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How to Configure your DAW to Record MIDI from Orchid: Logic Pro

Updated

  1. Launch Logic and Verify Connection. With your Orchid physically connected to your computer, we can now enable it for use in Logic Pro.

    • Open Logic Pro, navigate to the top menu and select Logic Pro -> Settings -> MIDI -> Inputs.
    • Make sure the checkbox next to "Orchid" (if using USB-C) or your MIDI interface's name (if using the 5-pin cable) is selected so Logic is actively listening for the instrument.

     

  2. Create a Track. To create a new track in your Logic session, navigate to the top menu bar and select Track -> New Tracks (or use the keyboard shortcut Option + Cmd + N). Next, select the option that best fits your workflow:
    • Software Instrument Track: Select this option if you want to load a virtual plugin (such as the Pistil plugin or one of Logic's native synthesizers) and use the Orchid strictly as a controller to play those software sounds.

    • External MIDI Track: Select this option if you intend to record the raw MIDI data and send it back out to trigger the Orchid's internal hardware sounds, or to control a different piece of external hardware.

       

  3.  Configure the Input Details
    • In the "New Tracks" dialogue box that appears, look for the "MIDI Input" or "Instrument" settings before clicking "Create".
    • Ensure the input device is explicitly set to recognize the Orchid so the DAW is actively listening to the correct hardware.

    • If you wish to capture all of the Orchid's separate data streams simultaneously, you can set the "Number of tracks" option to 3.

       

  4.  Isolate Your MIDI Channels
    • By default, the Orchid separates its MIDI output into three distinct channels; failing to isolate these channels in Logic Pro will result in a messy overlap of notes.
    • Select your newly created track, and in the track inspector window, set its specific MIDI input channel to match the exact Orchid stream you want to capture. The default configuration for Orchid:
      • Channel 1: Records your Performance notes, like Arpeggios, Strums, and Voicing dial melodies.
      • Channel 2: Records the single Bass notes.

      • Channel 3: Records the raw, sustained Chords

         

  5.  Arm and Record
    • Click the "R" (Record Enable) button on the track header so it flashes red, indicating the track is armed and actively listening for incoming MIDI data.
    • Press the main Record button in the top transport bar to begin capturing your performance.

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