Quick Question About Midi

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Whyte Ice

The Next Vanilla Ice
Hey. I've never used MIDI before. My soundcard (M-Audio Delta 44) doesn't support MIDI and whenever I record keyboards, I go straight into a DI and record it in my software (Cool Edit Pro 2.1). Lately I've been a bit interested in a MIDI module and I know to pass information on from the keyboard (use as a controller) to the module, I'll need to hook MIDI up (keyboards midi out to modules midi in if i'm not mistaken). From there, I'm not sure where to go. Would the sound module have RCA or 1/4" audio outputs so I could just feed the sound into my soundcard like I do with my synth now or would I not be able to do that?

I would someday like to get a MIDI setup on my computer but for now, I don't have any room for extra PCI cards or whatnot. I do however have this midi cable that connects to my serial port but I'm not too sure on how that works and how I would get the information into the computer.

Also, what would be some good recommendations for a module for a first time user of these? I'd like to get one that is no more than $200, new or used. The Roland JV-1010 has caught my eye and even though its a little over my budget, I've heard good things so something really good might be worth saving for. I don't know if it would fit my description but I hope someone can help. :)
 
-Yes, you're sound module/synth will have 1/4" outs that you can connect to your Delta, either directly or through a pre-amp.


-There are many USB midi interfaces that don't require a PCI slot: Check out midiman/m-audio for many different configurations- 1 in/1 out, 2 in/2 out, 2 in/4 out, etc.

-The JV-1010 is about the only option worth pursuing at that price range. If fact, it might be the only non-Casio option at that price at all. If you're able to incorporate your computer in your composition/arranging (via a sequencer) you should explore the use of SoftSynths, SoftSamplers, and Soundfonts. There are many free ones availible, and can help you develope you arranging/production skills until you can afford a better sound module.


If you've already got a midi controller, I'd recommend spending your money on a Midiman 2x2, and getting a sequencer. You can control all your old keys with it, as well as use softsynths, soundfonts, etc....

You'll always be able to add components, and these tools will always be useful. Making non-professional music is better than making no music at all.


Good Luck
Chris
 
Are there any software based sequencers out there if I were to get an interface for my computer? What ones would you recommend to look at?

I also have a question about samplers. I see a lot of sample CD's out there and they have caught my eye. Would just any sampler take these or is there a specific kind and can samplers be controlled by a keyboard so you can play the samples like you would play presets on a synth?

Thanks for the reply, the information was very helpful.
 
Ice,
Another interface to have a look at is the Tascam US 122. I have it and an M Audio Quattro and the 122 has been far less hassle.

As far as sequencing software have a look at Sonar.
Terry
 
Whyte Ice said:
Are there any software based sequencers out there if I were to get an interface for my computer? What ones would you recommend to look at?

I also have a question about samplers. I see a lot of sample CD's out there and they have caught my eye. Would just any sampler take these or is there a specific kind and can samplers be controlled by a keyboard so you can play the samples like you would play presets on a synth?

Thanks for the reply, the information was very helpful.
Click to expand...

Just about all the music suite programs such as cubas, nuendo,logic, etc have sequencing capabilities...
All those sample cd's say what samplers they are compatible with.
The jv1010 is a great sounding module. It lacks programming capability, but the sounds are great.
Check out motu's midi interfaces too. Like the midi express xt (usb)... It offers plenty of room to add more devices.
 
If your PC has two USB inputs, you can use one to drive midi out (to your module) and the other to collect sound data for recording (from your module).

Best midi sequencer / scoring package value?
Noteworthy Composer (www.noteworthysoftware.com)

Best software recorder value?
n-tracks (www.fasoft.com)

Interfaces? Check out Edirol - the UA-1A and UA-1M among others. (http://www.edirol.com/products/audio.html)

Synths? The JV-1010 is quite a good unit in terms of sounds. It uses the same sounds from other more expensive Roland synths (like the XV3080 and XV5050). As a beginner unit is it very comprehensive as a palette of many useful sounds.
 
lumbago said:
If your PC has two USB inputs, you can use one to drive midi out (to your module) and the other to collect sound data for recording (from your module).

Best midi sequencer / scoring package value?
Noteworthy Composer (www.noteworthysoftware.com)

Best software recorder value?
n-tracks (www.fasoft.com)

Interfaces? Check out Edirol - the UA-1A and UA-1M among others. (http://www.edirol.com/products/audio.html)

Synths? The JV-1010 is quite a good unit in terms of sounds. It uses the same sounds from other more expensive Roland synths (like the XV3080 and XV5050). As a beginner unit is it very comprehensive as a palette of many useful sounds.
Click to expand...

No, you are confusing usb ports with midi ports...
A midi interface, wether it be a midiman, a motu, or whatever; if it is usb, it will handle all your midi in's and outs, by itself through one usb port.

The "from your module" part will be audio after that, and if not, it will still be covered by your midi interface....

Keyboard = controller
Modules = synth "brains without keys"

Both output SOUND and MIDI...

Normally in a simple case you only need the controller to send midi signals to the modules to make sounds, which you record.


I'm kind of RIPPED RIGHT NOW, so.... If that doesn't make sense, I'm sure I could point you towards some reference material tommorrow...:cool:
 
I use my Edirol interface to run midi via USB, and the Edirol UM-1.

Sorry if the above link was confusing - I was trying to describe the entire recording chain. I was also trying to put in a vote for the Edirol devices - which as a suite of products are well made and rather useful for home recording enthusiasts.

http://www.edirol.com/products/midi.html for the UM-1.
 
