Applying Our 4 Troubleshooting Tips to a Real-World Example

In the previous article, Four Essential Tips for On-Stage Troubleshooting, we talked about four troubleshooting steps you can apply no matter what gear you're using to solve your problem as quickly as possible. In this article, we’re focusing on how to apply that process to a real-world setup that I typically use that involves a PlayAUDIO1U and mioXM.

This setup includes a MIDI controller on stage connected to a mioXM, which is connected via Ethernet to a network switch. The switch is then linked to a PlayAUDIO1U (which is offstage), connected to our playback rig. The goal of this setup is to remotely control the playback rig and transport functions from our MIDI controller.

Imagine with this setup, pressing play on your MIDI controller, and discovering it’s not working. It would easy to start to panic, but let’s solve this together!

Here’s how you can apply the four troubleshooting steps to quickly resolve the issue.

Step 1: Breathe

First, take a deep breath and slow things down. Taking 10 seconds now can save you 10 minutes later. Pros know how to stay calm and in the moment, even under pressure, to solve problems effectively. This is particularly important on stage, where anxiety can cloud your judgment, leading to what I call "stage brain."

Step 2: Check the Basics

The most common troubleshooting mistake is overlooking the basics. Before anything else, check that all your cables (USB-C, Ethernet, power) are connected and working properly. It would be worth the time to unplug and re-connect all your cables just to be sure they’re connected well. (Notice in this example, I skipped one cable…foreshadowing much???)

Even seasoned pros can sometimes forget to check something as simple as an Ethernet cable. In fact, I’ve found 99% of the time, “it’s always the cable.”

Step 3: Clearly Define the Problem

When things don’t work, it’s important to define the problem clearly. Instead of saying “the playback rig isn’t working,” specify the issue. For example, “My MIDI controller isn’t controlling the playback rig, and Ableton isn’t receiving MIDI.” This specific definition helps you isolate the issue more quickly.

Step 4: Visualize Your Signal Flow

Mapping out your signal flow helps identify where the issue might be. Walk through every piece of gear and check if the signal is moving as expected. With iConnectivity gear, the built-in MIDI monitors on the screen of the mioXM and PlayAUDIO1U allow you to visually track where the signal stops.

Let’s start troubleshooting by figuring out where the problem lies between the MIDI controller, mioXM, network switch, PlayAUDIO1U, and the computer. Begin by pressing play on your MIDI controller. If the USB MIDI light on the mioXM lights up, the connection between the controller and the mioXM is good. Then, check the PlayAUDIO1U to see if the signal continues. If not, the problem is between the mioXM and PlayAUDIO1U.

In this scenario, it turned out to be an Ethernet cable problem between the mioXM and the PlayAUDIO1U. Even though everything seemed connected, always recheck your connections—it’s always the cable! Again, if I had taken the time to quick my cables in step 2, this problem would have been solved!

You’ll also notice in the video, when I pressed a button on the MIDI controller the front panel of the mioXM didn’t light up on the RTP side, showing there was an issue with that connection. If I had paid attention to that, I would of also caught this problem, much faster!

Additional Tips

  1. Use the Built-in Monitors: The mioXM and PlayAUDIO1U both have MIDI monitors that help you pinpoint problems. Pay close attention to those when testing to figure out where the problem is occurring.

  2. Visualize Your Signal Flow: Preparing a signal flow document before your performance can save time and help you troubleshoot effectively. When you have a problem, work through the flow!

  3. Use MIDI Monitor Software: Tools like MIDI Monitor (available for free HERE) allow you to see every piece of MIDI information flowing to your computer.

  4. Breathe: Take 10 seconds to breathe and reset when troubleshooting under pressure.

  5. The Rubber Ducky Method: Explain your troubleshooting process to an inanimate object (or a friend) to help uncover overlooked issues.

By following these steps, specifically with your iConnectivity gear, you can stay calm under pressure, and methodically troubleshoot your on-stage issues!

Dive deeper into our previous articles on troubleshooting and iConnectivity gear by visiting our blog HERE.

Have any questions we didn’t cover in this article? Check out our help center for more assistance!

Will Doggett