Is there a way to get the play + to “play” an external drum machine like a drumbrute impact or the polyend step? I tried filling the midi channels on the play + with chords or beats but the external drum machines just receive the transport control to play and then they play their own sequences and not the chords or beats that are coming from play +. What am I missing?
Have you selected the correct MIDI channel for the notes you input in MIDI mode? For instance, “Jack Channel 1” (if you are connecting to the drum machine with a MIDI jack cable). And the drum machine must be ready to receive MIDI notes from that channel.
Also, maybe pay attention to the clocks, that one goes out and the other comes in to avoid a stalemate.
In case of doubt, use a DAW or something else to send MIDI notes to the drum machine, to be sure about at which end is the configuration failing.
As @icaria36 stated, check the MIDI channels on your machines and MIDI output channel of the steps you are sending from Play.
I am using the Play with external gear without no problem ..