Got my Synth two days ago, and I can’t get it to interact with other hardware via MIDI. I’ve sent a support request, but after 24 hours without a response, I figured I’d ask here.
To keep it concise, here are the main issues I’m running into:
• External MIDI Controllers: When connecting an Arturia Keystep or Torso T-1, I can’t get any notes to play from any of the Synth’s engines. I’ve triple-checked that the correct jack input is selected on the Synth and that my controllers are sending signals on the right channels.
• Drum Machine (EP-133): The Synth won’t send or receive transport information, even after adjusting the relevant settings. For example, I can’t get the Synth to sync to the EP-133’s tempo or vice versa.
I’ve tried multiple MIDI cables but still get no MIDI communication at all.
Would appreciate help troubleshooting or advice on escalating this, in case it’s a defective unit.
only thing i can think of that you didn’t mention was the MIDI type. the Synth is MIDI type-B which might need an adapter if communicating with MIDI type-A devices
Are you using 5 Pin MIDI? If so remember that Polyend use Type B adapters. Torso and TE EP133 are Type A. I know you have checked some of these but i would follow these steps:-
Ensure correct MIDI cable / adapters, ie test with another destination
Set the Synth channel and port per synth. These are in the ‘Synth’ Settings page
Set the relevent MIDI settings. These are in the Configuration menu under MIDI. Mainly clock and transport.
I would test the MIDI also over USB for example connect to a DAW or MIDI application.
OK, sounds like the MIDI type is probably the culprit. I ignorantly (or wishfully) thought that the 3.5mm TRS cables were type agnostic. I must be fortunate and haven’t owned any type B devices to run into this before. Who ever decided at some point to deviate from one Midi type and make a “B” deserves a seat close to the flames.
I did just test MIDI over USB (Logic on iPad) and was able to get that to work, send and receive.
Slim pickings for A to B 3.5mm converters. Does this look like it’d do the trick?
Yes should work. The ‘Type’ Saga is not good, there are actually 3 types. ‘A’ most common. If your using same type ie A to A then you can use a TRS cable directly. For converting A to B you need the adapter for A to MIDI 5 Pin and the adapter for B to 5 Pin then use a standard 5 Pin cable. The other option is what you state.
My strong advice is to label every bit of gear you buy with a dongle as soon as it’s out of the box. Label the type and what gear its for. Also same tip for power supplies. It easy to get lost later with these.
Finally another gotcha on MIDI for USB is using a USB cable that doesnt carry data. That sounds odd, but a lot of cheap gear manufacturers charge stuff with USB, but they dont supply a USB fully compatible cable, they use one that just powers the unit. Not common in audio gear but these cables get themselves together
Type A/B nonsense has caught me out many times, I now put coloured stickers on each type as soon as it arrives.
Just to confirm, midi does work great once you have the right type plug.
There seems to be a few issues with it though, all seem to be related to the synth trying to keep sync with incoming clock(in my experience)
You can get plugs that have both connections, so you could use standard 1/8" TRS cables, having one or two around can help you sort out new devices real quick.
Or you can check the database on https://minimidi.world/ (doesn’t contain the Synth yet, but other Polyend stuff).
Here is another option that I use. Unfortunately, these two standards of 3.5mm types have ben around for a while. For example, Arturia is all Type B while Roland is all type A. Type A is supposed to be the agreed upon standard now, but I guess Polyend decided to stick to type B. Not sure why they can’t do both. 1010 Music Nano boxes can send and receive either type, so it is technically possible.
