Another silly noob question

[TelePaul]

Hi guys - don't hate me - but i took your advice and bought SE3...and it may very well work fine, but i have no idea how to set up my audio....basically im using an m-audio midi controller...but i cant hear any playback...can someone very slowly talk me through setting up midi input and output? Im running the m-audio through the computers USB...I'm not even sure how to set up audio input and output...us 122 is my sound card. can someone explain what microsoft GS wave synth is? I know im asking stupid questions but you guys were very helpful last time.

 

[scrubs]

Well, the US-122 does midi, so you really shouldn't need the m-audio midi thing.

Here I wrote out the steps for configuring the US-122 for audio. For midi, it's the same basic stuff about making sure you have the correct drivers (ASIO) and that the US-122 is set up as the midi device (all available through device setup). In addition, you need to route midi files through something. That is, when you record midi "notes," you need to tell Cubase what instrument/synth is going to play those notes.

For each midi track, you should be able to select inputs and outputs via a dropdown menu. If you have the midi output through the US-122, I think it just uses general midi sounds, which are pretty cheesy (MS Wavetable are your computer's built in midi sounds, and are equally cheesy). Alternately, you can route them through VSTi's (virtual instruments). Those must be loaded into the project through the devices menu --> VST instruments (there are lots of VSTi's available for free on the net, so do a google search for "free vsti piano" etc. to find them --> then install them in the VST folder for cubase SE3).

 

[TelePaul]

shud clarify...

sorry, I should have said, the m-audio is a midi controller - a keyboard. So I think SE comes with a vst bass and theres a few drum pads. So i can get VSTs just like Plug Ins?

 

[travelin travis]

sorry, I should have said, the m-audio is a midi controller - a keyboard. So I think SE comes with a vst bass and theres a few drum pads. So i can get VSTs just like Plug Ins?

yep, instruments, effects, utilities, etc. lot's of freebies out there to get you started. the bass and drum plugins that come with cubase are about on par with casio keyboard sounds. basically they're good for figuring out how to get your midi inputs/outputs working.

 

[scrubs]

sorry, I should have said, the m-audio is a midi controller - a keyboard. So I think SE comes with a vst bass and theres a few drum pads. So i can get VSTs just like Plug Ins?

Oops, I should have known that. So, anyway, you can hook the M-audio up to the midi in/out on the US-122. Then, like I said, you can download VSTi's to use - which you load through devices-->VST Instruments, and then output the midi channels to those specific VSTi's. Here is a big list of freebies. Also check at www.kvraudio.com Some of my personal favorites are:

Cosmo Girl II
Crazy Diamonds
Mr. Ray
Organized Trio
Sun Ra
and many more...

 

[TelePaul]

Thanks! But...

You guys rock, cheers for the links. Umm my m-audio controlelr is powered via USB...should i connect the Midid in as well? My real problem is my inability to figure out exactly what to put for midi in and what to put for midi out when i set up midi ins and outs; for example, Do i selest US 122 In? Or m-audio Oxygen? Do i select US 122 for out? or MS wavetable synth or m-audio Oxygen?

 

[travelin travis]

You guys rock, cheers for the links. Umm my m-audio controlelr is powered via USB...should i connect the Midid in as well? My real problem is my inability to figure out exactly what to put for midi in and what to put for midi out when i set up midi ins and outs; for example, Do i selest US 122 In? Or m-audio Oxygen? Do i select US 122 for out? or MS wavetable synth or m-audio Oxygen?

...manuals...

 

[TelePaul]

no no no

manuals? yeah man they don't help. at all. The Cubase manual goes thru 4 different set ups; none of which i have.

 

[travelin travis]

no one held my hand and i made it thru ok with the manuals for my gear.