this should be fun for you guys to answer it will be so easy, but...........

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jared808

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howdy! this is a great site, glad I found it. I am new to the midi world, though I've been recording and making music in some fashion for almost 20 years, so I'm not a total dummy, lol.

question: I have an alesis sr16, a nord lead 2, a boss sp303(only has midi in, ouch), and sony acid music studio which has some great midi options. Thing is, I want to use some great vintage drum machine sounds I have and some more I'm going to purchase in the near future. I wanted to know how I could run those sounds into my alesis or nord synth to use to record onto a separate device, as I have found a site with great vintage synth sounds for sale. I'm thinking sound source to drum machine or nord, then to a separate digital 8 track non midi/ guitar plug input. I can probably use the nord for either drum or synth sounds, if that's easier, tell me. It's as simple as it sounds, I just can't find info online explaining these basics. like where do I store my samples to make them available for use via midi to my drum machine or synth? thanks for any help, can't wait to get started, if I need to buy any extra products I will do so asap. j
 
There are ways of doing things that are practical and sensible if you are in a tape-based recording environment. The process you describe is a good example.

However, the moment you introduce a computer (for example, to source and download drum or other samples), you add another dimension, and that tends to change the rules about practicality.

Were I to have to your requirements (i.e. to use vintage drum machine and synth sounds) I would reluctantly put the alesis and the boss in the cupboard. Instead, I would use the computer to do all that for me.

For example, you could consider working in an audio and midi recording application (such as Reaper) on your computer. There are many around, but they all do similar things. Importantly, you can use plug-ins that will create, store and play samples (such as your vintage drum samples), create drum loops and sequences, allow you to use the midi capabilities of your Nord to play virtual synths and other instruments, or you to use the computer to play your Nord.

It seems to me that there is a less complicated and less hardware-dependent way of going about things that is worth considering.
 
midi beginnings

can't I use my sony acid music studio for that?
 
You probably could. Will it record and playback audio? Will it record and play back midi? Can you load VST plugins and instruments? I don't know the answers to these questions because I don't use it.
 
yeah, it looks like it can, I even found some software/shareware called darkwave, that is, while okay in sound, a great cut and paste style of music making. I was just messing with the sounds already on their, but first thing for me, don't be embarrassed is a usb/midi cable, I got a regular midi the other day thinking I could use that with my stuff. so I need that, I don't think my local store has any, but amazon has them for really cheap. I'm sure I'll have other questions, but I'm gearing up for this, just hate to wait for the cable, may see if I can drive somewhere over the weekend, I'm in n.c. (chapel hill) and funny thing is the state I came from had better music stores nearby, but this area is supposed to be a big music scene, pushaw!
 
okay, I got a usb to midi cable, as many before me have said "my computer isn't seeing the midi device" lol. I know on the nord I have to set some stuff up for it to work, it's not just touch the midi button and boom, but I'm slowly starting this big undertaking.
 
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So.....I'm trying reaper now. And it is awesome! I would of gotten this instead of my acid music pro, reaper only being like 20 bucks more (non-commercial), but I wasn't doing the midi then. I have a grasp on opening tracks with fx/reasampler, so I can hear my synth via midi!!!! problem now is it's only one note/fx over the whole keyboard, any tips on assigning multiple fx over the keyboard? I'm getting closer to figuring it out, but any help would be cool. I am learning though, I am evolving, lol.
 
no one should care anymore, but...............I DID IT!!! it took me longer than it should, but reaper really is an awesome program, way better than the beginner level sony acid program I own, will give that to charity, lol. once I figured it out today, I realized I had been looking at the solution the whole time. better late than never though, so I am very happy I figured it out, though once again, the wonderful people at reaper made it as simple as can be, and the editing features are just sick, so I will pony up the fee for this once the demo time is up, it is way worth it. thanks gecko zzed, it was a great recommendation! many thanks!!!
 
I am pleased to hear that you persevered and ultimately achieved success. There are many people here familair with Reaper, so just sing out if you have problems
 
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