Just some simple stuff please...

[eviljoker7075]

Hey, I'm really new to this recording lark. I've done loads of stuff with just my guitar, and I'm quite proud of the varied effects I've managed to achieve. But now I'd like to move on and get some synthesized drums and keyboard in my songs.

Can anyone tell me a decent (free) program I can download that lets me add keyboard, or at least recorsd it. I don't have an actual physical keyboard at this time but I will be getting one soon, so I will be able to plug one into my PC soon.

Please help, I'm getting desperate.

Thanks

[ssscientist]

Do a search here for the latest in freeware sequencers. That's what you're looking for -- a 'freeware sequencer'.

[eviljoker7075]

I thought a sequencer was the program I put all my recorded tracks into to play them back and mix them and stuff, like Magix Music maker, or Kristal Audio Engine?

[ssscientist]

Yes. Other popular choices might include N-Tracks, Tracktion, Sonar, Cubase, Logic and DP. Did you visit the site and do the search I suggested?

[eviljoker7075]

So how do I use them to actually add a keyboard or synth part - I have a sequencer already you see, I just dont have the intruments...

Yeah I went on that site, but it only gave me rubbish results that looked like sponsored links, you know the kind of thing I mean?

[ssscientist]

Ah. From your phrasing in your first post I was laboring under a misapprehension. It is free soft synths and drum synthesizers you seek.

You need to go back to KVR and look on the left side of the main screen. There you will find a column and the second one down should have 'instruments' at the top -- that's where you start your search.

But all of this will be for naught if you have nothing to input midi data into your computer with. Buy a keyboard. They sell midi capable keyboards at Walgreens and Target. That will be the first step, and searching KVR will be the second. Synth One, Free Alpha, Triangle II, Lollapalooza, Claw and many other free soft synths are just waiting to be downloaded there.

[eviljoker7075]

Right, okedoke. Sorry for not being clear enough.

Can I just buy any keyboard that has a midi output socket?

Also, I have raised thius in another topic i believe, but will I need a special sound card to plug it into?

[fraserhutch]

At the very least, you will need either:
a keyboard with MIDI out port and a sound card that has a midi in port.
**OR**
a keyboard that has USB out and a USB port on your computer.