using synth instruments without keyboard?

[Nathan1984]

I have been experimenting with synth's in sonar. I was wondering what you guys think is the easiest way of going about that. I don't know much about this, I'm new to the whole virtual instruments, except for like ezdrummer. Step Sequencer is my best friend, but as far as I know you can't really use it for like piano or sound effects tones. Would love to hear you guys opinions.

 

[c7sus]

Keyboard MIDI controller and MIDI interface is the best solution.

Tons of them on Craigslist.

 

[gcolbert]

If you are familiar with reading music, the 'staff view' is probably the easiest way to enter sequences for a soft-synth. I use it to enter sheet music on occasion.

If you don't know how to read music, the Piano Roll View might be easier. They can be accessed by selecting a MIDI track, then menu View->STAFF or VIEW->PRV

Glen

 

[YellowDwarf]

If you don't know how to read music, the Piano Roll View might be easier.

+1 on this method. I don't play keyboards well and use this to edit and/or input midi on pads and the like.