I want some keys.

[boomtap]

I want to get a set of keys, and I was looking at a triton, when somebody told me I could get some sort midi keyboard and use a computer for the sounds. Does this actually work, and will it work well. I mostly want to add some strings and effects on some recordings.

[bigwillz24]

Originally Posted by boomtap

I want to get a set of keys, and I was looking at a triton, when somebody told me I could get some sort midi keyboard and use a computer for the sounds. Does this actually work, and will it work well. I mostly want to add some strings and effects on some recordings.

Yes it works and it works well

I had that type of setup before I bought a Triton and I'm about to buy another Midi Controller and go back to that setup partially.

[Reggaesoldier]

What does the midi controller actually control? I mean what is generating the sounds.

I've been interested in this for a while now and havn't been able to fully understand it.
What can I do with a midi controller? And how can I do it?

What is the greatness of midi that I am missing?

Sorry to hijack this thread.

[Reggaesoldier]

Oh, and what kind of monitoring setup would I need?

[bigwillz24]

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

What does the midi controller actually control?

Note on, Note off, Velocity, MTC (MIDI Time Code) and a few more. (I'm no expert so I can't name em all off the top of my head)

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

I mean what is generating the sounds.

The computer (plugins, VST's, Programs like Reason etc...) or sound module are generating the sounds.

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

I've been interested in this for a while now and havn't been able to fully understand it.

I don't fully understand it either I take that class next semester

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

What can I do with a midi controller?

Control certain audio program functions, play Virtual Instruments through use of patches.

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

And how can I do it?

Get a Midi Controller, a Midi Program, Somes cables and hook it up I assume your soundcard already has MIDI on it.

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

What is the greatness of midi that I am missing?

Not having to play anything perfectly, you can fix it. Not having to know how to play at all in some cases.

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

Sorry to hijack this thread.

It ain't mine

[bigwillz24]

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

Oh, and what kind of monitoring setup would I need?

The same setup you are using now.

[fraserhutch]

One of the greatest advantages I find in the use of midi is that I an play a track using one patch, and then auditon many other patches for the same track. So maybe I'm finding that this particular piano isn't cutting it in the mix - that's OK cause I can go just select another piano patch and I'm good to go. I've recorded the PERFORMANCE, not the actual sound.

Also, I can transpose the entire work, and/or change its tempo. That sort of stuff.

[Reggaesoldier]

Thanks WILLZ!

And hutch, I gotcha.

I am just curious what software you 2 might be using?

[bigwillz24]

I use Cubase SX

and Reason <--- which I'm still reading the manual on

[boomtap]

Does Cubase have all the samples, or is that something you need to get seperate?

[bigwillz24]

Originally Posted by boomtap

Does Cubase have all the samples, or is that something you need to get seperate?

Cubase does not have samples it is multitracker/sequence program. You can load samples into it though.

[boomtap]

Ok, then what is a good midi controller? I am a complete key dork, I don't know what to look for at all.

[bigwillz24]

Fatar <---Thinking of getting on of these just for the weighted(piano type) feel of the keys

or

M-audio <----had one of these worked like a charm & will more than likely buy another board from them since they offer many differant sizes now.

Basically look for something with enough keys for you and other knobs just in case you want to control other parameters from the board (a little more advanced)

Since you are just starting I'd suggest something like this:

http://www.digitraxx.com/ma_o2.html

[boomtap]

Thanks for the advice. I am excited to give it a try.

[fraserhutch]

Fatar is now StudioLogic.
http://www.studiologic.net/
I use a StudioLogic SL 990 Pro. I highly recommend Fatars.

[boomtap]

I like the idea of the weighted keys.

[Atterion]

Originally Posted by fraserhutch

Fatar is now StudioLogic.
http://www.studiologic.net/
I use a StudioLogic SL 990 Pro. I highly recommend Fatars.

And the Triton uses Fatar keys (as do many Korgs). But that's besides the point. The M-Audios are cheap money, and offer a lot of power (especially for someone just starting out). Check out the Radium 61.

One thing though Boomtap, you'll need a soundcard with low-latency drivers to be able to play in realtime (If you don't already have one). They can be had for cheap these days. Emu just released a new one under a hundred bucks with onboard FX. You'll also need a host program such as the above mentioned, but there are many cheaper programs available too (Some free even). And a ton of free soft-synths. Check out http://www.kvraudio.com/

[boomtap]

That was my next question I will check out the site. I mostly am after some string (cello) sounds for a project that I am working on.

[Reggaesoldier]

I still a little confused guys, but thanks for spending the time to explain it!

I can use the midi controller to do what?... control functions in synth programs and trackin software? I understand it working like a keyboard in a synth program but what is the benefit in a tracking program? ... make sense?

And does it do both at the same time or what?

[Reggaesoldier]

Originally Posted by Atterion

you'll need a soundcard with low-latency drivers to be able to play in realtime (If you don't already have one).

I use a stand alone recorder right now, and have no experience with soundcards. I was curious what you might recommend? Any price range is fine, I'm just trying to get an idea.

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

I still a little confused guys, but thanks for spending the time to explain it!

I can use the midi controller to do what?... control functions in synth programs and trackin software? I understand it working like a keyboard in a synth program but what is the benefit in a tracking program? ... make sense?

And does it do both at the same time or what?

Maybe at this point we ought to move thsi to the midi section...... but here goes:

The midi controller sends out note information to a sound source or storage medium. That sound source can be a synth module, a soft synth, whatever. The storage medium is typically a your computer's sequencer, The controller supplies this data in ther form of mido events such as note on (velocity and pitch), note off, and other controller information. It does not generate any sound in and of itself.

The sound source (module, soft synth, etc) uses this information to trigger or manipulate its sounds. On the other hand, the sequencer stores that information in the track, and plays back the midi events to a sound source in order to trigger the sounds.

So in the tracking program (the sequencer), you are storing the data for later playback. Since the information you have stored descrives the pitch, duration, and velocity rather than the soudn itself, you can freely change the synth patch, transpose it, change the tempo, etc.

And yes, you can record to the sequencer at the same time you trigger a synth. In fact, you can send the same data to as many devices as your midi chain allows. Typically, though, we use the computer's sequencer to 'pass through' the data to a particular synth for monitoring purposes.


This was a tad simpliistic but I believe it outlines the basic idea.

Let me know if I just confused things.......

[fraserhutch]

Originally Posted by Reggaesoldier

I use a stand alone recorder right now, and have no experience with soundcards. I was curious what you might recommend? Any price range is fine, I'm just trying to get an idea.

That's another question altogether. Do a search on "The Rack" and the "Other Equipment and Reviews" forums. Also the This topic has been covered in equisite detail. Also check out the "Computer Recording and Soundcards forum.