hi, i can play external synths via digitone chromatic mode, but when i switch to grid mode, the midi out stops working.
any thoughts ?
Did you ensure that the midi channels are not muted?
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if i am able to play an external synth with the digitone keyboard, wouldn’t that mean the midi tracks are UNmuted ?
and for that matter why would the GRID mode be muted while the chromatic mode is not
I just checked this with my DT, so it could be different, but I can still use the chromatic mode to trigger an external synth while the midi channel is muted. Unmuting the midi channel triggers the external synth according to what I entered in grid mode. As far as I’m aware, mute states only affect pattern play back—it’s not like the sounds on the different tracks themselves are muted.
I hope that helps, and hopefully you get it figured out!
so, how can i tell if the grid mode midi out is UNmuted ?
since chromatic mode is already Unmuted?
and why would a track have 2 different midi mute modes. also, this shouldn’t be this confusing.
can someone please explain this in the easiest way possible?
the midi mute/global mute/pattern mute/track mute - color scheme/func+ etc… otherwise…
I’m not an expert by any means (I’ve only had my DT for 5 months), but here goes nothing.
Chromatic mode isn’t muted or unmuted, its engaged or it isn’t. When using this mode with an external synth, you’re effectively using the DN as a midi controller (like the keystep for example). This can be done regardless of whether the DN is in playback mode or if the midi channel is muted. At least on the DT, mute mode is activated by pressing FUNC + BANK. This allows you to see which tracks (internal or midi) are being muted for playback. I think it works the same way for the DN. Here’s a link to a video which helpfully explains the difference between the 2 mute modes:
[https://youtu.be/TLufLWvUGvA]
I hope this helps. I’ve been in the same place before, getting frustrated that I cant hear anything. Best of luck getting everything sorted out.
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this is extremely enlightening by the way concerning Chromatic mode. seems simple enough. but understated as well.
sorry to say, but that DTakt video doesn’t explain anything to me as far as the DTone is concerned. and its quite hard to understand
Muting a track mutes the sequencer basically. It is still possible to play chromatically when the track is muted as only what’s programmed into the sequencer gets muted. It’s not really that confusing once you know this and Could be a hindrance for performance if muting killed the chromatic keyboard.
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how does this effect grid mode ? as i stated in my op:
i can play my EXTERNAL synth in chromatic mode. but tabbing over to Grid mode, “sending” midi data ceases to happen
Grid mode is the sequencer. If the track is muted steps you input into the sequencer in grid mode will not play. Chromatic mode will still produce sound though.
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Just did a factory reset. seems to be sending midi via the Grid sequencer now. 
must have a been a wonky user error setting in my project(s). not sure exactly what it was.
still, the mute mode leds are quite strange to interface with. thanks for the answers and chiming in folks. any and all knowledge about how this interface works is always a plus
cheers
oh, ps:
i’m sending the midi out to a eurorack module called Mutant Brain and sequencing my modular drums with the DN grid. its pretty sweet: