Total Noob MIDI Question

[ifitwasaday]

Alright, I'm a total spaz when it comes to digital recording. I'm using Cubase and I want to add strings to flush out some acoustic only tracks.

Now my question is how would I go about doing that?

Can I do it through Cubase proper?
Do I need a MIDI keyboard?
If yes to the second question, are USB based MIDI instruments up to snuff (I have a PreSonus Inspire - no MIDI inputs)?
Also, what's the deal with these programs that allow you to use your computer keyboard as MIDI controller?

Any and all suggestions and comments are appreciated,

Leo

[TragikRemix]

USB midi stuff is fine. transmits the same data.
you need some software that is going to have midi sounds on it- i'm not sure about cubase, i dont use it. something like sampletank, reason etc should work well.

you do not need a midi keyboard, although i'd recommend it.

[ssscientist]

Originally Posted by ifitwasaday

Can I do it through Cubase proper?

Yes. You are lucky to have picked Cubase as your software because the manufacturer - Steinberg - also gave us a protocol called Virtual Studio Technology - or VST for short. Depending on the version of Cubase you have you have either some or many VST plugins built right in to your software.

(I have a PreSonus Inspire - no MIDI inputs)?

A USB keyboard provides a good way around interfaces that lack midi inputs, and as Mr. Remix says USB is just an alternative way to get midi data into your system.

Also, what's the deal with these programs that allow you to use your computer keyboard as MIDI controller?

They're meant only as a stopgap until you can afford to splash out, say, $150 on a real USB midi keyboard. No velocity sensitivity, cramped quarters and no market for typing keyboard players at the local jazz club are among the many drawbacks.

Go here and search for Motion, ProtoPlasm, String Theory, Crazy Diamonds and MellowSound. All are free VSTi's and will drop right in on a Cubase midi track.

Here are links to two good articles on midi basics - part one and part two. To add to what these two articles say, load and run the CD that came with your USB controller and when prompted, plug the keyboard in. Then bring up Cubase and you should be good to go.

Any and all suggestions and comments are appreciated,

I have both a comment and a suggestion - my comment is screwing around with the font makes your post unnecessarily hard to read, and my suggestion is that you stick with the standard one for your future posts.


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