We cannot give you the "best way" without information about what you intend to do. We can tell you, the MX can act as its own Audio and MIDI interface for your computer. No external audio or MIDI interface is needed. You do not need any other audio or MIDI interface to record and playback your MX. When you wish to connect this way, naturally you use the Yamaha Steinberg USB driver. A driver is what makes the audio and MIDI data coming from the MX understandable by your computer. Simply connect your MX to your computer via a USB cable, and connect the L/R outputs of your MX to your Monitor speakers. MIDI is also handled via the single USB connection. No muss, no fuss, neat.

If you wish to use your external audio interface you can. In that case, its driver would be necessary, because again, a driver makes data coming from that device understandable by your computer. So the driver you use will depend on which device needs to be translated for your computer... Which device is acting as your interface. You would need to connect the L/R outputs of the MX to the inputs of your audio interface, and connect the L/R outputs of the external audio interface to your Monitor speakers. Additionally connect the MIDI OUT of the MX to the MIDI IN of the Focusrite, and the MIDI OUT of the Focusrite to the MIDI IN of the MX.

The monitor speakers will always connect to the device you are using as your audio interface.

The MX setup requires - one USB cable, two signal cables
The Focusrite setup requires - one USB cable, four signal cables, two MIDI cables

What many people do not realize is that with professional DAW software, like Cubase, you can switch audio interfaces when you wish. An audio interface is simply a way to get audio into and back out of your computer. If you are going to be recording vocals, or guitars, or overdubbing other external devices, in that case you will want to switch to the external audio interface.

While the MX can act as its own audio and MIDI interface, it does not have the ability, like the MOXF and Motif-series, to act as an audio interface for an external device (because it does not have an A/D Input section).

Hope that helps.

Bad Mister wrote:

"We cannot give you the "best way" without information about what you intend to do."

I just want hook up to my computer and record with the Cubase DAW that came with it. Sorry for not being specific. A little history. I come from the analog world. Tape Machines, Vacuum tubes, Microphones, Physical hardware and effects Basically old school . : )

"We can tell you, the MX can act as its own Audio and MIDI interface for your computer. No external audio or MIDI interface is needed. You do not need any other audio or MIDI interface to record and playback your MX. When you wish to connect this way, naturally you use the Yamaha Steinberg USB driver. A driver is what makes the audio and MIDI data coming from the MX understandable by your computer. Simply connect your MX to your computer via a USB cable, and connect the L/R outputs of your MX to your Monitor speakers. MIDI is also handled via the single USB connection. No muss, no fuss, neat."

Here again I should have been more specific. I pretty much already knows this. Thanks for reaffirming it for me though. Just didn't know if I also needed to use the MX driver besides the interface driver.

If you wish to use your external audio interface you can.

This is what I needed to know. Is this normal procedure? Like for audio engineers. do they set up this way. Patch into the mixer, or other interface with the MIDI or like you say just USB into the computer.

In that case, its driver would be necessary, because again, a driver makes data coming from that device understandable by your computer. So the driver you use will depend on which device needs to be translated for your computer... Which device is acting as your interface. You would need to connect the L/R outputs of the MX to the inputs of your audio interface, and connect the L/R outputs of the external audio interface to your Monitor speakers. Additionally connect the MIDI OUT of the MX to the MIDI IN of the Focusrite, and the MIDI OUT of the Focusrite to the MIDI IN of the MX.

Ok this helps. That was another thing I that I needed to know. If I needed to do all you described above or just use the USB

The Focusrite setup requires - one USB cable, four signal cables, two MIDI cables

Not to sure what you mean by four signal cables. Clarity please..

"What many people do not realize is that with professional DAW software, like Cubase, you can switch audio interfaces when you wish. An audio interface is simply a way to get audio into and back out of your computer. If you are going to be recording vocals, or guitars, or overdubbing other external devices, in that case you will want to switch to the external audio interface."

