Cannot route MIDI CCs messages from iPad (forScore) to PA5X through MainStage.

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Level 1

4 points

Cannot route MIDI CCs messages from iPad (forScore) to PA5X through MainStage.

My iPad (with forScore) sends some Control Changes ( I see them from MainStage Midi Monitor ) that I need to select a specific SongBook Entry in PA5X Korg (in this case Entry n.7 BF 63 02 BF 62 40 BF 06 00 BF 26 07), but I cannot see these msgs flowing to the Keyboard. These CCs should generate several MIDI Msgs to preset the PA5X to set sounds and all necessary staff.

I created an External Instrument Channel Strip for that purpose, and I also made several tests, but I was not able to fix it.

I also used a script in the FX, but anytime I need to change the patch from the Keyboard, it reloads the script, or it goes in loop. I can stop the loop only turning the script off.

Why my Keyboard does not receive the CCs ?

I'm sure I did a wrong setup, can anyone help ?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Apr 28, 2025 02:09 AM

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Answer 1

Joe_Pete Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 29, 2025 06:43 AM in response to tfromtroon

Yes. I think this is what you suggest: I have two External Channel Strips in the Patch.

One has Output SOUND PA5X Channel 1-16 and MIDI Input iPad (16)

The second has Output iPad Channel 2 and MIDI Input iPad(16) as well.

Previously in Layout I added a keyboard and assigned to it the MIDI Port: iPad on Channel 16.

In fact from forScore I send CC on channel ( 16 ) to select the SongBook Entry in PA5X ( that has Control Change set to Channel 16 ). Note that when the PA5X receive the order to set The SongBook Entry, is issues a bunch of Control Changes, Program Changes and SysEx to itself to load all the preferences. I do not see these MIDI Messages either (of course).

At the same time from forScore I send from iPad the Program Changes on channel 2 to change the MainStage Patch.

This is the string I send from iPad: C1 02 ( set Patch 2 ) and BF 63 02 BF 62 40 BF 06 00 BF 26 07 (set Entry n.7 on PA5X).

The MIDI Monitor output is in the previous pic that I sent before.

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Answer 2

Joe_Pete Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 30, 2025 12:23 AM in response to tfromtroon

I think the problem is exactly in the initial statement : Mainstage is not able to route MIDI Control Changes messages from iPad (forScore) to PA5X through MainStage.

I don't find a clear explanation in the documentation of Mainstage how to make it.

Mainstage doesn't consider iPad as an "instrument". Although it is widely used in music performances, it is not integrated in the Mainstage MIDI flow as any other music instrument. We'll, at least I didn't find a clear procedure.

iPad sends MIDI Control Changes message to Mainstage ( doesn't matter who is generating/issuing), Mainstage should let make them available to any keyboard and the interested keyboard should be easily addressed by Mainstage to receive these messages.

It seems simple: but it is not working. And/or is not documented.

Via Mainstage I am able to play my PA5X sounds from any external keyboard, also to play any MIDI app in iPad, but all works via (single) MIDI Program Changes. In case you need to drive a few MIDI Control Changes though the MIDI flow it seems unable to perform.

Is there a limitation? Is that the reason why Mainstage allows to use MIDI Files or Scripts? I cannot believe.🤨

Can any from Mainstage to help?

I heard other Apps as Camelot Pro / Keystage. I'm necessary going to check them because I spent a lot of time on this subject as it seems nonsense to continue to insist.

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