MIDI playback

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jburn34
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Jburn34

Jburn34

New member
I just recorded midi from my keyboard to the computer with an m-audio 24/96 card. I can see the data on the screen, but how do I play sound back? I only have one cord going from keyboard into soundcard, I don't have one going back into the keyboard.

Also, are there any plugins or whatever that will give me some better sounds than the keyboard has?

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
MIDI has no sound, it's just messages (notes, velocities, etc).

In order to "hear MIDI", it has to be telling "something" what to play...an external module/sampler/sequencer, etc, or a VSTi or DXi on your computer (these are virtual instruments).

In n-Track, you can add a VSTi to your project from the Track menu. Then select the MIDI channel's properties and route its output through the VSTi. You should hear somethin then!

Slackmaster 2000
 
So do I need to get a vst plugin or something? I'm really not wanting to buy hardware.

Jeremy
 
Yes, a VSTi is a "virtual instrument", a software plugin.

Slackmaster 2000
 
Thanks,

It worked! Now how can I save it as an audio track? Or will it just work when I mix it down anyway?

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
Mixing down is how you would "save it as an audio track." You really don't want to convert it to an audio track if you can avoid it, aside from mixing down the project. The nice thing about VSTi and MIDI is that you can always change instruments/samples at a later time if you want!

Slackmaster 2000
 
Thank for the help! I got a vsti plugin and it works and sounds cool!

Another question: when I record the midi and hear it through the vsti, there is several seconds lag. Is it recording real time though? If so, I can just turn the keyboard up and not listen to the plugin until after it's recorded.

Thanks,
Jeremy
 
You might just test it on your own, but I think the recording will still happen on time.

This delay is referred to as "latency". Good soundcards will support low latency via ASIO or WDM drivers (n-Track supports both formats). With low latency drivers you can get down into the <10ms range where it's easier to play.

In the meantime your keyboard "trick" should work!

Slackmaster 2000
 
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