New to MIDI...unfamiliar territory...help, please.

[loveofjazz]

I've hit a brick wall recently. The stock drum patterns for EZDrummer are nice, but I've realized that I need to do some editing for some music I'm writing as well as some covers I've been recording for work.

I'm at a complete loss when it comes to this stuff.

I would like to create some drum MIDI files to load to EZDrummer (as well as edit some existing patterns). Having some background with drums, I'd rather play the parts with a keyboard controller, if possible.

I've got a Korg X3, a MIDISport Uno 1-in/1-out USB-to-MIDI, and I'm using Reaper. I've already loaded the drivers for the USB-to-MIDI cable.

Here are my issues...
* I have no idea how to use the X3 to trigger EZdrummer, or whether there would be something in Reaper I could utilize to create these MIDI files by playing them in real time and saving the data
* I have no idea whether I have the X3 in it's proper mode of operation. (For the record, I have the manual but found nothing I recognized. I am primarily a lowly guitar player & almost all of my gear is self-explanatory and easy-to-use)
* I have no idea where to start at all.

I'm sorry if this is 110% n00b stuff. I'm at a complete loss and really don't have access to anyone else doing this kind of thing.

If you can point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks...

 

[loveofjazz]

Update:

1. I believe that the keyboard -is- at least sending some type of signal...or doing something. The LEDs on the MIDISport unit are lighting up when I press keys on the X3.

2. I checked in "Preferences" ->"MIDI Devices" and the MIDISport Uno isn't showing up in the MIDI Input Device list. There may be an issue with Windows XP not recognizing USB devices like the MIDISport. Seems like someone mentioned this in the Cockos forum already...
http://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=55652&highlight=MIDISPORT
http://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=58382&highlight=EZDrummer+MIDISport

I did shut the computer down for the night around 3:00 am-ish. I'm going to fire it up in a minute and see if it appears on the list now.

Any helpful input would still be welcomed, though.

 

[loveofjazz]

Second Update:
Had to locate the latest driver before this unit was finally recognized by Reaper.
Not quite sure, but I believe the computer went through two different installation wizards before this was recognized. Weird.

Now I can actively use the X3 as a controller, though. I'm getting there.

 

[dintymoore]

I'm only familiar with Cubase.

If the controller works, try load up an EZ Drummer track and see if you can erase the data and play your own. As soon as you get it to the point that you can play the keyboard and hear drums you should be able to start recording.

I laid down most of my songs by playing the drum parts on keys.

 

[loveofjazz]

I finally got to that point. I'm good with lots of the drum phrases already in EZDrummer, but some require modification...especially if I'm doing a cover or the drum part doesn't fit the other parts I've written.

Still got questions, though. I'd like to be able to work out setting up some of the phrases in real time like I do with my drum machine. I set the tempo, bar length, time signature...then start it recording by playing that loop repeatedly. Eventually, I get the bass drum, snare and high hat hits where I want.

Is there any way to do that with EZDrummer and Reaper?
Has anyone fooled with EZPlayer enough to know if it's possible to do that with it?

 

[ssscientist]

The great thing about using midi drums is that if a particular approach - the method used by a specific software program - is not working for you, you're not stuck with it. You don't need to beat your head against EZDrummer if it's not working for you.

I can think of a whole bunch self-contained drum machine simulators, all the way from quite costly to totally free.

Here's a link to a free one: http://www.kvraudio.com/get/1771.html

Also, Google Image Line Drumaxx, Audio Damage Tatoo and Izotope IDrum. They are three not-too-expensive virtual drum machines, and I recommend you try all three before you decide on which one to buy.