Count me in as one of those many people. This is where I am weak in understanding. I thought everything including the MX was to plug into an interface in order to input into the DAW and to balance the mix via external board. But seeing as Cubase has its own mixer. I guess I just track everything, then mix in box is the way to go?

Also one other thing. I can record the voices on the MX via audio. Now, is there a way to use the MX as a MIDI controller thereby inputting and using those same voices and not the instrument VST's that Cubase uses whereas I can edit using the key editor?

Thanks for your help! 🙂

 

Not to sure what you mean by four signal cables. Clarity please..

To setup the MX with the Focusrite 2i4 you would need four standard "guitar" cables (TS or Tip-Sleeve) cables... also called "signal cables".

Two to connect the Left/Right Output of the MX to the Focusrite, and two more to connect the Focusrite to your Monitor speakers.
Since the MX *is* its own audio interface, you simply need two cables to connect to the Monitor speakers... The MX connects to its own audio interface internally.

You don't want to get rid of that Focusrite, it can and will serve you well when you wish to record a microphone, or another keyboard, or electronic instrument... read on...

Also one other thing. I can record the voices on the MX via audio. Now, is there a way to use the MX as a MIDI controller thereby inputting and using those same voices and not the instrument VST's that Cubase uses whereas I can edit using the key editor?

Yes, the MX is a MIDI controller... and you can of course, edit it the same way you can any MIDI device.

Okay, the MX has both an audio and MIDI interface built-in. It has much of what your Focusrite has already built-in. Through that same single USB connection the MX is able to send stereo AUDIO data both to and from your computer (2in/2out), and simultaneously send multiple ports of MIDI data in both directions. The Yamaha Steinberg USB driver is actually a combination driver specifically for Yamaha devices that send both AUDIO and MIDI to computers.

Having the audio/MIDI interfaces built-in to the keyboard is a big help. It make setup easier. It uses less cabling and it means you don't have to worry about an external device. However, in a real world situation (and being old school will actually help you, here !!!!) _ you remember, back in the day, the workflow in the recording studio was to lay down the Music tracks first, then overdub things like sweetening, and finally overdub backing vocals and then the lead vocal. We called it "Multi-tracking" _ basically invented by the legendary Mr. Les Paul!!! you remember, I know you do 🙂

Well, that paradigm works well today. You will (or can) use the MX with its built-in audio and MIDI interface to build up your Music Tracks... record "the band". The first recordings are typically MIDI Tracks.

Why MIDI?
Let's give you a good reason why you would want to start with MIDI Tracks (we did not have those back in the day, not before 1983 anyway). But the advantage, the BIG advantage, in recording your MUSIC tracks first as MIDI is you have a degree of UNDO that is unprecedented. You can correct mistakes (er, unfortunate notes), you can change your mind about which sound you used... you have the ultimate level of UNDO. Back in the day when all recording was initially AUDIO, an *unfortunate note* meant another take, or a change of mind meant another take... (And there is nothing wrong with that, I often have been heard saying "I come from the DO-OVER generation" 🙂 Sometimes it is quicker just to do another take than sit there and correct a bunch of mistakes. 🙂 but the point here is NOW you can decide!!!

You might record with a particular bass sound, and then after listening again and again you realize, "no, that bass sound will not work with where this song is going" ... as MIDI data you have the luxury of substituting a new bass sound with a few button presses. You can try out scores of different bass sounds, while the data is still MIDI. MIDI: The ability to Change your Mind!

MIDI-to-AUDIO
Cubase will allow you to keep your MIDI tracks and render a temporary audio file (this is called the FREEZE function _ I guess because it makes a "frozen-in-time" snapshot of your MIDI data so that you do not have actually have the MX connected to the computer when you play the song back. It is audio, so you can now disconnect the MX, connect your Focusrite 2i4 plug in your microphone and overdub your vocals.

