I just noticed that Cubase 10.5.20 sends MIDI to my synthesizer (Yamaha Montage, 3.5 firmware) when a project is opened. This includes SysEx messages, and cc7 messages.
It even happens with a new, empty project.
I have attached a zip file containing two MIDI files. I captured them using the Montage recorder. One of them is what happens when I open an empty project. The other one is what happens when I open the project I am currently working on.
Why does this happen? How can I get it to stop?
Since most functions in Cubase can be preset and/or stored as templates, it is likely you have done so.
Clue: “NewSong25” — not a factory default for Cubase; looks suspiciously like you have imported a MIDI SONG using the MONTAGE CONNECT utility and have then set this as your opening template.
The MIDI tracks with volume cc7 settings look suspiciously like you were work with a 5-Part Performance when you imported the SONG and set the template.
It is highly unlikely that Cubase is sending these on its own accord... it is doing so because at some point you have set this as your starting point.
In your MONTAGE:
Press [UTILITY] > “Contents” > “Data Utility” > tap the “Song” folder... see if you have an item named “NewSong25”
That should be a big clue... is it 5 Parts?
Another possibility is that you have set your Cubase Preferences for Exporting MIDI files to include these messages..
Go to: PREFERENCES > MIDI > MIDI FILE > MIDI EXPORT OPTIONS verify what you are asking Cubase to add to your exported MIDI data.
Here are my Cubase MIDI export preferences. Do you see anything here that could be causing Cubase to send the MIDI commands I uploaded when the project is opened?
?
I don’t see you have made any settings.
What about NewSong25?
NewSong25 is the recording I made of what Cubase sends to the Montage as the project is opened. I did this by hitting Record and then Play on the Montage in Song (MIDI) mode before I launched Cubase and opened the project from the Cubase Hub. I retrieved NewSong25 to my PC using Montage Connect.
The MIDI contained in NewSong25 is what was sent from Cubase as the project opened. I can tell this because I can see the volume sliders on the Montage snap to new locations as the project opens and the cc7 messages take effect.
This may be like trying to capture a smell in a bottle. You're using a perfume bottle so the smell you're capturing always smells like perfume.
I wouldn't capture this event using the Performance recorder because it (may) place extra stuff in the MIDI file that isn't strictly captured. I see the time signature and tempo as "events" within your MIDI file. Was this captured? Live or memorex? I think it's just a consequence of the .MID file creation and not necessarily what's transmitted over the wire from Cubase.
If you want to see what Cubase is transmitting - I'd say use a MIDI monitor that's not going to create a .MID file. Because .MID has headers and things that are not representations of what did happen on the bus. It's a different kind of MIDI than the master/slave communication.
Current Yamaha Synthesizers: Montage Classic 7, Motif XF6, S90XS, MO6, EX5R
Thanks, Jason. That’s a great insight. The tools we choose to use can fool us in complex environments like this.
Anyway, I now understand what was going on thanks to having it explained to me on the Steinberg forum.
Cubase sends cc7 messages to the Montage as the project opens to bring the volume indicators on the Montage into agreement with the sliders in the MixConsole Window and the track inspectors.
Been using Cubase for 7 years. never ran into (or noticed) that one before...
You should not be sending the MIDI TIME CODE to the MONTAGE.
Below is your second screenshot from Steinberg.net. MTC is totally not used by the MONTAGE.
MIDI Clock to MONTAGE-1 Is sufficient.
Thanks. Bad Mister. I just disabled MIDI Timecode Destinations:MONTAGE-1 and MIDI Timecode Follows Project Time.
I appreciate you taking the time to go to the Steinberg Forum and take a look.