What was it that helped you learn how to do this? Recommend a book/guide?

[MaxPeak]

More likely the keyboard is sending MIDI data to your soundcard/AI and THAT is generating .wav data which in turn is D to A'ed and produces sound.

Yes exactly, my keyboard hooked up to computer has controlled the wav file - D to A'd . That's pretty much all I needed to figure out to get started. There are countless WAV files I can experiment with and eventually learn how to come up with more specific and desired sounds.

I am currently using a Casio CTK-4200 and messing around with various DAWs. Can and willgrab a better keyboard at anytime but a basic midi controller seems to satisfy. I have a C5 Vocal AKG Mic, and a Viper 50 guitar, but I am not really trying to ask anything more right now. As long as I can create a WAV file and make a track with that, I am headed in the desired path. Although soon I will be trying to figure out how to modify individual notes within one track but with the results of my first question "how did you all learn and is there a guide / book ? " I am not trying to ask anything else.

EDIT: Well it is pretty much my fault for not taking into consideration that many here may compose music with standard guitar, drums etc, and not synthetic sounds/instruments. That is what I am trying to get into. Nine inch nails is a good comparison to what I am trying to do. I asked a general question and didn't give any clear cut specifics outside of "create and modify sounds".. Anyways, again I appreciate the tolerance and guidance. Good luck on your next tracks

 

[DM60]

When working with Keyboards, unless you are using good/great sounding keyboards or external modules, probably best to work with recording MIDI signals to your DAW and look for either good VSTs or good VST/sound generators or samplers.

I use Ableton, it comes with Sampler VST, Sound Generator, Max for Live and a few other items so that you can customer create your sound for your work. There are VST plugins that do that, just Ableton pretty much bundles them all together, but it is rather complex and you still have to learn it. One more thing if learning how to record wasn't enough.

So, a controller and some good VSTis (instrument, not effects) would help move you forward, but it is really as much about doing and researching than just grabbing a book or some tutorial. Many people here use a lot of analog, (microphone to amps, external processing, actually record to tape), which is its own discipline. Then there is tracking, which is its own discipline, then there is mixing (you probably get the point)

If what I think you re doing, solo record guitar, vocals, synthesizer tracks. I suggest you start with learning to work with MIDI and recording guitar and vocals. That should keep you busy for a year or more. Then depending on which way you go (Analog or digital) will determine your next move. So, record MIDI, track guitar and vocals and mix should be your first focus.

I hope this helps.

 

[Mickster]

for example I am using a free trial right now. I can only assume FL studio is not considered great anyways but...

The different track options are SMP, INS, MISC, FUNC... Time stretching, precomputed effects, fade stereo, swap stereo, monophonic, + 100 other settings configurations and options that are past anyones basic ability to play a piano. Not to mention 100's of different sounds spread out between 20+ kit directories --

Yo.......are you reading what everyone is telling you? Start with page one of the manual and don't read ahead. Plug whatever you have (mic....keyboard....etc) into whatever you've decided to record with and learn as you go. Trial and error. It seems like you are convinced that somewhere there's some sort of implantable knowledge that is all you need............if you could just find it. The process is EXACTLY the same as it was when you learned to play keyboard. One note at a time. You can do it.......trust me you can.

 

[ecc83]

Ok Max,
Well at least we now know the keyboard and mic!
I still do not know what you are using for an Audio Interface? How are you recording guitar and mic?

I note that Casio has no MIDI connections save USB? This means it cannot be inserted into a loop with other MIDI devices (tho' you could control them to a degree in software with it) If you are upgrading the keyboard in the future make sure you get one with at least a MIDI out, even better would be MIDI in and out (and THRU but let's not get silly eh?) and one that could serve as a MIDI interface, tho' these tend to be more expensive. However if you do not at present have an AI I do urge you to get one with MIDI DINs on it.

If I sound a bit of an expert here I AM CERTAINLY NOT! Just an old electronics tech' that dabbles and had to get stuff working for a very musical (but electronically inept!) son.

Dave.

 

[MaxPeak]

ecc83 -
Grabbing the interface today actually. Leaning towards tascam DP-03, and leaning towards cubase. I am pretty sure the DP-03 has some older version of Cubase to at least give me an idea what 7.5 would be coming from.

I will without a doubt be reading the manual(s). It's good timing really as I am refreshing my skills with guitar/keyboard anyways. Last keyboard I had was Roland XP50 some years ago - had to let it go because I couldn't figure this stuff out back then either. - Well I will see more threads here as well. Thanks again.

