I have been dinkin around with Connect and Logic for months. Finally after a good deal of frustration I put it to rest and discovered other less efficient workarounds. When I saw your post today I was Seasonally "joyous". Things are already working better and am eager to hear more posts on Logic and Montage. Very much appreciated Cassie!!

I figured out how to import a MIDI song I created on the Montage into Logic, where I can edit it or tweak it to my hearts content. Now how I do I export it back to the Montage?

That is a Logic Pro question. You need to look up in their documentation how to export a MIDI File. Each DAW has its own setup for exporting data as a Standard MIDI File... just make sure it uses the extension: .mid

Oh, I see. Of course, I can save the .mid file on a thumb drive and load it in the Montage that way. However, i think that it would be convenient to have this transfer take place using the Montage Connect plugin. I wonder, is this something that is being considered for a future update?

No. There are two many different DAWs. There already exist a method to move things the other direction. Things naturally fall to earth (gravity) I wonder if there is something being considered to reverse this process so it's as easy as falling to earth. Maybe in an update? 🙂

Seriously, we tried something like this on the previous flagship, and frankly, it proved too difficult for most to use. It took place via Ethernet, required a password, and the ability to establish a network and to write directly to a USB stick connected to the XF, from the computer. It remains mainly unused by most - too difficult for the average user to get working. Alas. To be fair the computer companies kept changing protocols... so it was probably abandoned for several reasons.

Eager to get the next tutorial Cassie. Your insights on Montage and Logic are greatly appreciated.

I have gone through the tutorial about 20 times now, but I still cannot get it to work and I am left with a number of questions. It says to create a montage connect track (check), create an external midi track (check) and a stereo audio track set to the right input (1+2) (check). Also, Montage is selected as the device under the audio settings in Logic, and on the Montage it is set to Main L&R. Once I get the Montage connect going, and manage to save a number of performances from Montage within Logic Pro X, Logic Pro X recognises them, and at first they sound. Once I start recording on such a track, they do not sound anymore, and the only way the Montage sounds again is if I select a performance on the Montage.

The questions I have are: (1) If I want to record on the Montage connect tracks that have a saved performance selected, why does it stop sounding once you get to recording? (2) Do the midi track and the audio track play a role in the recording process at this time, i.e. in recording on the Montage connect track? And (3) what should be the Utility ->Quick Connect setting for Montage when recording this way? Is it Standalone, MIDI Rec on DAW or Audio Rec on DAW?

I appreciate any input on this, thanks in advance!

I will put together a more detailed response. Here are a few answers:

(1) If I want to record on the Montage connect tracks that have a saved performance selected, why does it stop sounding once you get to recording?

The Montage Connect track isn't really a virtual instrument although it appears that way. You can't record onto that track; it is there only to recall and save the Performances used in your project from Logic. You have to open a MIDI track and record there. When you want to record an audio track, you will create an audio track and record there. Again, the Connect "track" is really simply the place the Montage Connect AU component lives because that is where Logic AU plug-ins exist. Unlike a virtual instrument it is used for saving and recalling Montage Performances. The Montage is the "target" so to speak; It isn't a virtual instrument, it's a physical instrument!

Hopefully this answers your second question.

Question 3: When recording MIDI set MONTAGE in MIDI Rec on DAW as this turns off local control and you are not using it in standalone. I generally leave it in this mode for the entire production process when using Logic.

Let me know if this helps and I'll put together some more stuff with screen shots from logic.

4/27/2021 - Current link for article is:
https://www.yamahasynth.com/learn/montage/montage-and-logic-pro-x-connecting