MCL / MIDI Setup

MIDI Setup

Setup Overview

MCL uses a Grid X / Grid Y device model. After connecting the devices, configure the active device layout from:

CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES

Then configure clock, routing, controller input and program-change behavior from the other MIDI configuration menus.

Machinedrum

For the common Machinedrum setup:

midi machines
midi machines
Connection Cable
Machinedrum MIDI OUT -> MCL MIDI IN 1 Sends Machinedrum keys, transport, sysex and state changes to MCL.
MCL MIDI OUT 1 -> Machinedrum MIDI IN Sends sequencing, parameter, sysex and control data back to the Machinedrum.

Recommended configuration:

Setting Value
CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES > GRID X > DEVICE MD
CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES > GRID X > PORT MIDI 1, meaning MCL MIDI IN 1 / OUT 1 with standard 5-pin MIDI cables

Upgrade the Machinedrum to OS X.13 before using MCL. For Machinedrum MK1 units, keep Turbo MIDI at 4x or lower.

Secondary Device

For a Monomachine or Analog Four as a secondary device:

midi machines2
midi machines2
Connection Cable
Device MIDI OUT -> MCL MIDI IN 2 Lets MCL receive sysex, transport or performance state where supported.
MCL MIDI OUT 2 -> Device MIDI IN Lets MCL sequence and control the device.

Recommended configuration:

Setting Value
CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES > GRID Y > DEVICE ELEKT
CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES > GRID Y > PORT MIDI 2

Upgrade the Monomachine to OS X.01 before using MCL.

Generic MIDI Device

For a synth, sampler or drum module using generic MIDI:

Connection Cable
Controller or keyboard MIDI OUT -> MCL MIDI IN 2 or USB Optional live input for chromatic play, recording or controller forwarding.
MCL MIDI OUT 2 or USB -> External device MIDI IN Sends notes, automation and program changes from MCL.

Recommended configuration:

Setting Value
CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES > GRID Y > DEVICE GENER
CONFIG > MIDI > DEVICES > GRID Y > PORT MIDI 2 or USB

External MIDI tracks can be edited from the Piano Roll and can record or play notes and automation where supported by the selected device.

TBD-16

When running MCL on TBD-16, the external MIDI device setups still work. TBD-16 also provides an internal TBD device on the INT port for controlling the built-in sound engine.

Typical options:

Grid Example use
Grid X = TBD / Port = INT Use the internal TBD sound engine as the primary device.
Grid X = MD / Port = MIDI 1 Use a connected Machinedrum as the primary device.
Grid Y = TBD / Port = INT Use the internal TBD sound engine as the secondary device.

TBD-16 can also use an internal clock source from the MIDI sync menu.

See TBD-16 for TBD-16 panel controls and internal sound-engine sequencing behavior.

Clock and Transport

Configure clock and transport from:

CONFIG > MIDI > SYNC

MegaCommand and MegaCMD receive clock from Port 1, Port 2 or USB. TBD can additionally use the internal clock source.

Analog Four Manual Settings

When using an Analog Four, configure these settings on the Analog Four itself:

Analog Four setting Value
MIDI output MIDI
MIDI input MIDI
Keyboard config EXT
Receive notes On
Receive CC/NRPN On
Track MIDI channels Tracks 1-6 mapped to channels 1-6