Recording multiple Midi (instrument tracks)

[Bookerv12]

Hi,

I have been here a long time, but don't do too much midi stuff.
We are trying to have independent control of two midi sources going into PT 10.
1. A V-Drums kit triggering Superior drummer.
2. An M-audio keyboard triggering Baby Grand on an instrument track.

Have been playing with it, and both controllers trigger both instrument tracks no matter what is selected as far as input.
What is the best way to get them totally independent from one another?
Totally open to responses citing page##### of the manual..... I just have not been able to find it.

[ChuckS]

I think you want to select 'None' in MIDI preferences for Default Through Instrument. Then select the input on the MIDI track.

[nst7]

In this situation, you want to use 2 different midi channels. For example, set your V drums to output on channel 1, and Superior drummer to recieve on channel 1. Set the keyboard to output channel 2, and Midi Grand to recieve on channel 2.

At the top of the Instrument track in Protools (in the mixer window), there is a midi input selection, and that it where you set the input for that track. Normally it defaults to "All", I think, but you set it how you want.

If you don't see any midi options at the top of the track, you may need to go under "View" in the upper left corner, and make sure that view is enabled.


As for how to set your keyboard and V-drums to output on the channel you want, consult the manuals for those products. Usually they default to channel 1, so you only may need to do this for one of them.

[albee1952]

I have a different slant on this for 2 reasons, #1, I have been doing this for years(multiple Midi sources to multiple Instrument tracks) and #2, Midi channel 10 is "traditionally" used for drums/perc. So, having said that, step #1 is to setup your 2 devices in(inside PT) Setup>Midi>Midi Studio. Make sure you select/assign the input port for each device(no need to set the output unless you wish to send midi BACK out to an external device). Then, for the V-kit, deselect all EXCEPT midi channel 10. For the keyboard, deselect channel 10 only. Then, on your instrument tracks, Go to View>Mix Window Shows> and check the Instruments option, which will add a row across the top of the MIX window. Go to the instrument tracks and select the proper controller for each track. By Holding the Alt key, and clicking EITHER instrument track's record button, both will enter Record-ready, and you should be ready to go with each source(V-kit and keyboard) only firing the desired VI plugin

BTW, I agree on setting the default thru instrument to NONE If you want to take the drum sound up a notch, put up real cymbals and some overhead mics

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by albee1952

BTW, I agree on setting the default thru instrument to NONE If you want to take the drum sound up a notch, put up real cymbals and some overhead mics

And set up separate outputs from the drum vi into PT tracks or the drum brain into PT audio tracks. Then mix like a real drum kit with the right fx if any on each track. A bit more work but worth it.

[djcreation24]

Oh man it took me like 3 days just to get an answer for this.

[Bookerv12]

Thanks so much guys,

We will be messing with it again tomorrow.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by djcreation24

Oh man it took me like 3 days just to get an answer for this.

huh?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by musicman691

And set up separate outputs from the drum vi into PT tracks or the drum brain into PT audio tracks. Then mix like a real drum kit with the right fx if any on each track. A bit more work but worth it.

Agree 100%. I always do this to separate audio tracks and record the drums. That way, if I revisit years later and don't have that plugin anymore, I still have the sounds committed. Plus, I find that sometimes, the midi can get confused and miss notes here and there if I DON'T start playback at zero

[Bookerv12]

OK.

Got it working.
Thanks for all the info.