Hey,
I recently bought the cables as listed in one of the forums called “What Midi cables work with ribbons” I bought the verified solution one to work.
After purchasing, I’m having trouble connecting it to my DAW (Ableton). I have this cable + This cable
I’m struggling to find a way to connect this to my laptop to control the pedal with automation and the M4L device provided. I just got the pedal a week ago but have been struggling with it since. Any advice is appreciated. I have a MB Pro 2021 and an UAD Apollo Twin. Also, trying to route it through my Prophet Rev 2.
TD:LR: I can’t find a way to connect the midi into my laptop to control within Ableton using the M4L device. I have purchased the necessary cables but unsure how to connect it through.
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Hi @iamsaintlewis !
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble. Let’s help you get this sorted. 
First off, make sure you have the MIDI interface set up correctly in your Ableton MIDI preferences. You should see your iConnectivity mio as one of the options. Set MIDI output up so that Track and Sync are enabled. Track lets you send MIDI CC’s through a MIDI track and Sync enables the sending of MIDI clock through your MIDI interface’s MIDI out connection.
Second, create a MIDI track in Ableton and drop the Max for Live device on the MIDI track. You must place the M4L on a MIDI track, not an audio track. Then make sure you set up the MIDI To section of the MIDI track (see below), so that the track knows to send data out through your iConnectivity mio. Ribbons defaults to Channel 1, so you can leave the channel as-is while getting set up. You can always change Ribbons MIDI channel later.
Now you should plug the MIDI OUT on your iConnectivity mio to the MIDI input on Ribbons using a MIDI to 1/4" TRS adapter (it sounds like you purchased the one I typically use).
If everything is physically connected correctly, you should be able to control Ribbons using the M4L devices using MIDI. If not, let me know and I would be happy to help you troubleshoot some more.
I tested your device using Ableton and the Max for Live device before shipment, so I’m pretty certain this is just a setup related thing.
Just to confirm, you do have this adapter, correct?
And one of these?
You mentioned you bought the cables from “What Midi cables work with ribbons” but neither of the links you shared are from that page.
Hey Jaak, sorry I totally didn’t describe that properly. I own a iConnectivity Mio and I also bought the two photos you just sent (the adapter and the tip sleeves). Testing out your instructions now!
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Another note (which you’re probably already aware of): I just watched a Youtube video where someone was using the iConnectivity Mio and it looks like you connect the black cable labeled “Out” to the input on the device you want to control (Ribbons in this case).
Yup! it worked!! I connected it to the black cable and used the ableton settings you gave and it works! Thank you so much!
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Woooooohooooo! Congrats!
Ok, now some tips and fun things to try:
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When using Ribbons with Ableton, I sometimes run whole tracks or songs through it. To do that I set it up as an external audio effect and use these settings. You might have to tweak these for your interface to avoid clipping though:
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If you enabled Track in the MIDI preferences menu, you can now sync the Repeater touch mode to MIDI clock. If you set it to random subdivisions (Touch Param 1 fully clockwise) + resampling mode (Touch Param 2 fully clockwise) and then run a drum beat or track through Ribbons, you can get some interesting randomized ratcheting effects or slip/slip roll sounds like you would find on DJM mixer.
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The Tape Stop touch mode can be a great way to create transitions (intros, verse to chorus changes, cold cut endings)
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Crushed Cassette touch mode is great for emulating vintage samplers
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Use Ribbons on an FX Send for its nice reverb
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Use the compressor as a master or drum bus compressor - the compressor in Ribbons is based on the Vinyl Sim compressor in the SP-303, which Dilla used a lot on Donuts.
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