NS3 sending program changes to a midi keyboard...

[Familyjules88]

I recently bought a used Akai Mpk249, I'm using it to control Panel B via dual keyboard mode. I mostly run in song mode where I keep my setlist and programs in order and I love it. On some specific cover songs, I have samples stored on Panel B that I like to assign to the drum pads on the MPK. Here comes my question:

Is there a way to send program changes to a midi keyboard (via extern?) That will change the presets I've made on that midi keyboard, when I change songs on the NS3?

For instance, covering Incubus - Drive:
Panel A is a Rhodes
Panel B has a pad for most of the board, and a turn table scratch on a few different keys down low that I've mapped to pads on the MPK.
But when I cover Uptown Funk:
Panel A is my synth and horns split
Panel B has a ton of effects and background vocals, all mapped to different pads on the MPK

Currently I have to change songs on my NS3, then scroll my presets in the MPK to match the song. This is a disaster waiting to happen at a gig!

Sorry for being so long winded. This is my first post on here, and I wanted to try and be thurough.

[maxpiano]

First of all: you read the NS3 manual, Extern Section chapter? It is all explained there, including how to set and send MSB/LSB and PCs to an external device.

Then, additionally you may consult a guide made by a NUF forumer and available in the Downloads section The Nord Stage MIDI Tutorial

[FZiegler]

I can't find Akai Mpk246 on the net. Maybe, it's a 249 you've got. Does it have a MIDI-in? Without that, you won't be able to send any commands to the controller board.

[Familyjules88]

I can't find Akai Mpk246 on the net. Maybe, it's a 249 you've got. Does it have a MIDI-in? Without that, you won't be able to send any commands to the controller board.

You are correct. It is the MPK249.

[Familyjules88]

First of all: you read the NS3 manual, Extern Section chapter? It is all explained there, including how to set and send MSB/LSB and PCs to an external device.

Then, additionally you may consult a guide made by a NUF forumer and available in the Downloads section The Nord Stage MIDI Tutorial

I have read the manual numerous times. I understand the MSB/LSB settings for song mode. After a couple hours I was able to program the MPK249 to control the NS3 song programs, but not the other way around.

Is it possible the MPK249 doesn't support incoming PC changes? I just assumed it was universal midi language, but this controller was mainly designed for controlling a DAW. It's been tough finding any info on using it as a slave device.

[maxpiano]

Wait... you cannot send Bank/Program changes at song level, it is always the Program you recall that sends them (if its Extern section is programmed to do it).

But if the Akai doesn't handle incoming Program Change messages, as it seems (also looking at its manual, where it says MIDI IN data is just forwarded to USB), then it will never work.

[Familyjules88]

Wait... you cannot send Bank/Program changes at song level, it is always the Program you recall that sends them (if its Extern section is programmed to do it).

But if the Akai doesn't handle incoming Program Change messages, as it seems (also looking at its manual, where it says MIDI IN data is just forwarded to USB), then it will never work.

Thanks for the input. I was hoping there was some kind of work around, but I guess not.

I'll just have to bring a laptop and program the Stage 3 to change the program in Ableton that will send the correct song data to the MPK pads via USB, and run the MKP keys via dual keyboard mode via 5pin.