Cubase allows you to SWITCH audio interfaces without even having to shut the project down, you simply plug in the Focusrite, and SWITCH drivers (DEVICES > DEVICE SETUP > VST AUDIO SYSTEM). You MX tracks will playback as they are audio now, you can overdub your vocals, your acoustic guitar, whatever you wish to add using the Focusrite. You do not have to have the MX connected at all at this point because you have the 'temporary" FREEZE audio tracks playing.

Now once you have recorded all your different musicians or different parts/components, you can proceed to the MIXDOWN. If now you say, "Wow, you know that MX piano part I played has a wrong chord in it and I need to add a Crash cymbal at measure 49..." You can SWITCH back to the MX as your interface by connecting it and SWITCHING drivers in Cubase. You can UN-FREEZE your temporary MX audio tracks, this gives you back your MIDI data... make your corrections, and prepare for Mixdown...

Mixdown is where you "commit" your entire composition to a stereo AUDIO file. I use the word COMMIT because it is the final state, the state that will allow you to distribute it to friends, family and the rest of the music listening world. MIDI data can only be played by another musician who has the same gear as you. a stereo AUDIO file is available to everyone with a playback device!

The workflow has some new wrinkles but they are advantages you will want to learn to use. Having the experience with the Vacuum Tube era will actually be a help (I know it does not seem that way initially, but trust me, I too am from that era and find that electrons still travel through copper wire same as always. And all that old school theory just has been updated with a few new wrinkles. The goals are still the same. Plus you've found YamahaSynth where you can always ask for help... that's why we are here!

Ok Thanks! Lot to digest right now. I will play around with it for a while and get back:D . Again thanks for being patient and knowledgeable! 😀

Hi - In relation to the MX being an audio and Midi interface - does that mean when I am hooked up to Cubase and play a VST instrument that instrument audio will come out of the computer via the USB and then go through to the MX audio outputs to my speakers?
I could test this but I have only got a vista machine at the moment and need to upgrade to windows 7 or 8 to run the free cubase.
thanks in advance 🙂

Hi Dave!

Hi - In relation to the MX being an audio and Midi interface - does that mean when I am hooked up to Cubase and play a VST instrument that instrument audio will come out of the computer via the USB and then go through to the MX audio outputs to my speakers?

That is exactly what it means! You would set your MX to LOCAL CONTROL = OFF, this way the instrument that you hear will be determined by the Cubase MIDI Track you select.

For example, say you want to play the Prologue VST that comes with Cubase... you would launch the VST and select the MIDI Track that will be created to house your performing data. Your MX's MIDI (port 1) will allow you trigger whatever device you select for the MIDI OUT of the currently selected Cubase Track. The audio from the VSTi and all audio from your computer (if you wish) will be routed to the MX's audio outputs.

When we say the MX is an audio interface - that is exactly what we mean. It replaces the soundcard that comes with your computer, and all audio is routed through USB to the MX and OUT to your monitor speakers connected to the MX's main L/R outputs.

When we say it is a MIDI Interface - it communicates its own data on MIDI Port 1 of the USB multi-port connection. Additionally you can connect an external MIDI device to the 5-pin MIDI jacks on the back panel and address it from Cubase on the MX's MIDI Port 3. It acts as a MIDI interface for one external device (in addition to its own MIDI data).

Ok I guess the best way I found to hook up to my MX is just USB into the computer. I don't know if routing my MIDI cable into the 2i4 makes any difference. It works and I love the fact I can control the volume with the keyboard instead of reaching to the monitors or computer to do so..My problem was just the opposite of Daves. Using a keyboard controller I learned how to use VST's and plugins. But using the MXs voices I was not familiar on the procedure. I fumbled my way through it and got it to work in Reaper. But Cubase is completely new to me and do not understand their layout. Completely lost on using this program. I hate the fact that in Reaper I have to go back and forth in the Preferences and Device settings and switch ASIO drivers for the Focusrite and Yamaha. Need to figure out a macro command to do this for me. Also my monitors are only hooked up to the MX and my computer sound card so I can listen to my mix. I only have two inputs. one set of phono jacks receiving from the MX and a mini plug receiving from the computer. The Monitors have two volume controls for each input. So at the moment my 2i4 has nothing going out of the back except the USB to the Computer. So I have to listen with head phones to track my guitar or vocals. Anyway that's where I'm at right now. Thanks again for your suggestions...

