MIDI help

[Jesse5284]

Hi everyone,
I'm totally new to recording, and I have a question about getting a MIDI set-up. I have a pretty cheap rig I'm using for my laptop. I have Sony Acid recording software, an M-audio mobilepre USB interface, and a MXL 990 condensor mic. I'm just trying to record a couple demo songs for myself...and the problem is that I want to use the soft synths in my software and I don't know what I need to do that. I know I will need a MIDI keyboard controller, but I'm confused because my M-audio mobilepre doesn't have a MIDI input. It does have two XLR inputs and two regular inputs, but will that allow me to connect a MIDI controller through it? Any help would be apprciated...thanks.

[misscc803]

You will need a midi interface. Something like this http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...are?sku=701226

[Jesse5284]

Well that seems simple enough. Thanks.

While I'm on the topic, does anyone have any recommendations as to what MIDI controller I should buy? I want at least 49 keys and it has to be less than $200.

[50cal]

think about getting a used keyboard,any will do as long as it wasnt built in the 70s its probably got midi...this way you get more then a small 49keys..

[Jesse5284]

I've actually got this old yamaha keyboard/synth...but it's pretty old, probably mid 80's. It does have a MIDI input...would this work? Like I said all I need is a controller for the soft synth, so the yamaha would be fine with me as long is it doesn't kill the sounds quality or anything.

[Jesse5284]

I found some info on the Yamaha I have. It's a ds-55. Here is a link with the specs: http://web.quick.cz/a.tom.x/ds55.htm
I'll get a new one if the Yamaha is junk...but if it does the job then I'll just use it! Thanks again.

[altitude909]

Actually, thats a DX with effects so its a pretty cool (Imho of course) piece of kit. Great dance synth and will work fine for both sounds and a midi controller

[misscc803]

Yeah that should work as an controller. Also u will be able to use the pitch bend and modulation wheels also. So thats a good thing.