1 Topic by bultot (edited by bultot 2024-11-22 19:36:47)

  • Registered: 2024-11-22
  • Posts: 2

Topic: Help with MIDI Control for Babyface Pro in Standalone Mode

I’ve been experimenting with MIDI control on my Babyface Pro FS and have encountered an issue with using a MIDI controller in standalone mode. 

TL;DR:
I want to use my MIDI controller with the RME Babyface Pro, receive audio input over USB (e.g., from my MacBook), but avoid having to use TotalMix FX—either by running it in the background or ideally not needing it at all.

My Setup: 
- Babyface Pro: Functions well with USB playback (e.g., Spotify) and MIDI control when TotalMix FX is open. 
- Intech Studio PBF4 MIDI Controller: Successfully sends MIDI signals to TotalMix FX while connected to my MacBook. I can adjust the volume of my Output devices AS 1/2 and ADAT 5/6
- MIDI Routing for Standalone Use: 
  - The PBF4 connects via USB to my MacBook. 
  - I use a Roland UM-One MIDI interface to send signals from my MacBook to the Babyface Pro’s 5-pin MIDI DIN input. 
  - MidiPipe on macOS: Routes MIDI signals from the PBF4 to the Roland UM-One output. 

What Works: 
1. When TotalMix FX is open, the Babyface Pro responds perfectly to MIDI signals from the PBF4 routed through the UM-One. 
2. MIDI activity is visible in MIDI Monitor, and the Roland UM-One’s LEDs confirm MIDI signals are sent. 

The Issue: 
I want to use my MIDI controller and playback audio without keeping TotalMix FX open as a window all the time. 

- Hiding TotalMix FX: Currently, there’s no option to minimize it to the system tray (on Windows or macOS). The window must remain open, which disrupts my workflow. 
- Not Using TotalMix FX: Ideally, I’d like the Babyface Pro to respond to MIDI signals in standalone mode based on the most recent TotalMix FX configuration. 
  - However, it seems the Babyface Pro doesn’t respond to MIDI in standalone mode or might not be saving my latest TotalMix FX configuration correctly. 
- Standalone Mode Behavior: When TotalMix FX is closed, I don’t see any response to MIDI signals, even though I’ve verified the MIDI routing. 

MIDI Monitor Log when normally connected with Totalmix, trying to use the UM-One to send the midi signals:  

17:36:46.698    From Grid    Control    1    Channel Volume (coarse)    35  
17:36:46.698    To UM-ONE    Control    1    Channel Volume (coarse)    35  
17:36:46.699    From USB MIDI Device    Control    1    Channel Volume (coarse)    35

Questions: 
1. Should the Babyface Pro retain the latest TotalMix FX configuration in standalone mode? If so, how can I ensure that the configuration (routing) is properly saved to the device? 
2. Are there known limitations with the Babyface Pro responding to MIDI signals in standalone mode? (except for not being able to adjust advanced settings like EQ etc)
3. As an alternative, is there a way to hide TotalMix FX to the system tray so it doesn’t disrupt my workspace while staying active for MIDI control?

Any advice or tips on how to achieve a streamlined setup without keeping TotalMix FX as an open window would be greatly appreciated! 

Thanks in advance!

2 Reply by waedi (edited by waedi Yesterday 00:22:52)

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Online
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,539

Re: Help with MIDI Control for Babyface Pro in Standalone Mode

bultot wrote:

I’ve been experimenting with MIDI control on my Babyface Pro FS and have encountered an issue with using a MIDI controller in standalone mode. 

TL;DR:
I want to use my MIDI controller with the RME Babyface Pro, receive audio input over USB (e.g., from my MacBook), but avoid having to use TotalMix FX—either by running it in the background or ideally not needing it at all.

My Setup: 
- Babyface Pro: Functions well with USB playback (e.g., Spotify) and MIDI control when TotalMix FX is open. 
- Intech Studio PBF4 MIDI Controller: Successfully sends MIDI signals to TotalMix FX while connected to my MacBook. I can adjust the volume of my Output devices AS 1/2 and ADAT 5/6
- MIDI Routing for Standalone Use: 
  - The PBF4 connects via USB to my MacBook.