We cannot suggest better or "the best" hookup without knowing what it is you are hooking up. For example, you mention Reaper and Cubase, certainly they are both DAW software programs, and while there are bound to be differences in the look and feel, in general, they do basically the same thing. So finding *where* you make a setting is really not a major issue, it's just one you'll need to work out. Take your time.

Using the MX set to USB and using its ability to act as its own audio and MIDI interface via USB seems the best way to work. This means that the MX will be your audio interface and connect to your speakers. When you wish to record other instruments (guitar and vocals) switch to the Focusrite 2i4, you don't need to switch the speakers to the Focusrite because you are using headphones connected it when recording those additional parts... This works out because you'll need to turn OFF the speakers when using an open microphone any way. You'll need to render you MX music parts as audio to your DAW so you can hear them through your external audio interface.

Now we are not certain about the logistics of switching the Driver in Reaper, (sorry, never used it), but in Cubase switching the driver is a simple click selection. DEVICES > DEVICE SETUP > VST AUDIO SYSTEM > change ASIO Driver, confirm Switch.

Depending on what type of computer (Win or Mac) you may have additional setup options, and of course, depending on which version of Cubase you are using, you may have even more setup options. If you are still curious let us know...
Mac users can configure multiple audio drivers so switching drivers may not be necessary
Cubase users using the top of line version (5, 6, 7, 7.5, or Pro 8) can setup the MX as a VSTi and utilize FREEZE and EXPORT AUDIO MIXDOWN... When needing to render MX MIDI tracks as audio.

Hi Bad Mister,

Thanks for your reply here and on other MX discussions - I was having trouble logging on - there seems to be a Yamaha Synth registration and a Yamaha MusicSoft registration.

Yamaha is a very big big company. Registering for Yamaha Synth (which is a Resource and Forum) is definitely separate from registering for YamahaMusicSoft (which is a store) and both are separate from registering your instrument or product for warranty. Totally separate. As you can see many people mix these up - I would shouting into the dark if I recommended (as a general practice) read before you sign up for anything... So that you know what exactly you are signing into. This Website is for you to participate and find information about Synthesizers and Stage Pianos - our goal here is free information so you can get the most out of your Yamaha Synth/Stage Piano. While YamahaMusicSoft is a retail store where you can find MIDI Files, Sound Libraries, Sheet Music, etc., for a wide variety of Yamaha technology products; synthesizers were only recently added to that site. The number of products supported there is huge. Everything from Yamaha PSR (Portable keyboards), Arrangers, Digital Pianos, to Disklaviers and Hybrid Piano and beyond...

Hi Bad Mister,

Wasn't complaining about the trouble logging in - I am just a dumbo at tracking usernames, websites, passwords, etc - there seem to be so many these days and you need them for everything from registering your car to putting in your tax return to shopping on eBay. I know there are apps for looking after all your passwords but I haven't got that organised yet...

cheers

No worries. It is something we all have to deal with these days. And while we would like to have just one for everything, some times localizing things actually makes it better. Imagine a one Yamaha forum that covers everything from Euphoniums to Waverunners! Yikes! 🙂

Hi Bad Mister, reading this post has saved me a lot of time and money! I have a MX61 and all this time I've been using it just as a MIDI controller with ASIO4all because I don't have an interface! Gosh, I didn't know what I had in my hands. I have a question now, how can I use the AUX IN? Can I connect a mic and record a vocal or a line with a guitar?