 of the piano, in to line inputs of the interface?
Please could you tell me the model of your interface, so I can check if there's any hardware settings needed, such as whether you're sending the source through combo connectors or direct TRS / TS lines, whether your inputs are assigned, etc.

Please can you ensure that in Logic Pro's preferences in the Audio Tab, that the Focusrite interface is selected as both input and output, as Logic sometimes likes to use the internal mic which is a bad idea.
When you add new tracks to record, check that you're selecting the appropriate track settings and inputs.

Be sure that in the focusrite software control program, that your interface is synced, check the sample rate / clock rate, usually 48khz is more than enough. you should be able to check the signal of inputs in the control software so you can identify the signal coming in and where it's going to. software routing of the control panel helps here. this also includes where the audio out from the DAW is routed to, whether it's a group bus, main monitors, headphones, output 1/2, etc.

Any information you can provide me would really help here so I can get you fixed up.

lew

[acylon]

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too!

That is correct, I'm using 2 TS-cables that connect the np4's Line Outputs into the audio interface (Focusrite Saffire 6 USB 2.0 - it has combo inputs).
Also the Logic preferences are set to use the interface as input and output (and just to be sure, also the normal audio setting are working through the audio interface right now).

Unfortunately there is no software for this Focusrite, it's plug-n-play.

[LewTheKeysGuy]

go to focusrite.com and check for latest driver, you'll likely find that there is a utility with the driver. please download and install it.

lew

[acylon]

I already did and there is no driver for Mac for the USB 2.0 version (it actually states that is plug and play). There are drivers for the USB 1.1 version or for Windows, but not for Mac. And I already checked if it's compatible with the "new" OS (Catalina) and it is.

[LewTheKeysGuy]

hmmmm. are you setting up your channels with direct or software monitoring? if not, that's where your problem is. you need to set up your channels to use either direct monitoring or software monitoring for each channel / track. that should get you fixed.

now MIDI is another mattter. is it showing as a recognised midi device in Logic Preferences - MIDI, or as a USB midi device in the Audio - MIDI setup found in Utilities folder? run this app and open MIDI studio, it should then see the NP4 as a midi device, if not then time to refer to the user manual for midi implementation info as I don't own an NP4.

lew

[Berretje]

I already did and there is no driver for Mac for the USB 2.0 version (it actually states that is plug and play). There are drivers for the USB 1.1 version or for Windows, but not for Mac. And I already checked if it's compatible with the "new" OS (Catalina) and it is.

Have you downloaded and installed Focusrite Control?