Then it is not standalone-mode and the whole thread becomes obsolete.

bultot wrote:

What Works:
  - I use a Roland UM-One MIDI interface to send signals from my MacBook to the Babyface Pro’s 5-pin MIDI DIN input. 
  - MidiPipe on macOS: Routes MIDI signals from the PBF4 to the Roland UM-One output. 

What Works: 
1. When TotalMix FX is open, the Babyface Pro responds perfectly to MIDI signals from the PBF4 routed through the UM-One. 
2. MIDI activity is visible in MIDI Monitor, and the Roland UM-One’s LEDs confirm MIDI signals are sent. 

The Issue: 
I want to use my MIDI controller and playback audio without keeping TotalMix FX open as a window all the time. 

- Hiding TotalMix FX: Currently, there’s no option to minimize it to the system tray (on Windows or macOS). The window must remain open, which disrupts my workflow.

That is nonsense.
On Mac the Totalmix window has the three buttons top left as every window, click the yellow button lets Totalmix vanish down into the dock.
In Windows it will most probably be the same.

bultot wrote:

- Not Using TotalMix FX: Ideally, I’d like the Babyface Pro to respond to MIDI signals in standalone mode based on the most recent TotalMix FX configuration. 
  - However, it seems the Babyface Pro doesn’t respond to MIDI in standalone mode or might not be saving my latest TotalMix FX configuration correctly. 
- Standalone Mode Behavior: When TotalMix FX is closed, I don’t see any response to MIDI signals, even though I’ve verified the MIDI routing. 

MIDI Monitor Log when normally connected with Totalmix, trying to use the UM-One to send the midi signals:  

17:36:46.698    From Grid    Control    1    Channel Volume (coarse)    35  
17:36:46.698    To UM-ONE    Control    1    Channel Volume (coarse)    35  
17:36:46.699    From USB MIDI Device    Control    1    Channel Volume (coarse)    35

Questions: 
1. Should the Babyface Pro retain the latest TotalMix FX configuration in standalone mode? If so, how can I ensure that the configuration (routing) is properly saved to the device?

This is not the case, Totalmix can not be saved into the Babyface for standalone-mode.
Standalone-mode has it's own mix you have to do this configuration manually on the front of the unit with the buttons.

bultot wrote:

2. Are there known limitations with the Babyface Pro responding to MIDI signals in standalone mode? (except for not being able to adjust advanced settings like EQ etc)

In standalone-mode you have no access to Totalmix and it's settings for Midi remote control, so there is no Midi-control.
What you are overlooking, you are not using standalone-mode at all.
Your Babyface is connected to the computer via USB cable, then use it normal with all functions available in Totalmix.

bultot wrote:

3. As an alternative, is there a way to hide TotalMix FX to the system tray so it doesn’t disrupt my workspace while staying active for MIDI control?

As explained above hit the yellow button.

bultot wrote:

Any advice or tips on how to achieve a streamlined setup without keeping TotalMix FX as an open window would be greatly appreciated!

Get rid of this Midi interface, it's in the way, the Babyface offers Midi-port input and output to the system.
Then your setup is streamlined.


bultot wrote:

Thanks in advance!

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue

3 Reply by bultot (edited by bultot Yesterday 14:42:29)

  • Registered: 2024-11-22
  • Posts: 2

Re: Help with MIDI Control for Babyface Pro in Standalone Mode

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post and for clarifying some of the concepts around the Babyface Pro. I really appreciate your insight, especially regarding the difference between standalone mode and normal operation.

I also want to apologize for any confusion I caused with my terminology. I’m still learning the ins and outs of working with RME devices, and I now understand that what I’ve been referring to as “standalone mode” isn’t accurate in my current setup, as the Babyface is indeed connected to my MacBook via USB.

