Plans for MK3 to support hardware and software simultaneously?

laserbeak

So,

I've just learned that in order to use my MK3 with external gear, I have to disconnect from my PC… This is….Odd….but I guess understandable with its current limitations.

I'm hoping that the MIDI support introduced with the MIDI mapping update will rid us of this issue?

Kymeia

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/31545/plans-for-mk3-to-support-hardware-and-software-simultaneously

This was an issue with the MkII too (maybe even the MkI?). There is a workaround which I use so I don't have to keep disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable, but only works if you have an additional audio/MIDI interface (but most people will, especially if they are using hardware). I route the main MIDI out (software) from the keyboard into the MIDI port of my Fireface UC, which then is connected to the hardware synth I am using at the time. (I use Bidule for this but I am sure there are other apps that also offer this sort of free routing)

As I'm on Mac I could have probably also used the IAC driver to route this in the Audio/MIDI studio app but tbh I found it easier to do in Bidule but if you don't have that this is another option (and free)

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/audio-midi-setup/ams1013/mac

Kymeia

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/31545/plans-for-mk3-to-support-hardware-and-software-simultaneously

This was an issue with the MkII too (maybe even the MkI?). There is a workaround which I use so I don't have to keep disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable, but only works if you have an additional audio/MIDI interface (but most people will, especially if they are using hardware). I route the main MIDI out (software) from the keyboard into the MIDI port of my Fireface UC, which then is connected to the hardware synth I am using at the time. (I use Bidule for this but I am sure there are other apps that also offer this sort of free routing)

As I'm on Mac I could have probably also used the IAC driver to route this in the Audio/MIDI studio app but tbh I found it easier to do in Bidule but if you don't have that this is another option (and free)

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/audio-midi-setup/ams1013/mac

JesterMgee

It's always been an "issue" with every release and likely wont change, tho from what I have heard about the magic that powers the MK3, anything should be possible so it really should just be a simple option to have the MIDI DIN out port selectable in an option that says it is Direct or PC

I wouldn't hold out hope that the next update would address this tho, it wont be part of that side, it would need to be a new option in the keyboard itself to change how the default behaviour works, that is when connected to a PC it now becomes a MIDI OUT from PC and not from the keyboard.

Maciej Repetowski

Yes, it switches to MIDI interface functionality once connected via USB. I have also made suggestion some time ago in one of the threads to make this behaviour optional with internal on/off setting. I agree it would make the keyboard much more flexible.

I can however understand that with external synths (or mixed environment soft/hard) one would still use some kind of PC/Mac sequencer or DAW to run them all, so MIDI interface functionality makes sense.

Unless one is using hardware sequencer to run both hardware synths and virtual instruments at the same time…

Kymeia

I'm not sure an internal switch (in a firmware update) would actually be enough. I recently bought one of these powered switching hubs for the KK MkIII which I thought would make it very easy to disable the USB port when using the hardware MIDI out with just a press of the USB hub touch buttons. However I found even disabling the port isn't enough, you need to physically unplug it which suggests this is a hardwired thing (although at least you can unplug it from the hub, I don't have to reach down the back of the keyboard to do it)

Maciej Repetowski

Yeah, it’s possible that the switch inside the controller is hardwired that way, which would be a dud.

OTOH, not being argumentative, as I have asked for such a internal switch option myself:

How many people use hardware sequencer with both hardware and software synths and need Mk3 controller specifically to control those at the same time?

laserbeak

I have the option of using a hardware sequencer. It's not my main way of doing things, but I like having the option.