Thanks everyone for their suggestions and tips. This is very useful stuff.

Chrisjob, how would softsynths, softsamplers and soundfonts help me? I don't have a clue what they do.

Subtractor, you made perfect sense and answered a majority of my question perfectly. I'm thinking of going with the M-Audio MIDI interface mostly because I have a Delta Series M-Audio card and it's been flawless.

Lumbago, I checked out that Edirol interface but I would like to get an interface that focuses just on MIDI. That Noteworthy Composer link you posted sounds great and I'm very interested in that now. I don't know how to read sheet music (well, just the very basics) and it would make things much easier on me when I want to get other musicians to play my stuff.

I use Cool Edit Pro as my recording software but it does not have MIDI capabilities (only playback). If I were to get a second program that does support MIDI, would I be able to export that file as a wave into Cool Edit?

I don't know too much about sequencers. My synth (Yamaha SY-55) has one built-in but I've never seen how it could help me out though. Would I be able to connect any devices to my synth to use it's sequencer.

Oh, and also, this may be the most basic of questions regarding MIDI but how do the channels work? I see some that have 16 channels which I think is the norm and then some like my electric piano which have only 7. How would I know which channel to set my devices to when I want them to "communicate?"

Thanks again for all the answers. It's very much appreciated.
 
Whyte Ice said:
Oh, and also, this may be the most basic of questions regarding MIDI but how do the channels work? I see some that have 16 channels which I think is the norm and then some like my electric piano which have only 7. How would I know which channel to set my devices to when I want them to "communicate?"
Click to expand...
16 is the normal number of channels for one MIDI port.
Although any channel can play any available patch by using a patch change command, it gets confusing having different instrumentation on the same channel, so you can generally have 15 unique instrument sounds plus one drumset on channel 10 all playing at once via serial commands on the MIDI line for one Port.
You can set your synth to receive on all channels at once.
 
Oh and BTW, I wanted to also ask what MIDI Triggers are?
 
Midi triggers are any device that can send midi signals or a midi control signal. All of the information sent by the controller keyboard are midi signals such as note on and note off when you press the keys, pitch change when you move the pitch wheel. etc.

Midi signals are sent by a vast array of devices. They include keyboards, wind controllers (things you blow into like a horn), pads you run your finger on, sliders, knobs, buttons, pedals, etc.

I am not usre you have a clear picture if you do I aplogize for this. To have a midi set up you will of course need a midi controller and a module to make the sound. All synths and keyboards these days have midi. If you want to have more than one midi device working and you wnat it to work with you computer, you will need a box to get the midi in and out.

First there is the computer and the sound card that either does or does not have midi also. It is not all that important since midi devices use USB to get the midi into and out of the ocmputer. So you need a midi box like the MOTU one recommended above.

The midi boxes come in a variety of configurations usually based upon how many midi inputs and outputs they have and what additional signals or sync signals they send or receive. There are some very basic ones with two midi ins and outs that are pretty inexpensive. They would do just fine.

As for the sequencer, you should check out all of the popular sequencening programs. They tend to be a bit expensive but there are some that are not so bad.

If you have been following what has been developing in music technology, you will know that Pro Tools is a very popular program
but it is also expensive. Its midi is not known to be that strong but its audio is considered among the best.

For strong midi and audio there is Digital Performer and Logic. Digital Performer I believe is a Mac only program. I think Logic may be Mac only as well but I am not sure.

Then there is Nuendo, Cubase, Sonar etc.

I am just looking at a Sweetwater catalogue. These programs are not cheap. For instance, Digital Performer - $499.97, Logic - $699.97, Nuendo $1,299.97, Cubase - $599.99, Sonar $499.00.

These prices do not include the hardware you need to get the sound in and out of the computer. Oh yeah, there is Pro Tools also which comes in two levels, Pro Tools high end which is very expensive, 6,7, 8 thousand dollars and more. Or, Pro Tools Le which is a light version that is more in line with the programs mentioned above. They come with certain hardware from Digidesign. You can look it all up online.

All of the other sequencers above or at least, most of them, also have matching hardware. Digital Performer has MOTU, Logic has emagic, Nuendo - Steinberg and what have you.

I would say it is best to run the software with the matching hardware although many of the programs are compatible with each other.

As you can see there is much to this whole thing. The first thing probably is to define what you want to do. When you knwo that it will be easier to choose the tools you need to do it.

I would also reccomend reading the material on the respective companies web sites to see what their products do and whether it is what you are looking for.

Anyway, thats enough, good luck.
 
Jeroleen, thanks for all the information. I've got a better understanding of everything now.

I've recently been looking into some software modules and came across Sampletank. I was amazed at this and have directed my full interest into getting this or something like this. One question though, would I be able to run it with Cool Edit Pro? How would I run this program, is it standalone or would it be like running a DirectX plugin? I'm not quite sure how programs like Sampletank work so an explanation would be very helpful.
 
I haven't used Sampletank, but I use a number of softsynths and soft samplers with Sonar. You basically use them like plug-ins.

Some of them (not all) can also be used as a stand alone program which you can use to play or practice, but to record you would use the plug-in.

You usually get the option during software installation to install plug-in only, standalone only, or both.
 
And by the way, there are many many free softsynths and a few free samplers available for download. You can always try a handful of those before investing your money, so you can see what you like and don't like.

Here's a great link for this... http://www.kvr-vst.com/get.php

Just do a search, read the reviews, then download to your heart's content :)
 
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