Nord User Forum

I used a Micro Modular for a few years in the previous decade but without a keyboard or any other instrument controller. After programming it with the patch editor I would perform using only the knobs and keys on the synth unit. I think it's tremendous.

Now I have dusted off the device and I am trying to connect a controller, specifically AKAI LPD8. Other equipment I have:

• Windows 10 desktop PC
• Powered USB hub
• M-Audio UNO
• iConnecivity mio

I have no idea how to connect this stuff to make the LPD8 control the Micro Modular. I have no experience with MIDI at all. The Micro is the only synth I've owned and the LDP8 the only MIDI controller.

The patch editor program works correctly with the synth using either of the USB-MIDI interfaces connected to the synth's PC In and PC Out. If the LPD8 is also connected to the computer then it appears as a MIDI device in the MIDI Setup dialog in the editor but when I select it the dialog its status always gets stuck on Still waiting...

Please suggest how to connect the gear.

The Micro Modular has no keys, so you must be referring to the Modular with 25 keys, yes?

The instrument has two midi ports, one for connection to computer for programming purposes and one for connecting to other midi gear. Connect the MIDI OUT on yoru Akai to the MIDI IN on the Nord and you'll probably be good. If there are still issues, check to see what midi channels the two devices are set to.

Thanks for your reply, Pablo.

The Micro Modular has 3 keys. One shift key and two patch selection keys. These are what I used.

The AKAI LPD8 has no MIDI connectors, only a USB port. So I have to connect that to a computer, I guess.

ah...a matter of semantics...I would call those buttons, not keys...but thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding

yes, your Akai is a USB client device and needs a USB host in order to do anything meaningful. Check out the BOMEBOX. It can serve as your Akai's USB host, send the midi to the Micro Modular and do TONS MORE FUN STUFF at the same time!

pablomastodon wrote:yes, your Akai is a USB client device and needs a USB host in order to do anything meaningful. Check out the BOMEBOX. It can serve as your Akai's USB host, send the midi to the Micro Modular and do TONS MORE FUN STUFF at the same time!

I'll certainly look into that. But in the mean time you gave me the idea to search for a MIDI router that can run on my PC. I found a Web MIDI Router made by somebody called Tommy van Leeuwen. Open it in Google Chrome web browser and BINGO!

I so now I can start the patch development and composition part without waiting for new hardware to arrive.