KN-1400 MIDI Interface to Windows 10

Topic

Hi,

I own a KN-1400 and am trying to use it as a MIDI-Keyboard in StudioOne.
I found the original manual and driver on the legacy servers, thanks for that.
I am working on a Laptop with Windows 10 x64 architecture.

To connect the keyboard to my laptop I use this interface https://www.galaxus.ch/en/s1/product/tie-studio-studio-midi-1i1o-usb-audio-interfaces-5680226 (not sure if links allowed). The switch on the back of the keyboard is set to “MIDI”. Windows installed some generic driver for the interface and the keyboard is recognized. But, when I play notes they always get stuck (endless sound) and random other notes are playing. So I think I need another driver. The one I found here on the legacy servers does not work with my OS. Did anyone manage to use the KN-1400 with a modern windows laptop and could give me any tips on how to proceed?

Thanks a lot,

Simon

Replies

Hi Simon,

Unfortunately, I don’t have much good news for you from my experience.

I built my first midi interface decades ago. I had K700 at the time and built the interface from instructions in an electronics magazine. It wasn’t too bad but suffered from stuck notes now and then (using it with a Commodore Amiga 1200). I thought I probably hadn’t built it perfectly.

Over the years I’ve had no issues connecting Technics instruments to other instruments using midi cables. However, when connecting to computer, I’ve tried many different USB interfaces and I’ve had problems. All of them have suffered from stuck notes except for the Roland UM One interface. Other members said they have had success with a Yamaha interface.

Whether this problem is specific to Technics I can’t say because I haven’t connected other brands to a computer, other than using the Roland interface. I’ve written about this many times in the legacy forums answering similar questions and other members have had success when changing to the Roland when other interfaces weren’t working for them.

I have a few Roland UM One interfaces now and they all work perfectly. I think two of them are Roland UM One version II. Most recently I bought one last week. I considered trying a different brand mainly to give information to members about other brands but I have the need for another interface and I couldn’t bring myself to risk a different one.

They are quite expensive interfaces and I avoided spending that sort of money for years. I bought several other cheaper interfaces and none of them worked. Trying the UM One was my last resort because I was sure there must be something going wrong on my computers. I was pretty shocked when it actually worked and I’ve never had issues with these Roland interfaces on any instrument.

The Tie Studio interface looks fine and maybe the manufacturer can give you some advice but I suspect there’s something specific about Technics instruments that Roland are addressing in their interface. Perhaps contact the manufacturer and see if they have a driver, I can’t see one on their site.

Sadly, simply from my bad experiences, I fear that you aren’t likely to find out if there’s an issue with your keyboard without buying the Roland interface.

Possibly before that you could try very carefully cleaning every connection in the midi ports on the interface and the keyboard.

One final thing to note. All USB interfaces take their power via the USB connection. All computer USBs give some power but some are intended to power devices (such as charging phones etc). Powered USB sockets have a symbol to indicate that they provide power so make sure you’re plugged into one of those types.

Best wishes,
Mike

If architecture is frozen music then music must be liquid architecture. Quincy Jones

1 user thanked author for this post.

moentu

Hi Mike

Thank you so much for taking the time.
I am lucky and the shop allows me to switch the interface I bought. As you suggested, I will try my luck with the Roland UM One version II. It should arrive next week and I will let you know if it works.

Thanks again!

Simon

Hi Simon,

It’s really pleasing that the shop was accommodating with you. Well worth leaving the link to them if they are that helpful. Has the new one arrived yet?

I want to link up my keyboards and do some recording too but I’m flat out with work at the moment unfortunately. Roll on the holidays!

Cheers,
Mike

If architecture is frozen music then music must be liquid architecture. Quincy Jones

Hi Mike

I received the new MIDI-interface (Roland UM-One MK2) this week and just gave it a first try. I works directly out of the box! Simply plugged the USB into my laptop and MIDI OUT plug into MIDI OUT socket on keyboard. Then gave it a good old 3 minutes wait, it installs the drivers automatically (did a restart as well, but probably not necessary) and everything works great on my Windows 10 laptop. I have almost 0 ms latency and the touch sensitivity works as well. I am more than happy and just saved a few hundred bucks for a new keyboard.

The store I linked above is the largest online-store in Switzerland, they have a 30 day return policy if you didn’t like the product. In Switzerland that’s pretty common, but still, I like the store and their support.

Thanks and happy holidays!

Cheers,

Simon

Hi Simon,

That is great to hear! I get very low latency too. Mine also worked straight out of the box as well as when I updated the drivers (Windows XP through to Windows 10 as well as on my son’s Apple Macs).

It is quite remarkable that I haven’t been able to find another interface that is reliable. Over the years I’ve unfortunately had to tell people I can’t help with any other interface… and I don’t like telling people they have to go out and buy something else in case it doesn’t work but that’s the evidence I see over and over. Whether it’s a Technics-related matter I can’t tell. People have managed to get other interfaces working but I never have.

Glad you’re up and running!
Mike

If architecture is frozen music then music must be liquid architecture. Quincy Jones

I realise I am writing this way after the last post, but I have a Technics PR700 and use the iRigMIDI2.

I initially bought it to connect with garageband on my ipad, because it comes with a lightning connector, but they also provide a USB connector as well, and it has been very reliable, and so I now use it with the equally excellent (and now completely free) Cakewalk DAW.  The kit costs around £70 which I though was a bit steep at first, but I borrowed one from a mate to try it out first and was very impressed and I think it’s worth the money.