K2500 with PC, SM58 and M-Audio Mobile PreUSB

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Gautam

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Hi!

I have a Kurzweil K2500 and compose music but I have no idea about recording at home by using a computer and have a tight budget (don't let the Keyboard put you off track!).

My Objective: To record my songs digitally and cut a CD for my listening pleasure (for now). So I am buying a computer soon.

My Recording Needs: to record my music and to record my voice on to some sequencing software on the computer.

What has been recommended to me: All I will need is a SM58 and an M-Audio's Mobile PreUSB. (Then some software and I am set!)

My Doubts:

1) How can I connect my Keyboard to my Computer? Is MIDI the only way?

2) Do I need both a great soundcard and a preamp to fulfill my recording needs or can I connect my synth to the Preamp recommended. (If yes, then how? What cable? to where?)

3) Could someone please tell me what cables I will need to connect what to what?!

4) What do you reccomend in terms of connecting the mic and keyboard to the computer? (Please tell me the cables I will need too and where I will use each one!)

Thanks!
 
Hmm... you've got a lot to learn young grasshopper :) Prepare to spend a lot of time reading these forums. Lots of good info for beginners and pros.

> 1) How can I connect my Keyboard to my Computer?
> Is MIDI the only way?

First thing to learn is the separation of MIDI from actual audio. MIDI has nothing to do with sound. MIDI is just a bunch of numbers that map to key number, note volume, etc. Audio on the other hand needs to be converted from an analog signal into a digital string of numbers which is where a sound card comes in.

> can I connect my synth to the
> Preamp recommended. (If yes, then how? What cable?
> to where?)

Because you have a K2500 which is a workstation, meaning it has its own sequencer, you could continue to use that. And all you would need to record is a Y audio cable from the L and R main outputs of your K2500 (two 1/4" mono) to the input on your computer sound card (most likely 1/8" stereo). It would most likely not sound great but this would technically fulfill what you are asking.

> 2) Do I need both a great soundcard and a preamp to fulfill
> my recording needs or

You don't NEED anything. It all depends on how descriminating you are. An onboard soundcard will often impart a lot of hiss and junk into the signal. And it's generally designed for the average user who browses and plays games not for high end audio production. Don't know much about the K2500 but yours might already have a nice digital out feature.

> 3) Could someone please tell me what cables I will need
> to connect what to what?!

A MIDI cable would be used if you wanted to move up to the world of computer based music recording or got tired of sequencing in that little monochrome screen (though large by comparison to other synths). It's a world of difference and highly recommended and inexpensive.

> 4) What do you reccomend in terms of connecting the mic and
> keyboard to the computer? (Please tell me the cables I will
> need too and where I will use each one!)

You could get an Audio Buddy for now which an inexpensive mic-pre that has phantom power in case you want get a condersor mic (insert volumes of info regarding condensor mics here). Many claim it will sound better than a lot of pres on mixers. I use the pres on my Mackie. You'll probably want a mixer anyway so you can have more control and full use of all the wonderful outs on your K2500. Look into the Spirit line of mixers. Many like the EQ better than the Mackie. I wouldn't know.

> Thanks!

Lots of luck. Be patient and don't get discouraged. Try your best and make a sincere effort to read what's already been answered. If you still have problems ask away. No one can fault you for trying your best. BTW, kick ass synth.
 
K2500 with Audio Buddy and Audiophile 2496

Thanks for the pep talk and all that info. Opened a window :-)

I checked out the Audio Buddy (or DMP3 PreAmp) and its exactly what I want.
But I don't need a mixer coz I rather mix on my K2500 or using the sequencing software itself.

Now I just need to ask you stuff regarding the system set up:

Given below are three possible ways I think that I can set the system up. Can you please tell me which ones are feasible and out of them which one will give me the most superior sound?

1) Mic-->Audio Buddy--> SoundCard (Say an AudioPhile 2496) and
K2500-->Audio Buddy--> SoundCard

2) Mic-->Audio Buddy--> SoundCard,
K2500-->Audio Buddy--> SoundCard and
K2500-->SoundCard (via MIDI)

3) Mic-->Audio Buddy--> SoundCard and
K2500-->SoundCard (via MIDI)

Hoping to hear from you soon. Thanks a lot!
 
> K2500-->SoundCard (via MIDI)

Not sure if I understand you but you cannot get audio into your computer via MIDI. Here's is what I recommend if I understand your needs:

1) Mic -> Mic Pre (Audio Buddy) -> Sound Card
- This gets sounds into your computer via the mic
2) K2500 -> Sound Card
- to record the K2500 to harddisk
in conjunction with:
3) K2500 <-> Midi Interface <-> Computer
Something like:
http://m-audio.com/products/midiman/USB4x4.php
Though I believe there are decent MIDI and audio interfaces in one now.
- to allow your K2500 to trigger computer sequences or audio samples
AND
- to allow your computer to record and playback sequences from the K2500

Let me know if this isn't clear.
 
finally!

Alright...
Tell me if my understanding serves me right:

To be able to record music from my K2500 in to the computer via a Y-cable, I need to attach it to the sound card (RCA input. The analog output from my synth will be digitize by the sound card. So better the sound card, better the final conversion?)

But to be able to use the Sequencing Software and recording each track at a time (?), I will require a MIDI connection between the two.

So I can't put the sequencing software to any use if my K2500 is not connected via MIDI, is that right?

If what I understand is correct, I will need a sound card with a MIDI interface and I will need a preamp. I am not keen on buying a separate MIDI interface (like the one you suggested).

Why shouldn't I go in for SOUND BLASTER AUDIGY 2 ZS PLATINUM PRO? It has a preamp for the mic in built plus it has enough inputs including MIDI. Is the quality of sound suspect? I should think not because the specifications are similar to any other good sound card.

Thanks!
 
No offense but this thread might better serve you and others in the Newbies forum. :)

> So I can't put the sequencing software to any use if my
> K2500 is not connected via MIDI, is that right?

Right.

> Why shouldn't I go in for SOUND BLASTER AUDIGY 2 ZS
> PLATINUM PRO? It has a preamp for the mic in built plus
> it has enough inputs including MIDI. Is the quality of
> sound suspect? I should think not because the
> specifications are similar to any other good sound card.

I don't know much about his piece but at least it sort of has a break out box in the way of an interface in a 5 1/2" bay. Could be wrong but generally RCA ins aren't a good way to get a sound source into your machine. You might want to do a search on balanced versus unbalanced.

There is one set of MIDI ins and outs which may work but I think you may outgrow pretty quickly if you decide to expand and get even one other synth.

The reason why people stay away from all-in-one boxes is that manufacturers usually can't keep high standards for all the parts without making the price unreasonably high. There is a compromise in quality to jam all those features together (can't get everything for nothing). Pros and hackers generally like to have separate hardware for each application so they can custom tailor the machine to their needs. And more importantly if one feature goes down you don't have to toss your entire hardware. On the otherhand all-in-ones are easier to install and run because you don't have to worry as much about conflicts because hopefully the manufacturer got all the kinks out before coming to market.

Advice: don't listen to anything some saleguys at SamCash or other chain store tells you. I've pretended to be a newbie and caught so many different guys tell me what is factual incorrect. It's a good way to test who you are really talking to.

Good luck.
 
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