MIDI devices cutting out

Gig Performer on Windows
1

I am having an issue where all of my midi devices periodically suddenly stop functioning (every 15-45 minutes). Sometimes they work after I close and reopen GP, other times I need to restart my audio interface (which has a MIDI usb port).

I am using Windows 10, my interface is the AUDIO4C from iConnectivity, and I am also using Bome MIDI translator to route messages primarily from an FCB1010 foot controller. I am using Atolla and Tendak powered USB hubs, one plugged into my laptop and the other into the interface.

If anyone has any leads for what the cause could be or how to troubleshoot it I’d really appreciate it. Thank you so much!

2

Just for clarification, both USB hubs are plugged into an outlet (or power strip, etc.)?

3

Correct

4

I hesitate to make suggestions because I don’t know much.

But, I might try simplified versions of your set up that cut out various pieces of hardware to try to narrow down the issue (my apologies if this is totally unhelpful).

Jeff

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5

That would have nothing to do with USB ports possibly potentially going to sleep, something that has to be corrected via power settings.

Powered USB is solely about the ability for the USB cables to supply power to peripherals rather than using up what’s available from the computer.

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6

Hi,

In device manager, select the USB hub and right click on properties.

Then go to the Power Management tab and uncheck, “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.

2 Likes
7

Yes, I will try this, thank you! It could be that one device in particular is causing problems and shortcircuiting each of the hubs somehow. I have tested in the past with individual devices plugged directly into my computer and didn’t have issues in those cases.

8

Thank you for the suggestion! I had already done this, and continue to have the same issues. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that the two hubs (and all devices connected to each) cut out independently of each other. Sometimes they both cut out at once, but other times one cuts out while the other stays functioning.

9

I’m going to try ordering new cables, ferrite beads, and USB hubs, to see if the issue is faulty equipment, will report back.

10

I would strongly encourage you to not change multiple items at one time - otherwise it will be hard to determine exactly what is causing the problem.

When you say that your MIDI devices cut out, are they actually disappearing? In other words, if you open the MIDI Ports option in Gig Performer after they have cut out, are the ports still there or have they disappeared?

11

Makes sense and will do, guess I’m just impatient for the issue to be resolved! I’ll start with replacing cables.

The MIDI ports remain, but no longer receive or send messages. If I play my keyboard, for example, GP does not receive any input (nor from any of the other devices connected to that hub). It also seems to be unable to send MIDI DIN messages through the interface’s DIN ports after the cutting out happens.

12

In general, Windows does not allow sharing MIDI ports between applications, so make sure that you disable the MIDI ports that you want to use in Gig Performer within any other MIDI enabled applications a vis versa.

Steve