soft synth or rack module for sounds and how to

[hubb_99]

i just got a m-audio prokeys 88 stage piano, it only has 14 built in instruments and I would like to have more sounds available. i am wondering if i should look for a rack sound module or get a software synth package. I am thinking the software route would be best and least expensive and would fit my needs, because it will be mainly used for recording in studio. i understand how midi works with a module, but how does the software synth work, how do i assign sounds to keys and banks? do they packages that integrate well to a 88 note keyboard? i guess my technical background needs to know where those sounds come from, i'm not sure i understand the midi thing once it's in the computer.

can i use sounds in fruity loops?
or cakewalk?
this is where i get lost.

[altitude909]

Midi is midi so softsynths will work pretty much the same as a external module. If you run software you will be dealing with with computer and will need for it to be configured correctly (right hardware, right software, etc) so a hardware module may be a good idea regardless (and cheaper when considering hardware, a software sequencer etc).

I would look around for software demos and see if they suit your needs before making a buy

[hubb_99]

i guess my questions are how do the configurations work?

say i have fruity loops which has a bunch of sounds built in, how do i set them up for use with a my keyboard? do i have to individually assign each key a sound? will there be ones pre set? are there banks of sounds?

[DavidK]

Originally Posted by hubb_99

or cakewalk?
this is where i get lost.

In cakewalk, go to insert-DXI synth. Choose the softsynth.

It will pop up a new midi track. Go into track properties there, you will see the options.

[noisewreck]

The general procedure for any environment that handles soft instruments is:

1. Load the desired instrument
2. Route a MIDI track so that it receives MIDI from your controller and outputs to the loaded plugin.
3. Turn on monitoring/record arm/select the MIDI track if necessary.

In general you don't need to assign separate sound to each key when using a synth. Indeed, on most synths this is simply impossible. On a synth you create a patch/program, and play away (or select a preset).

On a sampler you may assign a different sample to each key if you wish (this would be useful for things like drums, multisamples of acoustic instruments, etc), but you don't have to.