new to midi...what do I need?

[midimaster]

I'm looking to import midi song files that I get off the web, insert better vsts into each track, add a click track and mix it down...
I used Pro Tools SE and Keystation49 to get the learning started..
PTSE does not allow VST add ons, so I need a system that supports vsts, since I want a large vst library to work with...
I just got my hands on Cubase5, but I cant get sound out of the midi files...They load, but I'm not sure if they have vsts to make sound...
I found Pro Tools very easy to work with compared to Cubase, but a few people recommended Cubase...
I can get sound from the Keystation49 in cubase, but I'm missing something when I'm trying to work with midi..
If anyone can point me in the right direction as how to get up and running with midi, I'd appreciate it..I can't even get a sound level when I play a midi file...

 

[GazEcc]

"midimaster" and "new to midi...what do I need?"... interesting

but yeah now onto your question midi has no sound cubase is just sending the midi notes out, you have one of two options click add track > instrument pick an instrument and press play or plug a midi cable into a sound module like you're keyboard

 

[midimaster]

Thanks, Gaz....
Yeah...I definately set myself up for that one...I picked a name with "midi" and the master part just naturally followed...
And I understand that the midi is just instuctions, not sounds...
Do I have to dump cash on an interface that I'm not even going to use, since I'm not plugging any live mics/instruments into this?
I'm assuming I just need to have an in/out loop going to run the program, and I'm thinking I already have that since I get sound from the keyboard when I'm in regular recording mode...

 

[GazEcc]

you can buy a midi only interface, but if you want to use outbound sound modules you will use "instruments"

You've 3 real options in my opinion

- Get a small interface and some outbound sound modules, midi out to your sound modules followed by a cable back to the midi in and then an audio cable for every sound module, you could of course do it one instrument at a time, but you could also just plug them all in to seperate inputs,

- Use nothing other than vsti's

- Get a midi only interface, use your computer to trigger the midi, and run all your modules to a mixer and just go straight to tape / cd / wax cylinder