That said, I think my main question is still not fully answered:
I’m looking for a way to use MIDI signals from my Intech Studio PBF4 to control the Babyface Pro without being entirely dependent on TotalMix FX running in the background. Ideally, I’d like the Babyface to retain a configuration where MIDI works independently or with minimal software involvement.

Clarifications:
1. You mentioned that TotalMix FX can be minimized on macOS by clicking the yellow button to hide it in the dock. While that’s true, I was referring to minimizing TotalMix to the OSX menu bar (tray), meaning it would stay active but wouldn’t appear in the open apps list when cycling through apps using Cmd+Tab. Currently, TotalMix always shows up as an open app, even when minimized to the dock, which disrupts my workflow.

2. My understanding is that USB MIDI only works when TotalMix FX is running, as TotalMix processes MIDI remote control. That’s why I hoped that the 5-pin MIDI port on the Babyface would function independently, even without TotalMix FX, albeit with a limited set of functions (e.g., volume control or snapshot switching). Is this correct, or am I mistaken?

If MIDI remote control truly requires TotalMix FX to be running, is there a way to achieve lightweight functionality or a streamlined setup where I don’t need the TotalMix window to be actively managed?

Again, thank you for your advice and for being patient as I try to get the most out of my setup.

4 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
  • Administrator
  • Offline
  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 25,596

Re: Help with MIDI Control for Babyface Pro in Standalone Mode

The manual has no chapter about MIDI working without TM FX (aka stand-alone). Because that functionality does not exist.

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • waedi
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Online
  • From: Swiss Zürich
  • Registered: 2020-12-08
  • Posts: 4,539

Re: Help with MIDI Control for Babyface Pro in Standalone Mode

bultot wrote:

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post and for clarifying some of the concepts around the Babyface Pro. I really appreciate your insight, especially regarding the difference between standalone mode and normal operation.

I also want to apologize for any confusion I caused with my terminology. I’m still learning the ins and outs of working with RME devices, and I now understand that what I’ve been referring to as “standalone mode” isn’t accurate in my current setup, as the Babyface is indeed connected to my MacBook via USB.

That said, I think my main question is still not fully answered:
I’m looking for a way to use MIDI signals from my Intech Studio PBF4 to control the Babyface Pro without being entirely dependent on TotalMix FX running in the background. Ideally, I’d like the Babyface to retain a configuration where MIDI works independently or with minimal software involvement.

Clarifications:
1. You mentioned that TotalMix FX can be minimized on macOS by clicking the yellow button to hide it in the dock. While that’s true, I was referring to minimizing TotalMix to the OSX menu bar (tray), meaning it would stay active but wouldn’t appear in the open apps list when cycling through apps using Cmd+Tab. Currently, TotalMix always shows up as an open app, even when minimized to the dock, which disrupts my workflow.

That's normal. Minimizing the app window into the dock does not shut down the app.
You can even close the app window with the red button. It is still not shut down and keeps working.
It has to be ON, otherwise nothing will work.

bultot wrote:

2. My understanding is that USB MIDI only works when TotalMix FX is running, as TotalMix processes MIDI remote control. That’s why I hoped that the 5-pin MIDI port on the Babyface would function independently, even without TotalMix FX, albeit with a limited set of functions (e.g., volume control or snapshot switching). Is this correct, or am I mistaken?

The Midi connector is part of the Midi-interface, send and receive Midi to the DAW.
Your USB Midi controller needs only the USB connection to the computer.
In the Totalmix Options settings you select the Midiport that the controller is using.
And Totalmix has to be On.

bultot wrote:

If MIDI remote control truly requires TotalMix FX to be running, is there a way to achieve lightweight functionality or a streamlined setup where I don’t need the TotalMix window to be actively managed?

The Totalmix WINDOW can be minimized or closed after configuration, the app has to be running on front or in the background invisible. More streamlined is not possible.

bultot wrote:

Again, thank you for your advice and for being patient as I try to get the most out of my setup.

M1-Sequoia, Madiface Pro, Digiface USB, Babyface silver and blue