Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

Is there any way to use my old Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a midi controller (to control Xpand2 to generate drum tracks)? I think I prefer the drum sounds in Xpand2 to those in my drum machine and I'd rather not buy an external controller. And using the built-in MIDI controller seems like a real pain.



I'm brand-new to Pro Tools, so I'll need detailed instructions.



Thanks in advance!



p.s. cross-posting this in two forums since I'm new here and don't know the best place to ask this.

Re: Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

Cross-posting is against the rules, so maybe try to delete the other. It should be possible to use the RX-8 as long as things are set up correctly. Assuming you have a midi input on your interface, open PT and go to Setup>Midi>Midi Studio. Create a new "instrument" and name it whatever makes sense. The model and brand are not required. What IS required is the input port so PT knows where to "look for"incoming midi data. That setting will likely refer to the midi input of your interface. Unless you plan on sending midi back to the RX-8, you won't need a midi output port assignment. Traditionally, midi channel 10 is used for drums and percussion, so set the midi send to channel 10(de-select the other channels).

By default, any midi or instrument tracks will receive on all midi channels, so create a stereo instrument track, insert Xpand 2 in the top insert slot and put the track in record-ready. Play the pads on the RX-8 and hopefully you will trigger some sounds. The tricky part will be assigning midi note values so that each pad triggers the sound you want.

Re: Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

Thanks! I had it partially working for a short time before I changed something and it stopped. I'll definitely try this out. Any idea how you assign midi note values so that each pad triggers the sound you want?

Re: Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

If the RX8 is like most pad controllers, you should be able to choose which MIDI note is assigned to each pad in the settings.

Re: Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

Where would I change this setting? On the RX-8 or within Pro Tools?

Re: Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

In the RX-8. Consult the manual to see how to change midi notes

Re: Using my Yamaha RX-8 drum machine as a MIDI controller
 

I got it working. On the RX-8 I just had to go into MIDI (press the MIDI button twice), go to Note Assign, click on the button I want to use and then use +/- button to change the note it sends. (I think 038 is middle C).