How can I best use MIDI to complement my setup?

[Black44]

Hey Folks,

I think it's about time I try to get to grips with MIDI to expand my recording options.

I have a Tascam 788 which I''ll probably still use as the main recording/mixing device.

I want to use my Yamaha PSR 295 keyboard to record some a piece of MIDI data, edit it on the computer (quantisize, harmonize, create loops etc) and then download some free (or cheap) virtual instruments that sound a little better than the default sounds on the keyboard and play it back on the computer whilst recording the audio into the 788.

I was also thinking about maybe getting some drum sample software like Drumkits from Hell or something? I've got a Roland V-drums electronic kit (TD8 module) that I could record the MIDI data from (hopefully onto the same software that I'll record from the keyboard on?) and then use some virtual drums software that sound a little more like an acoustic kit than the TD8 does.

Can anybody recommend any software that'll help here? I don't want to spend anything just now until I get to grips with the basics.

I tried using JAZZ but I find it difficult to edit once the MIDI data has been recorded.

Any help much appreciated,

 

[Dr Biscuits]

Hey black44 - I'm not sure how much you already know (although it looks like you've got a pretty good understanding) so forgive me if I'm telling you anything useless to you!
Firstly, you'll need a MIDI interface for the Tascam (your keyboard can go through USB) to keep it in sync, something like this would be a good/cheap start if you don't have one already http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MIDISPORT1x1-main.html
Secondly, it sounds like you already know this but just in case.... remember that MIDI contains no audio at all, it is purely information - that's the biggest concept beginners need to understand. It's all just a system of telling various devices (hardware and software) to do various things, like play notes, change tempo, pitch shift, start recording, etc.
Actually, re-reading your post I'm sure you know all this - but maybe someone else will read it and benefit !
As far as software goes, there's lot's of choices... popular programs include Reason, Sonar, Cubase, Logic etc. Many of them have free demo's available or very stripped down low-cost versions. For a good all-in-one package, I'd reccomend checking out Reason - it has lots and lots of synths, samplers, effects, a loop player, etc and it's got a fairly simple user interface, everything is designed to look like reck gear. There's a free demo here http://www.propellerheads.se/download/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=reason_demos
The demo can't save, but it's definitely enough to know if you wanna go down that route or not.
Well, good luck with it, hope some of this helped!

 

[ssscientist]

Firstly, you'll need a MIDI interface for the Tascam

The Tascam 788 has a midi interface already --- it's built right in.

Can anybody recommend any software that'll help here? I don't want to spend anything just now until I get to grips with the basics.

If you're actually going to splash out on something like BFD you'll need at least a more capable VSTi host than Jazz. I recommend Tracktion as a good starter. It can host BFD and all other soft synths and romplers, and they still have a 10-day or two week demo version that's free for the download so you can see if it suits you before you lay out the $150 for the full version. The midi editing is not great, but the program allows you to hot-key between tools --- select, draw and erase --- so that speeds things up.


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[Dr Biscuits]

The Tascam 788 has a midi interface already --- it's built right in.

Yes, I was referring to getting that MIDI into the computer to use the Tascam as a slave/master with whatever sequencer he wants to run (I don't think the Tascam has USB out).... although I suppose if his keyboard has MIDI in/out he could hook up the Tascam to that and then connect the keyboard via USB...

 

[Black44]

Thanks guys, but I guess hear's where I show my ignorance...

Firstly, you'll need a MIDI interface for the Tascam (your keyboard can go through USB) to keep it in sync

I kinda thought I'd record audio in real time from the computer after the MIDI data has been captured and edited? I was hoping to download some virtual instruments, record the data from the keyboard into the computer, then play the audio from the computer, recording it into the 788. Is this a stupid way to go about things? Will latency be an issue? Will it just sound crap? Or simply sound better through the MIDI interface?

If you're actually going to splash out on something like BFD you'll need at least a more capable VSTi host than Jazz.

Actually, looking at the prices I won't be buying BFD just now. Should really have done that before posting...

I recommend Tracktion as a good starter

I did have a demo of Tracktion once, but I didn't see any virtual instruments in there? What I'm really looking for is more instruments to add depth and colour to the music, and I figure MIDI would help a lot here?

