I want some keys.

[fraserhutch]

I still a little confused guys, but thanks for spending the time to explain it!

I can use the midi controller to do what?... control functions in synth programs and trackin software? I understand it working like a keyboard in a synth program but what is the benefit in a tracking program? ... make sense?

And does it do both at the same time or what?

Maybe at this point we ought to move thsi to the midi section...... but here goes:

The midi controller sends out note information to a sound source or storage medium. That sound source can be a synth module, a soft synth, whatever. The storage medium is typically a your computer's sequencer, The controller supplies this data in ther form of mido events such as note on (velocity and pitch), note off, and other controller information. It does not generate any sound in and of itself.

The sound source (module, soft synth, etc) uses this information to trigger or manipulate its sounds. On the other hand, the sequencer stores that information in the track, and plays back the midi events to a sound source in order to trigger the sounds.

So in the tracking program (the sequencer), you are storing the data for later playback. Since the information you have stored descrives the pitch, duration, and velocity rather than the soudn itself, you can freely change the synth patch, transpose it, change the tempo, etc.

And yes, you can record to the sequencer at the same time you trigger a synth. In fact, you can send the same data to as many devices as your midi chain allows. Typically, though, we use the computer's sequencer to 'pass through' the data to a particular synth for monitoring purposes.


This was a tad simpliistic but I believe it outlines the basic idea.

Let me know if I just confused things.......

 

[fraserhutch]

I use a stand alone recorder right now, and have no experience with soundcards. I was curious what you might recommend? Any price range is fine, I'm just trying to get an idea.

That's another question altogether. Do a search on "The Rack" and the "Other Equipment and Reviews" forums. Also the This topic has been covered in equisite detail. Also check out the "Computer Recording and Soundcards forum.