Can Reaper MIDI track control an external software synth?

GregBr · 04-11-2018, 07:36 AM

I'm using VCV Rack as a software modular synth. I'd like to have a MIDI track send information to VCV Rack. VCV Rack has MIDI to CV converters but it needs to see the MIDI source as a device. For example, when I plug in my MIDI keyboard VCV Rack sees it as a MIDI device and can listen to it's MIDI stream.

Is there a way to play a MIDI track in Reaper and have it's output be seen as a MIDI device by VCV Rack (or any other external software)?

Thank you.

jrk · 04-14-2018, 05:57 AM

Yes, but I think you might have to install a virtual midi driver
I've had it working with this one - although there are more highly spec-ed alternatives

http://www.nerds.de/en/loopbe1.html

GregBr · 04-16-2018, 05:43 PM

Thank you. I will try it and let you know how it works

GregBr · 05-07-2018, 08:50 PM

I finally got around to downloading it. VCV Rack immediately recognizes LoopBe as a MIDI source. But how do I route a track of MIDI data from Reaper to LoopBe ?

domzy · 05-07-2018, 11:26 PM

click on the routing box (IO) on the reaper track and select your loopbe MIDI port from the dropdown list at "MIDI hardware output"

GregBr · 05-09-2018, 05:58 AM

I checked last night and while VCV Rack does see LoopBe as a valid MIDI input, Reaper doesn't show LoopBe in the MIDI Hardware Output drop down box. Could there be a preference setting or something I need to do to let Reaper know that this is LoopBe lives?

Got It!

I found the answer in this thread https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=117555
Indeed, I had to enable LoopBe as a MIDI device.

dave_t · 05-09-2018, 07:02 AM

There is a series of Youtube videos by Omri Cohen on using VCV Rack with reaper - sending MIDI or audio from Reaper to VCV Rack, and sending audio from VCV rack to Reaper. Link to one of them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bORDICM2cM

GregBr · 05-09-2018, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_t

There is a series of Youtube videos by Omri Cohen on using VCV Rack with reaper - sending MIDI or audio from Reaper to VCV Rack, and sending audio from VCV rack to Reaper. Link to one of them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bORDICM2cM

Oh I'm familiar with Omri :-)

I actually produce the "Modular Curiosity" series and I've worked with Omri on several issues.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZ...F9ELOIwUNu6RVg

I've seen Omri's video on VCV Rack to Reaper, I've missed the one on going the other direction. Thanks for the heads up.

Edit: Ah yes. I have watched that video on mapping MIDI CC in Reaper to VCV Rack. I'm trying to map actual MIDI notes to VCV Rack and it looks like LoopBe is the way to do that.
It's interesting how the VCV Rack community and the Reaper community are starting to merge a bit. Omri and I both really like using Reaper and are using it in our Youtube videos. I mean, at $60 for an amazing DAW you can't go wrong.