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MIDI keys only sending two on signals

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Joseph
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hello,

I have had a Casio LK43 keyboard for a while now. However, it is just recently that I tried using it as a MIDI controller for a DAW. When I plug it into my computer, some of the keys (close to half) do not register within the DAW, but the MIDI cable detects a signal from them. I have run a MIDI diagnostic program, MIDI-OX, on the controller, and it says that the broken keys emit two on signals, but not an off signal. I have opened up the bottom side of the keyboard to see if dirty connection points were the source of the error, but the connectors looked fine outside of usual wear and tear of time. I would really appreciate any other assistance in figuring out what would cause only certain keys to stop working.

-Joseph

 
Posted : 20/04/2020 6:07 pm
Clemens Ladisch
Posts: 323
Reputable Member
 

Is is always the same keys?

Are those note numbers (G11 etc.) correct?

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 1:59 am
Geoff
Posts: 1043
Noble Member
 

Hello,

Yes, as Clemens suggests, the note numbers do NOT look right. Also, the Velocity values are garbage, Vel is always 0-127, where 0 is OFF and 127 is max.

Are you using one of the 'cheap' USB/DIN connectors. Certain ones just do NOT work correctlt, and they garbage the data passing through. Please send pic of the cable/interface, or just try another one.

Geoff

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 3:51 am
Joseph
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Is is always the same keys?

Are those note numbers (G11 etc.) correct?

Yes, they are always the same keys, no matter what I try.

In regards to the note numbers, I am not exactly sure, I would have to check. I am just learning how to play the keyboard seriously.

Hello,

Yes, as Clemens suggests, the note numbers do NOT look right. Also, the Velocity values are garbage, Vel is always 0-127, where 0 is OFF and 127 is max.

Are you using one of the 'cheap' USB/DIN connectors. Certain ones just do NOT work correctlt, and they garbage the data passing through. Please send pic of the cable/interface, or just try another one.

Geoff

I think so, I am not quite sure. I just got a cheap-ish MIDI-to-USB, since this is just a hobby at the moment, and I don't have the money available to buy an audio interface or some of the higher-end equipment. I will try and take a picture later today, and get back to you.

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 6:16 am
Geoff
Posts: 1043
Noble Member
 

OK, it's probably the USB/midi connector. There are some on the market, mostly made in China, that use a specific circuit and a specific IC inside, and there is something seriously wrong with it. They work in some circumstances, and NOT in others. Evidently, the thing can be 'fixed', but it's not an easy job. Check on web regarding faulty USB/Midi connector/interface. There have been previous posts on this forum, and more in other places, but as usual when I try to look specifically for this I don't find it. One name 'DigitalLife' has been mentioned.

The note G11 means the note G in the 11th octave (above middle C ?). You've got THAT big a keyboard? Picture of THAT, please!

Geoff

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 7:04 am
Joseph
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

OK, it's probably the USB/midi connector. There are some on the market, mostly made in China, that use a specific circuit and a specific IC inside, and there is something seriously wrong with it. They work in some circumstances, and NOT in others. Evidently, the thing can be 'fixed', but it's not an easy job. Check on web regarding faulty USB/Midi connector/interface. There have been previous posts on this forum, and more in other places, but as usual when I try to look specifically for this I don't find it. One name 'DigitalLife' has been mentioned.

The note G11 means the note G in the 11th octave (above middle C ?). You've got THAT big a keyboard? Picture of THAT, please!

Geoff

So do you recommend investing in a new cable, or trying to fix the MIDI adapter I already have? Also, I don't think my keyboard goes to the 11th octave, it only has 61 keys.

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 7:53 am
Geoff
Posts: 1043
Noble Member
 

Hello,

Yes, that Midi USB device is certainly suspect. I'd try to find another, There are ones that work properly for a little more than those cost.

As for fixing it, I'd suggest that no, it's not something to try unless you're really into fixing things. Prob not worth the trouble. Try to find a branded connector, I've seen mention of some brands. Basically, ANY branded one will be a much better option.

Yes, G11 will not be available with your keyboard, unless there's a LOT of octave shifting available. Actually, I'm not even sure G11 will be within the range of human hearing. Is it? Prob not in thw range produced by any normal instrument. The midi note number would go up to 127 ONLY, while G11 would be 98 (hex) which is 152 decimal which is 3 octaves higher than the usual highest note - hmm, might be audiable, but maybe not with my ears??

Geoff

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 9:44 am
Joseph
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hello,

Yes, that Midi USB device is certainly suspect. I'd try to find another, There are ones that work properly for a little more than those cost.

As for fixing it, I'd suggest that no, it's not something to try unless you're really into fixing things. Prob not worth the trouble. Try to find a branded connector, I've seen mention of some brands. Basically, ANY branded one will be a much better option.

Yes, G11 will not be available with your keyboard, unless there's a LOT of octave shifting available. Actually, I'm not even sure G11 will be within the range of human hearing. Is it? Prob not in thw range produced by any normal instrument. The midi note number would go up to 127 ONLY, while G11 would be 98 (hex) which is 152 decimal which is 3 octaves higher than the usual highest note - hmm, might be audiable, but maybe not with my ears??

Geoff

Well, on that note (no pun intended), I have one last question: Do you have any brands you would personally recommend?

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 10:16 am
Geoff
Posts: 1043
Noble Member
 

I've never used this type of thing. All my midi stuff connects happily using the standard DIN midi cables. I'd tend to be suspicious of the USB things on timing grounds anyway.

I don't know what sort of price you're thinking of, but there's a Roland UM-ONE device very similar to what you've got (but looks more professional) for £35 or thereabouts ($59) but may be better prices on the web. If it's Roland it should be good. There's a cheaper device, similar, by M-Audio, named 'Uno', that should be somewhat less, and I think I've heard of M-Audio regarding other devices.

In the case of previous discussions on this forum, where people have described the problems they've been having (like your problem) when they've reported back that they've got a better interface, it has worked perfectly and all their problems have GONE. So prob anything £20 or more will be better!

Geoff

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 12:23 pm
Joseph
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

I've never used this type of thing. All my midi stuff connects happily using the standard DIN midi cables. I'd tend to be suspicious of the USB things on timing grounds anyway.

I don't know what sort of price you're thinking of, but there's a Roland UM-ONE device very similar to what you've got (but looks more professional) for £35 or thereabouts ($59) but may be better prices on the web. If it's Roland it should be good. There's a cheaper device, similar, by M-Audio, named 'Uno', that should be somewhat less, and I think I've heard of M-Audio regarding other devices.

In the case of previous discussions on this forum, where people have described the problems they've been having (like your problem) when they've reported back that they've got a better interface, it has worked perfectly and all their problems have GONE. So prob anything £20 or more will be better!

Geoff

I'll give it a good look-over, and see what I can find! Thank you very much!

 
Posted : 21/04/2020 12:46 pm
Jack
 Jack
Posts: 2
New Member
 

The Midi USB interface you're using is complete rubbish for starters. They don't usually handle 'Running Status' and just lock up. I'd sort this out first.

Re Midi-Ox, it doesn't display the actual raw 5 pin DIN data which may be 'Running status' data as this is not transmitted over the USB stream.
So you can't see running status in Midi-Ox unless sent over a non USB interface. (Soundcard or other)
Although I haven't tested this, I have a feeling that Midi-Ox re-interprets the data anyway, so maybe you still won't see running status activity over a regular 5 pin DIN current loop interface.

 
Posted : 15/07/2020 4:34 pm
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