MIDI data detected on PC but not working on a hardware synth. #121
Description
I'm making a dedicated MIDI controller for Roland GoKeys 5. It receives MIDI data on channel 4. I verified it via another USB MIDI controller - I plug it in and when it's programmed to channel 4, I get filter cutoff, pitch bend, notes, etc. to sound. My MIDI controller is done with Arduino Pro Micro and the MIDIUSB library, and when plugged into my Windows PC over USB, the ShowMIDI app is recognizing MIDI sent on channel 4. I can also control software synth that way just fine. However, when I plug it into the Roland - nothing happens. It powers up, the OLED display shows the controller changes as it should, but there is no sound changes on those controllers.
What could be the problem? Is there any difference between a hardware off-the-shelf MIDI controller and the one implemented with MIDIUSB? Is there a reason it can be not recognized by a hardware synth and recognized by a PC? Should I use another board instead, like ESP32? It's an unexpected problem. I designed and 3D-printed the enclosure that bolts onto the synth directly, done all the coding etc. I verified that the synth can power a controller over USB and receive data, and that Pro Micro is recognized to send MIDI properly on PC. But I had no idea it won't be recognized by the synth. Why wouldn't it be?