Can i use Spark without USB and still connect to the software via midi

[stuey]

Hi all,

First post to the forum, although I am a long time user of the V collection, analog factory and laboratory and have been using them via a 3rd party controller but thought it time to get the laboratory 61 key model. I would usually map the controller via pro tools, but I have a question, which is also in the Spark forum (As also purchasing the Spark, and
would like to use Spark in the same way)

I am using the V collection with just midi, all connected via a Motu timepiece as I don't want to mix using USB midi and 5 pin cable midi so I only use midi cables.

Will Spark connect to the software by using standard midi? And would I need to use the IAC bus in the Audio/Midi set up in OSX?

Thanks in advance

Stuart

[Kevin]

Hi Stuart,
for Spark the answer is no. It needs to be connected on the USB.
For Analog Laboratory this should be possible but a little bit tricky to make it correctly working.
You would have to set your controller to relative.

[stuey]

Thanks Kevin,

So there isn't any non midi USB info that is being sent down the USB apart from power?

Thanks
Stuart

[Kevin]

This is not totally true but this is possible to work without.

[stuey]

So apart from power and midi, what else is sent down the USB ? Will I loose out on mapped CC and other software parameters ?

Stuart

[Kevin]

What you will loose is the connected from software to controller so when you change a preset the knobs will still "have" the previous value.
A possible workaround is to set the knob to relative mode.
I am not in charge of the Laboratory so I don't know very well if it is working well. I think the best is to try.
Do you already have the controller or do you plan to have it?

[stuey]

I plan to buy the 61 controller, I already have the software as well as the V collection, analog factory and brass.

I'm not adverse to using it USB but as I run other midi devices on 5 pin din cables, I don't want to mx USB midi and normal midi. In that I want all my midi clocked from my Motu midi device

Thanks Kevin

Stuart