 

[mjbphotos]

Ok Max,
Well at least we now know the keyboard and mic!
I still do not know what you are using for an Audio Interface? How are you recording guitar and mic?

I note that Casio has no MIDI connections save USB? This means it cannot be inserted into a loop with other MIDI devices (tho' you could control them to a degree in software with it) If you are upgrading the keyboard in the future make sure you get one with at least a MIDI out, even better would be MIDI in and out (and THRU but let's not get silly eh?) and one that could serve as a MIDI interface, tho' these tend to be more expensive. However if you do not at present have an AI I do urge you to get one with MIDI DINs on it.

If I sound a bit of an expert here I AM CERTAINLY NOT! Just an old electronics tech' that dabbles and had to get stuff working for a very musical (but electronically inept!) son.

Dave.

MIDI In and OUT can be done with USB, but you are correct that there is no 'THRU' so no looping of multiple MIDI instruments. Really not needed for recording anyway, and for live use only if you are trying to drive multiple outboard devices.

 

[MaxPeak]

The Tascam DP-03 is not an interface. It is an all-in-one mixer/recorder PortaStudio. It will not run or use Cubase. The DP-03 can be used by itself without a computer to record, some limited editing, and as well burning a finished CD that can be played in your home stereo or car.

You have saved my life ty - Tascam US 1800 even though is from an old suggestion thread I think it will do.

 

[ecc83]

MIDI In and OUT can be done with USB, but you are correct that there is no 'THRU' so no looping of multiple MIDI instruments. Really not needed for recording anyway, and for live use only if you are trying to drive multiple outboard devices.

Yes but, since it is a MIDI device anyway, fitting a bloody DIN out would hardly have broke the bank. My ek49 has MIDI out and only cost 70quid new!
One big advantage is that you can use the same keyboard to drive two computers and the DIN driving a 2496 soundcard on the faster of my two PCs had blinding latency with Cubase.

I am and shall forever fight to keep the MIDI/DIN standard (we have so few!) and continue to call all those makers that do not fit them tightarses!

Dave.

 

[VinnyS]

"I am using a free trial right now. I can only assume FL studio is..... "

Free trials eh? Me too. Until I knew what my needs were and which free trials had manuals that gave basic instruction in plain English, and whose GUI was intuitive and somewhat logical. I also read lots of reviews! Comparison chart are out there. That said, perhaps Audacity would get you off in the right direction. Free open-source full featured DAW.

 

[ecc83]

"I am using a free trial right now. I can only assume FL studio is..... "

Free trials eh? Me too. Until I knew what my needs were and which free trials had manuals that gave basic instruction in plain English, and whose GUI was intuitive and somewhat logical. I also read lots of reviews! Comparison chart are out there. That said, perhaps Audacity would get you off in the right direction. Free open-source full featured DAW.

Ooo! You could hardly call Audacity a "full featured DAW"!

It IS immensely useful and I understand even quite a few professionals use it as an editor?

Now you COULD call Reaper pretty well stocked and it is essentially free if you are a tight, thick skinned bastard!

But no DAW does it all or at least none of them do everything as well as the other. Yer pays yer money?

Dave.

 

[Rod Norman]

I learned everything from the top recording and mastering engineers in New York City while working in advertising for twenty years. So here's what I suggest. Find a friend who records. Go there and record. Learn from them. And study their equipment. During that time, subscribe to one of the top recording magazines and study everything carefully. Don't spend any money until you have studies the reviews and have a good studio plan. Then purchase just enough to get the job done. You can always add bigger studio speakers and so on. I suggest an ASUS i7 laptop, an eight channel interface, small near field monitors, headphones, and the Adobe Audition It has everything you need. For mics, start with a Samson CO3 and add Shure SM57 and 58's These will get you through and even when you upgrade they will still be useful. Order a book on Audition through Amazon and start by recording your voice and then your instrument and so on. Good luck.
Rod Norman
Engineer

Resolved
ty

---old message---

 

[RAMI]

I learned everything from the top recording and mastering engineers in New York City

Besides the fact that I think you're a liar, I wouldn't be doing too much bragging about that even if it was true. 99% of your posts are complete nonsensical drivel.

 

[pworam]

Buy an interface with a bundled DAW, an SM57 and a mic cable. Then start tracking. That's it. Buying an interface was the best move I ever made as far as personal music production. Everything else is trial and error/experimentation. You could mix the same tune a billion different ways til Sunday. You invariably want a good basic recording to start. A lot of times thats all you need. The interface makes that part super simple, and you don't have to break the bank. After that get a decent pair of monitors. Again, you don't have to break the bank but they make life a lot easier.