MIDI newbie

[montage]

Okay, I would really like to start working with MIDI.
Here's what I have for my set-up:

P4 2.4G
40GB 7200 hard drive for system work
120GB 7200 hard drive for audio
Delta1010LT soundcard
Sonar 3.1
Tascam 488mkII 8-track/mixer
Digitech GSP2101 effects processor
Oxygen8 keyboard

At this point, I've got the Sonar Manual, Garrigus' book Sonar 3 Power!, and the manuals for all the other stuff. I've had problems installing the Oxygen8; despite it appears installed a prompt to install pops up when in USB mode. I said fine, I'll just use this keyboard in "standalone" mode, so that means just out of the other port, there's no MIDI IN.

So now the Oxygen8 is plugged into the soundcard's MIDI-in. And I open Sonar and the only input listed is from the soundcard's IN. I fumble my way through recording a track via MIDI, at least visually, and try assigning a softsynth. I don't hear anything, is this strictly because I have nothing plugged into the MIDI OUT?

I'm at the point that I don't know if I need another piece of equipment to complete the MIDI setup. In the manuals the sound chains are typically shown with a last connection to "sound modules. Searches on "sound modules" in musiciansfriend have yeilded 1x1 Midisports to much more pricier objects.

I've used the Digitech as strictly a guitar processor, but it does have MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU. The manual depicts another box connected to the Digitech. Okay it looks like some sort of "sound module".

The Tascam tape can be "striped" with SMPT. Though not likely to go through that exercice, as I'll just be transfering old tapes, it's good to be aware of the capability. That means I need some sort of clock thing, right? Is this also a feature of a "sound module"?

I'd like to find the cheapest solution if possible. I just don't have perspective of "exactly" fits what I should get next to get going in MIDI.

Thanks

 

[Atterion]

Open up a virtual instrument, and then assign it as the Midi output device in Sonar on the the MIDI track that you want to play that sound (Check your manual for how to set-up virtual instruments step-by-step). You can always look into installing an external Keyboard or Rack Module for sounds, but you have the software and PC power to do it for now. Try updatint Oxygen Drivers, and try assigning the Oxygen8 to another USB port. I have experienced problems with running M-Audio contollers (And Korg MicroKontrol) on USB connectors, that are running through a hub (Make sure it is plugged into a root-hub). For me it took the purchase of a new USB PCI-card to get them to work all together.

 

[montage]

For the USB aspect, I did get the latest for the Oxygen8 and after numerous installs/uninstalls/reinstalls there's the same problem.

However, I do see information input on the track so it recorded successfully. But I don't hear anything.

OK, provided I set up a virtual device correctly, I do not need something connected to the MIDI-OUT of the soundcard?

I think regardless, there's another MIDI book in my future....

Thanks for the replies

 

[James Argo]

What virtual devices you insert as DXi in Sonar? If it's VSampler, then you need to load bank/patch of sound sample (soundfonts, giga, etc..). Without them it won't make any sound ReValver is not actualy "virtual instrument". It's audio DirectX effect (plugins) controlable using DXi. Try Roland (Edirol) GS as starter

Your Tascam is not MIDI sound module. It's just device controlable via MIDI. Ditto your Digitech effect


Jaymz