William Echard

Sorry if this is an obvious question, but I've been poking around for a while and not finding an answer. What's the best way to set a default MIDI output device for all [noteout] objects in a patcher? I'm working on a rhythm sequencer that has eleven voices, and right now each voice feeds its own [noteout]. Since I work between a few different setups, I frequently need to change all the [noteouts] to match the MIDI interface of the day, but I can't see a way to set a default in the main Max MIDI configuration window, and it's time consuming to double click them all and set by hand. Thanks...

best-way-to-set-default-midi-output-device

William - great name you've got! ;-) (I only get called William when I'm in trouble.)

I'm not an expert here, but 2 possibilities I can think of:

- In your different setups, is there any chance you could edit (and save for future use) the midi settings in Audio MIDI Setup? If you can do that, give the same (preferably simple) name to the instrument on the MIDI port that you want to be the default, e.g. "dr" for drum or something. All your Max noteouts would be [noteout dr] and if you select the right configuration in Audio MIDI Setup it'll work.

- Make all noteouts [noteout d] or use some other otherwise unused abbreviation. When you start working on a particular setup make sure "d" is the abbreviation for the correct MIDI port in Max's MIDI Setup.

Oops! Sorry, I'm on Mac. Dunno what the equivalent of the first possibility is in Windows.

In case Bill's suggestions didn't help: The best way to deal with setups that vary is to get the list of current midi ports with midiinfo and then have a 'global' setting which sets the desired port and sends the setting to other midi sending objects yiou want to use the same port. The example attached is a more specific version of the example at the bottom of the outport tab in the midi out help file…

Thanks Bill & Spectro, between those two options I think I'm well covered.

Realize I'm trying on an old thread here, but I have a similar question--though I realize the problem is likely outside of Max.

I have a patch that I always use with my same little desktop setup. I have my notein set to my "Arturia Keystep" as it was in the midi ports. Thing is, every few days, it keeps getting renamed. Right now it's "Arturia Keystep Arturia Keystep 32". My iPad IDAM is now "iPad (internal) (internal) (internal) (internal) (internal) (internal)" No joke!

Any ideas why this is happening and what I can do about it?

I have a patch that I always use with my same little desktop setup.  I have my notein set to my "Arturia Keystep" as it was in the midi ports.  Thing is, every few days, it keeps getting renamed.  Right now it's "Arturia Keystep Arturia Keystep 32".  My iPad IDAM is now "iPad (internal) (internal) (internal) (internal) (internal) (internal)" No joke!
Any ideas why this is happening and what I can do about it?

You should at least mention if it is Mac ( which I think is)

Stupid thing in Audio/Midi setup on Mac is that it keeps adding and/or 

renaming Midi Interfaces depending on USB ports they are connected to.

Would same problem affect BlueTooth Midi Devices?

 for example gets grayed out and new interface

 gets created instead if plugged into different USB port.

You could try to extract keyword like Arturia from the symbol

and select that menu number in the menu populated with Midi devices.

Deleting "ghost" interfaces in System Midi Setup regulary

You should at least mention if it is Mac ( which I think is)
or windows.
Stupid thing in Audio/Midi setup on Mac is that it keeps adding and/or 
renaming Midi Interfaces depending on USB ports they are connected to.
Would same problem affect BlueTooth Midi  Devices?

My Motu FastLane USB for example gets grayed out and new interface
named FastLane USB #2   gets created instead if plugged into different USB port.
You could try to extract keyword like Arturia from the symbol
and select that menu number in the menu populated with Midi devices.


Deleting "ghost" interfaces in System Midi Setup regulary
could help reduce that repeated (internal) (internal) ...


Best way to set default MIDI output device?