Slaving MAX to Logic Pro X
Dear Forum.
IF I created a MAX patch sending MIDI OUT to be used in Logic Pro X:
How to synchronize MAX and Logic?
I would like to build some studies of automated MIDI concepts feeding Logic Pro X for the purpose of getting scored examples out of it.
MAX should trigger different channels (tracks) in Logic housing virtual instruments and distribute notes to different MIDI channels on the run.
If this is a valid setup for starting out, please let me know
Thank you!
Max doesn't "publish" its MIDI ports to the outside world - it can only connect to an external port that already exists in the system, either via the letter mapping in MIDI Setup, by referencing the port by name directly in the MIDI object (e.g. [midiout <portname>]) or by using the port picker list by "right clicking" (probably option-clicking on the Mac) on the MIDI object.
Likewise, most DAW software doesn't publish its own MIDI ports either!
So, how do you connect the two together? You might be able to configure linked virtual ports under MacOS but there is certainly no such option in Windows.
My solution is to use the simple, excellent and free tool called loopMIDI by Tobias Erichsen. This effectively creates virtual cables with MIDI port names attached that can be used to link Max to any DAW. I use it extensively in my projects and it's pretty bomb proof. It certainly works well with Max, Cubase and all other MIDI software that I've tried it with.
He also has a network RTP app for Windows that does the same thing for networked MIDI connections called rtpMIDI - it's built in to MacOS.
Bear in mind that loopMIDI only creates unidirectional connections so you will need to create a pair of loopMIDI ports to carry messages in both directions between Max and your DAW.
...I found the note out object due to the documentation, which meets my idea of connecting two Apps exchanging MIDI. It is my first step in that combo, alright.
Now, how to synchronize Logic ProX and MAX? I heard that MAX could do it. It would make sense to find ways related to the metronome/click/beats (4/4, whatever you set here bpm wise) rather than working with ms values. What would be the trick here in detail? It could be either way:
a) Logic Pro slaves MAX
b) vice versa.
However, there also would be the generic concept of creating a superior master clock splitting its time code to both Apps, which I would take into account, if necessary.
But my dream here would be that MAX recognizes the beats that are set in Logic. This kind of click is to be processed further in MAX then returning the processed MIDI back to Logic. It would be the basis for digging deeper into the standalone Version of MAX, coming from MAX FOR LIVE...
Thank you!
use midi beat clock, there are many examples here on the forum.
object you need is rtin.