I did not know Mixcraft is not compatible with MG2 as a plugin, that I finally realized in the DAW list page, when I tried to record MG2 (trial version) generated MIDI signal in Mixcraft’s virtual instrument track.
I dont want to learn another DAW. So I came up a workaround. I use two PCs, PC A and PC B. PC A runs MG2 and Steinberg UR242 for guitar input and MIDI output on UR242’s 5-pin MIDI output port. PC B runs Mixcraft and Stenberg UR44 to receive MIDI data from UR242 at the UR44 5-pin MIDI input port.
It works very well in terms of data flow. No observable latency in PC B’s Mixcraft monitor headphone on UR44, and I could record MIDI on the fly.
BUT BUT UR44 often receives INCORRECT MIDI data, for example different velocity (volume), extra sound, loss of sound. I suspect two possibilities:
(1) MG2’s MIDI output is not qualified. Please JAM origin validate your MIDI output.
(2) My cheap 5-pin MIDI cable induces noise. I have ordered a brand cable and will do one more trial. If it still have same problem, should I use MIDI to USB adapter like Yamaha UX-16? I dont know.
Well, I bought a brand new D’Addario 5-pin MIDI cable to continue the workaround.
Summary: MG2 is VERY DIFFERENT between the live MIDI performance and the output MIDI data.
When I monitor the MG2 performance in UR242’s phone jack, the sound is clear and smooth. No matter how many times I repeat my guitar play, the sound is solid. This is very impressive.
On the other hand, when I monitor the output MIDI data in UR44’s phone jack with Mixcraft, the sound MIDI data is not consistent. I keep playing the same notes and MG2 always gives me unpredictable sound. Sometimes no sound, sometimes extra sound, sometimes low volume etc.
Well, unless MG3 fix the MIDI output function, I dont want it.
Unfortunately thats one of Mixcraft`s downfalls. I have Presonus Studio Pro and mixcraft but never use Mixcraft anymore until they come up to speed. Its too complex getting Midi Guitar to work with it
I dont think Mixcraft has anything wrong with the incorrect MIDI data that it receives via 5-pin MIDI cable. I DO believe JAM Origin needs to IMPROVE its MIDI conversion algorithm.
Why do I say so?
I decided to give Reaper DAW a trial, that I can use MG2 as a plugin. Its setup is pure software and quite simple. In Reaper, I can record the MIDI data generated by MG2 from my Guitar line input.
The result is, there are lots of “should not exist sounds in the MIDI data”, especailly when I do string slide, string vibrato, sting hammer that kinds of typical guitar playing. Besides, the vibrato sound is not well preserved. For the velocity correctness, it seems acceptable.
