Do I need a midi-capable soundcard?

[elkdanger]

Hi

I'm currently using Cakewalk Sonar 5 for my recording, and I'm also using a Echo Gina 3G as my guitar recording interface.

What I plan to do is use VST samplers (such as Kontakt2) to take care of the drums and bass. Would I need a soundcard that does MIDI to do this? I would assume 'no', since the sampler would produce its own sound and not tell the midi card to produce the sound. I would assume Sonar would send the midi information to Kontakt2, which then in turn produce the correct sound.

Would I also be correct in assuming that something like Reason (via Rewire) works in the same way?

 

[Gandalf]

I think you're correct. You may need something like midi-ox to make this work (free, just google it). It's a virtual midi patch bay.

 

[ssscientist]

What I plan to do is use VST samplers (such as Kontakt2) to take care of the drums and bass. Would I need a soundcard that does MIDI to do this? I would assume 'no', since the sampler would produce its own sound and not tell the midi card to produce the sound. I would assume Sonar would send the midi information to Kontakt2, which then in turn produce the correct sound.

You sound like you're not quite sure what midi is or does.

Midi is a command language that makes no sound on its own. Some midi sound cards have simple General Midi synthesizers built into them and that may account for the confusion.

You COULD use VST instruments such as Konatkt2 or programs such as Reason without having a midi interface.

You would need to draw the desired notes into the piano roll editor with your mouse, then send them to either Reason or Kontakt2 to be played. But in my opinion that's the long way around and you'll get much more immediate results from using a simple midi keyboard which will send midi data into your computer over a USB wire.

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--MIMOXYGEN8

The small keyboard linked above will act as both a USB midi interface and a means of accessing the Reason and Kontakt2 sounds that you are planning to use.

Midi is very simple to start with and gets more challenging as you get further into it. Do not be afraid to use midi or to ask questions if any of the above is confusing or unclear.


.

 

[TimOBrien]

Simpler: You only need a midi interface if you are hooking up midi HARDWARE (keyboards, hardware synth boxes, etc.)

Samplers and software midi synths go straight to your audio soundcard.