logic pro on a macbook not seeing an external input: midi keyboard or mic

[Jimbilly]

I'm not experienced with this digital stuff.  A few years ago I got my daughter an ipad, and using Garage Band she was able to record, and use an Alesis QX49 keyboard controller, and also a phantom powered mic with Presonus Audiobox 2ch preamp.  I got a cheap Insignia powered USB hub to power the mic preamp, and the keyboard has it's own 9v power supply. 

 

 Now, she has a lower end 2020 MacBook Pro, a frustration with that is it only has one USB C (I'm pretty sure it's usb C) port.  She's been using that for her guitar/vocal recordings.  We haven't been able to use the QX49 or the mic with garage band. He choir teacher suggested that she would get a lot more use out of Logic Pro than Garage Band, so we got a 'student bundle' Logic Pro a couple of weeks ago. This evening I was trying to help her get the QX49 or the Presonus, or another usb mic (Insignia brand) to input to the macbook, but nothing seems to be 'seen' by the LogicPro. The mics or keyboard have to go through the powered hub, and they do 'power up'. 

 I'm suspecting that maybe I just have the wrong USB C cable? I'm sure I didn't buy the most expensive one, we used some other cable for the ipad, and it 'found' the keyboard controller immediately. 

[Clifford James]

You may still be able to use the Presonus Audio Box with the MacBook Pro, but you will need to at least get an adaptor from USB-A to USB-C (e.g. https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TCCADPU3/). If this works, this will take care of audio needs and allow for higher quality (XLR) microphones to be used as well as 1/4-inch guitar or bass inputs, and much higher quality recordings; the “analog to digital” (A/D) converters on the laptop are inferior to any audio interface and are not really meant for professional use.

This doesn’t mean you cannot use the USB-microphones, but … well … sounds like she is trying to get a better setup, so a better recording mic may be in order, and if you can get the Presonus Audio Box working you may as well utilize the XLR microphone inputs (there are many decent low-cost recording microphones on the market these days, and many good used bargains — again, just ask for opinions).

If you CANNOT get the Presonus audio interface to work with her laptop, then consider buying a newer one that uses thunderbolt connection (for ease let’s say it is the same as USB-C, though that’s not actually the case). There are many decent inexpensive interfaces on the market; just ask for opinions. 

As for getting the Alexis QX49 working with the laptop, IF YOU CAN get the Presonus Audio Box working with her laptop, then you can use the MIDI inputs on the Presonus (using a standard MID 5-pin DIN cable … more rare these days, but still widely used). 

Otherwise …

… many folks who use a MacBook Pro end up buying some kind of hub or dock because of the lack of ports on these laptops (I actually use two that I bought from OWC - Other World Computing - at https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks). True, these docks are also expensive, but they are needed to use most ancillary equipment. THEN, with a  dock, you can plug in the Alexis keyboard without a hitch via plain old USB. OR, you MAY be able to get by with a USB-A to USB-C adaptor (https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TCCADPU3/). This is an inexpensive alternative to a dock, albeit with less flexibility because it will use up a precious port. 

 

I hope this helps. I know it can sound confusing, so please ask for clarification if you need further assistance. Best of luck! I do think going with Logic Pro is a great way to move forward, and if it takes for her, then a newer and more robust laptop will be on the list for her next birthday (I always buy the best I can get from LAST year or even two years ago, used, to save money, and have always been near the cutting edge as a result — note that get the most robust machine I can afford with the RAM maxed out and a fairly large SSD drive). One great thing about Logic Pro is that the plugins and instruments that are included are very good to excellent, so it is a great platform to sink one’s teeth into. Although there is a learning curve, there are lots of great tutorials (and perhaps I can share some) that exist out there (ask for opinions on where to start).

Again, best of luck. Don’t hesitate to ask … 

[mathman]

Open the audio midi setup application and see if the devices are recognized there.  Open logics Preferences and go to Audio and see if the device is selected in logic.

[Jimbilly]

Thank you! - very helpful!  The Presonus we have is the Audiobox USB96, and the better mic we have is a MXL 990, both worked with the ipad some time ago, so I think those have not broken since then (and I can test the mic on my old PA mixer). 

 The Presonus has just a USB B port, and must be powered by the USB cable it seems, - it has no power supply input.  We do have a USB C to USB A cable, which will not plug directly into the presonus, so maybe we just need a thunderbolt to USB B cable?, I'm not sure if the thunderbolt port on the laptop would power the Presonus & MXL mic? (it looks like it will power other devices, so I suppose it should).   Getting that cable should be well worth a try.

 The powered USB hub we have does power the Presonus and/or the keyboard. But like you mentioned, this may require a thunderbolt/C dock instead of our cheap USB hub.

  As you suggested, a newer interface might be the most cost effective and would also be simple/direct, but the dock looks pretty useful too. 

 I think I'll start by trying a thunderbolt to B cable (I'm learning so much through this!) to plug our Presonus directly into the macbook, before shopping for a newer interface or a dock. 

thank you!! 

[mathman]

You will probably have better luck with something like this.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08927XFS1/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_188?psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFUVjM3NTJCVkhYRUkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0NDYxNjQyUE1BU1lWMDNWWU5GJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNTg1NzhZRURHTEVDQ1lIMkgmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zZF9vbnNpdGVfZGVza3RvcCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

The one I bought is similar but not available right now.

If you want something that works with mac and ipad check out https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigproduoio/

[scottcald]

First off, if her laptop only has one port, it's a MacBook from 2015-17. Everything else has at least 2 ports.  You'll need an adapter that allows you to send power to the laptop which will then power the interface.  Anker makes some good stuff. Something like this should do:  https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07ZVKTP53?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

It has 2 USB A ports, a USB C port HDMI, card reader and then you plug the power into it.  Also check Persons that they don't require a driver.  Typically those small interfaces are USB class compliant meaning they don't have to have a driver to work, but may have software that enables some functions.  

Or, if the battery lasts a good while, you could simply get a USB C to B cable. https://smile.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Printer-USB-C-Black/dp/B00VKSF39O/ref=sr_1_3?crid=AQCBPEMY6JOV&keywords=USB+C+to+USB+B+cable&qid=1645998495&s=electronics&sprefix=usb+c+to+usb+b+cable%2Celectronics%2C86&sr=1-3

 

[hamerhead]

Did you turn it off, then turn it back on?

[cynic]

^^ The Raytheon Reset works MAGIC ^^