maxabillion
New member
Ok, so I fell out of home recording for a few months etc etc. Anyway, I have some songs, song ideas and the like, and what is driving me crazy is that I want to 'produce' them with a bit more going on. Adding strings, horns, percussion, drones and the like. Of course, I don't own a wide array of orchestral instruments so I figure that is where MIDI comes in. And here's to the NOOB question:
How the hell do I get MIDI to work?
I know the basic theory behind MIDI (please don't link me to Tweakheadz - its great, but I've read it), and I think I have what I need to get started, but the few times I've tried, I get no sound, and can't figure out what I'm doing and whether its wrong or right.
here's what I have:
IMac, with an M-Audio FastTrak Ultra connected through USB into Pro Tools 9. I have a Yamaha P-105 (which I realize is a digital piano, but can't I use it as a MIDI controller?) and two MIDI cables. (also guitar stuff and mics etc, but what I'm concerned with resides on the digital spectrum.
If someone could give me a layman's explanation (or a link to one) that would give me the step-by-step guide to getting some sound to come out of my speakers I would be forever grateful. I just need to get the ball rolling, then I will learn by trial and error. So what programs do I need, where can I get them (for cheap if possible) what are my options in terms of recording MIDI "live" (I'd prefer to essentially play and record the backing tracks rather then program them in)?
Sorry for the novel - I'm stressed.
How the hell do I get MIDI to work?
I know the basic theory behind MIDI (please don't link me to Tweakheadz - its great, but I've read it), and I think I have what I need to get started, but the few times I've tried, I get no sound, and can't figure out what I'm doing and whether its wrong or right.
here's what I have:
IMac, with an M-Audio FastTrak Ultra connected through USB into Pro Tools 9. I have a Yamaha P-105 (which I realize is a digital piano, but can't I use it as a MIDI controller?) and two MIDI cables. (also guitar stuff and mics etc, but what I'm concerned with resides on the digital spectrum.
If someone could give me a layman's explanation (or a link to one) that would give me the step-by-step guide to getting some sound to come out of my speakers I would be forever grateful. I just need to get the ball rolling, then I will learn by trial and error. So what programs do I need, where can I get them (for cheap if possible) what are my options in terms of recording MIDI "live" (I'd prefer to essentially play and record the backing tracks rather then program them in)?
Sorry for the novel - I'm stressed.