I'll download the demos and have another try with them and maybe post some more specific questions.

Thanks for the pointers, you guys.

 

[Dr Biscuits]

Hey man, no problem - When I mentioned the MIDI interface for the Tascam, what I was suggesting was a way to sync your software sequencer (like Reason, or whatever one you decide to use) to the Tascam so that both will play together locked in sync; that way, say you record a guitar and vocals on your Tascan at 100 bpm... if the Tascam is connected via MIDI, you can set it up so that whatever accompaniment you create in MIDI will play back perfectly in sync back out to the Tascam. It isn't absolutely necessary to do this if you plan on writing the stuff on sequencer first, recording it on the Tascam and then simply overdubbing on the Tascam, but it's very handy if you want to go back and forth, say change a part after the fact in the sequencer, or add another synth line, etc.
Either way, the important thing to note is that you will be running the computer synths to your Tascam via your computer's AUDIO output, as MIDI does not cary any audio signal with it. Whether you use MIDI sync or not, the sound will be the same.
Good luck, and I hope this helps! If you're looking for lots and lots of synth sounds, I'd give the Reason demo a try... I know it's a pain using a demo and you'll definitely need to buy a copy if you actually want to use it, but I think you'll be happy with the sounds you can create.

 

[ssscientist]

I did have a demo of Tracktion once, but I didn't see any virtual instruments in there?

You can find many, many free and shareware virtual instruments at KVR Audio --- LINK --- and if they are identified on the KVR site as VST or VSTi they will be compatable with Tracktion. Be sure to go there --- it's one of my favorite places to visit regularly on the web.

Search for Synth 1, RGC Triangle II, String Theory, Motion, reFX Claw, Crazy Diamonds, EZPoly, FreeAlpha, Majken's Chimera, Monolisa, MinimogueVA, Oatmeal, SuperwaveP8 and Taurus.

The list above are all free, and all first class synths that I use all the time...



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[Black44]

Uh oh, I didn't realise I was so far behind the times!

I downloaded the Reason demo and, after the initial excitement of how cool it looks and the options if offers, I tried to record a wee test... and realised I didn't know where to start!

I tried the help file, but it seems to answer specific queries whilst I need a "Getting Started" type guide.

A google search only turned up a manual in Dutch and thousands of "reasons" to "help" and so, defeated and embarrased, I've returned to ask two incredibly simple questions:

(i) How I record an audio track using the audio input on the pc?

(ii) How do I record a MIDI track using the USB from my keyboard?

I know I'm going to kick myself when this is explained, but I honestly can't seem to get it working!

Thanks again,

 

[Dr Biscuits]

Hey Black44 - well, unfortunately Reason doesn't record audio tracks, just MIDI... you can use Reason in conjunction with other software that will, or just use other software entirely if you need to multitrack on the PC... Sonar, Cubase, Protools are all examples of programs that will record audio and MIDI, and you can use them as 'remote contols' (Reason calls this 'Rewire'ing) for Reason if you want to run them in tandem...
As far as recording MIDI goes.... basically, in your settings make sure that you select your device as the one Reason should use to recieve MIDI. At the bottom of the screen you have the 'sequencer' section which is where you record and edit all the MIDI data.... you can have as many channels as you want, and the channels can be routed to control any synthesizer you want (if you hit TAB the rack will flip around to show you all the 'wiring' connections).

If you have nothing set up, a simple way to begin would be to do the following:
1) Create > Mixer 14:2
2) Create > NN-XT
3) In the NN-XT, click on the window that says 'Init Patch' and load one of the instruments (Reason calls files that contain instruments 'Refills')
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add another (different) instrument.
5) In the sequencer section, Reason will have automatically created 2 track for you. Click on the little MIDI keyboard icon in the left of a track - this will select which instrument you are controlling, and you should hear them change.
6) Hit Record then Play. You will now record on whichever track you have selected.

This is the very very basics, but you should at least be able to play something and record it now... then you can experiment with all the other fun stuff, loops, other synthesizers, drum machine, effects, MIDI editing etc....

Have fun!