Midi keyboard sounds

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pure.fusion

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Hi all,

Noob question alert.

I've been using Midi tracks in Cubase. The midi track controls sounds in the "Free" software package I got with my EMU 040 sound card, called Proteus VX.

The sounds from this software are, well, edequate. Some sounds are better than others.

I use a small Midi keyboard to enter notes or play them live to write midi info.

My question: what are my options for getting quality sounds? Do I buy a nice keyboard, then somehow get the midi track to use it's sound?

Cheers,
FM
 
Google VST plugin instruments. There are tons of them and some let you try them out b4 you buy.
 
Thanks.

Will I ever get a midi piano sounding like a real piano? Or should I stop looking now?

Cheers,
FM
 
You can get good VST's, which is fine although you need a good computer. I use an external module - I'm more into Rhodes and organ so that works for me, but if you a search for acoustic piano samples you will find lots.

To me the final limitation isn't the sample, it's what you play it back through, and it's hard for a pair of speakers to feel the same as 1000 lb's of resonating wood and steel. But the samples are very, very good today.

You could also do what you said, buy a keyboard (like score a used Kurzweil off of Craigslist) or a module like I use, but VST's will give you many advantages - they are constantly being upgraded. I always notice slight timing errors with plug ins and it could be that I've never had a good enough computer.
 
Ok right.

No, I'm not after perfection. I'm just after a real instrument substitute for Piano, rhodes, moogs etc that aren't as "dinky" as some of the Proteus sounds.

Thanks for your help all.

I'll start by looking at VST instruments. If i hear a good one, it's probably worth buying.

Cheers,
FM

PS in retrospect, I knew this. I've been using VST drums and VST effects. I just had a "seniors moment". Pity I'm only near my 40's :p
 
Truepianos sounds a lot like a real piano. There are a few others, but this one is pretty popular.

While you're searching the net, remember to check out demo's on youtube. There's youtube tutorials on every popular virtual instrument.
 
the most realistic piano ive heard, but is limited to one keyboard and has "star" endorsement (yuk), is NIs Alicia Keys..its $119 and can be played on their free player...she used it on her last album, not that Ive heard her last album, but she's good looking and part Scottish so that'll do me..oh and she's not bad on the keys either :)


another option is to pick up an older rack synth...I got a JV1080 for $200 and it takes 4 expansion cards which range in price from $50 - $150...I have six and just swap two over when needed..the JV2080 takes 8 cards just costs a bit more and is harder to find

even though this is 15 years old, and the on-board sounds are a bit bread and butter, the expansion cards blow software away...its like going 3d...i have pianos, keys of the 60s and 70s, and vintage synths, amongst others, and they are absolutely awesome...Id go so far to say that Id never replace this....also there are no better drum machine samples..as they made the ones that are sampled so that was on the cards


worth a punt and you can always upgrade with cards
 
I use a Roland SC-8850 and a Roland SC-8820, they have the same voices. It was the last SoundCanvas and the sounds are very good. They sell for around $400 on eBay and the 1,600 or so sounds are to my ears useable. I like it because there's no latency and it enables you to use any junk computer without any problem. Also, it acts like a 2 in 2 out USB MIDI interface to hook up any other outside MIDI gear.

I'm not sold on VST's, so far they are, to me, not ready yet so I'm sticking with hardware.
 
Which Cubase are you using? Cubase 4or5 Halion has some good softsynth sounds.
 
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