Loopsynth v2 - MIDI - Windows 10 - USB Midi controller

[SuNo-san]

[Edit: reading more doc... I see that Loopsynth does not support Midi via USB. So I have an answer... for the feasability of my question 0. I leave this post for people who could have similar questions]
[Edit 2: moved the edit above from the bottom of the msg to the top.]

As confused as usual with connectivity issues... Can someone help me by telling me what is possible and what is not ?

Gecho Loopsynth V2 1.0.118
Windows 10
Midi controller with only a USB midi plug (not 5 pin midi out) ; namely Arturia Minilab MKII

0- I don't own a standalone midi host. So... I tried to plug the Loopsynth via USB to my W10 PC, and use Ableton live to route the Arturia Midi via USB to the Loopsynth USB plug.

1 - W10 does not seem to 'recognize' the Loopsynth (no sign under devices that it is plugged in) -  I read somewhere that a driver would be needed? If yes, where, which?
2 - Ableton does not see the Loopsynth (sounds fair if W10 does not).

So... is #0 above even possible ? And how would I make it work.

G.

[mario]

Hi, thank you for your question and detailed info about what you tried.

Unfortunately this does not work because the USB is there only for power and firmware updating, no other functionality is implemented.
The driver chip is not capable of emulating MIDI over USB (or any other advanced modes like for example mass storage), it is merely a "virtual serial port" (similar to for example Arduino development boards and many other). Normally there is no reason to connect Gecho to any USB port other than for powering.

Unless your controller also has the classic, opto-isolated MIDI (DIN5 or 3.5mm TRS Jack) output, you'll need a USB host. The host is meant for connecting a MIDI controller, it translates data from a USB MIDI device into the 2-wire MIDI signal.

By "USB host" I mean something like this: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001202281136.html
NOT this, as this cable has the opposite purpose: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002736754622.html

These are just examples, I haven't tested any particular one - soldered mine from these modules:
https://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/usb-host-board-v24
https://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/midi-breakout

W10 does not seem to 'recognize' the Loopsynth (no sign under devices that it is plugged in) -  I read somewhere that a driver would be needed? If yes, where, which?

There are drivers but they are only needed for firmware updating / development. In theory a driver could be written that acts as a "virtual USB host" and creates virtual MIDI instrument in Windows, to integrate with various software or even to make the PC a host for external hardware controller, but writing such driver is beyond my knowledge.

[mario]

Forgot to say that the "MIDI to USB IN-OUT Interface Cable" mentioned above can be actually used with Loopsynth, in order to connect it to PC and then control it from a DAW. Not all of these cables can send all MIDI messages very well, I think many struggle with SysEx, but should be OK with basic control - sending notes and CC messages to control parameters.

[SuNo-san]

Forgot to say that the "MIDI to USB IN-OUT Interface Cable" mentioned above can be actually used with Loopsynth, in order to connect it to PC and then control it from a DAW. Not all of these cables can send all MIDI messages very well, I think many struggle with SysEx, but should be OK with basic control - sending notes and CC messages to control parameters.

Indeed, I have two of them - one works very well (for communication from Ableton to Loopsynth], not the other (at all).

Thanks again, Mario.

G.