What do I Need With EZ Drummer

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SteveM

SteveM

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I'm going to be picking up a version of EZ drummer. I've never used a computer for midi. Eventually I'm going to get some pads with a module that will have a midi out to go to a midi interface to go the computer.

But what kind of interface should I get? If I use my laptop it's only got one usb port. I need to go in usb and back out of the computer to mix.
 
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SteveM said:
I'm going to be picking up a version of EZ drummer. I've never used a computer for midi. Eventually I'm going to get some pads with a module that will have a midi out to go to a midi interface to go the computer.

But what kind of interface should I get? If I use my laptop it's only got one usb port. I need to go in usb and back out of the computer to mix.
Click to expand...

Does your laptop have a spare PCMCIA slot (or PC-card or whatever it's called today)? If so, you could get a PCMCIA -> USB card to provide some extra slots. Unless the laptop has a joystick port, you're going to be a bit stuck if you can't use USB.

If you look on ebay, and if your machine has a parallel port, you might be able to pick up a Parallel->MIDI box (I think MidiMan/M-audio used to make these).

If it's got just one single USB port and no other form of expansion, you'll either have to use a USB hub (and hope that there's enough bandwidth left for the audio), or get a laptop that was designed to be actually useful :(
 
Thanks JP! I will look into what you mentioned. That's definitely some stuff I've never dealt with so it might take a little while to find out. And then I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.

How many more usb slots would you generally need for something like this?
 
...or replace your existing interface with one that does both audio AND midi.
 
mikemorgan said:
...or replace your existing interface with one that does both audio AND midi.
Click to expand...

Thanks for replying Mike. I don't have any interface at all right now. That's what I'm trying to find out. So there is something that does both? That I can go into the computer with midi and back out line level?

Sorry if I made it confusing. I'm a noob to this.
 
jpmorris said:
Point. Do you (Steve) know if the laptop's USB port is USB 2.0 or USB 1.1?
What kind of laptop is it?
Click to expand...

I'll see if I can figure it out. It's a Dell Latitude C500/600.
Is it possible that it's a 1.0?
 
Thanks for the tip Ralpheo.

Sorry if originally I made this sound waaaay more confusing than it is. Looks like I just need something like the Tascam US 144.

I had no clue. :o

I guess I need to find out if my USB port is 2.0 to use the Tascam.
 
Thanks JP! That must go where I usually plug in my wireless card. That's even better than using my mouse port.

So I'll probably get one of those and the Tascam US144. This stuff could come in handy for some other things as well.
 
If you are going to go with pcmcia, look on ebay for an E-mu 1616. I've been using mine for 3 years with Sonar (LE first and now HS7), and I love it. I've got mine going into my desktop via a pcmcia card adapter. The PatchMix DSP is a nice chunk of software.
 
jpmorris said:
For the C500, yes, it predates USB 2. It does support PCMCIA/Cardbus, though - I suggest you look for a PCMCIA/Cardbus USB card.

Something like this:
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/home/product/11522/2-Port-PCMCIA-USB-2-Adapter-CB-001?source=googleps
Click to expand...

Hey JP. The prices vary so much. What is the difference between something like this http://www.staples.com/Belkin-Hi-Speed-USB-2.0-Notebook-Card/product_492516?cmArea=SEARCH

and something like these, listed on ebay.. http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=+2+Port+PCMCIA+USB+2+&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=CB-001&_osacat=0

....where you can get 4 ports for 5 bucks and they are so cheap?
 
ralpheo said:
If you are going to go with pcmcia, look on ebay for an E-mu 1616. I've been using mine for 3 years with Sonar (LE first and now HS7), and I love it. I've got mine going into my desktop via a pcmcia card adapter. The PatchMix DSP is a nice chunk of software.
Click to expand...

Looks good too!
 
SteveM said:
Hey JP. The prices vary so much. What is the difference between something like this
and something like these, listed on ebay..
....where you can get 4 ports for 5 bucks and they are so cheap?
Click to expand...

Hard to say, especially as I can't seem see the Staples one without a US ZIP code. The more expensive one might be better built - the only way to really know is to pick one and try it...
 
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