Soft Synths!

[fiveyearslater]

A couple of days ago I decided to try a directx plug-in that simulates an orchestra. I used Cakewalk Sonar 5 for it and it seemed to work well, but I really got no clue how to create a melody, or anything at all, cause I couldn't find a pianoroll or something like that. Is it supposed to work when you plug a guitar in? Midi? Your help is really appreciated!

 

[noisewreck]

I don't have Sonar so can't give you a specific "How to", but no matter what your sequencer is the general idea is this:

Create a MIDI track
Route its output to the plugin in question
Record MIDI notes on the said MIDI track

 

[fiveyearslater]

Sorry, I'm really a noob at this.. But is MIDI the only way to create a melody for a VST effect?

 

[Robert D]

Sorry, I'm really a noob at this.. But is MIDI the only way to create a melody for a VST effect?

I believe you mean VST instrument, not effect. Midi is the user communication protocal that they use, but that doesn't have to be something you really think about. I have, amoungst other things, Garritan Personal Orchestra, which is probably similar to what you're talking about. There's a few ways to compose with it. One is the piano roll method that you mentioned, which most any midi editor is going to have. Of course, if you have any keyboard chops, playing the parts on a midi keyboard is a much better, and more "honest" way to compose the parts. A third way is to do it the way Beethoven and Bach did it.......write the music on staves, in a music notation program in your case. There are several such programs like Finale, Sibelius, etc, that allow you to do this with a mouse. Do a search, there are other less costly ones. Check your software, it may have direct compatibility with one or two particular titles.