Basic synthesizer setup

Rapture installs as both a VST plugin for use in a DAW, such as SONAR X2 Essential and a standalone version which you can play outside the DAW with a MIDI keyboard.

To record, though, I would need to have Sonar X2 Essential in addition to Rapture? And (sorry): what is VST?

I see. A basic recording setup will require: DAW software (may include some VSTs) Like Sonar X2 Essentials, or Savihost. VST synth plug-in: Rapture, Tyrell Midi instrument (e.g., keyboard) Is there any other hardware I might need? I've never used the MIDI system on my old Kurzweil PC-88...how does it connect to the PC? There's no MIDI jack on the PC.

You might also want to consider a small external audio USB interface instead of using your PC's internal sound card. Many also have standard MIDI in/out connections. As a rule you will get better results with a dedicated audio interface that relying on the PC's internal audio.

How come everyone's typing quicker than me tonight, must be the lager effect.

Ebosell


I'd like to get my son (age 16) set up with a basic PC-based synthesizer and recording setup. But I can't figure out if I need to purchase Sonar X2 Essential plus the Rapture add-in, or if there is a standalone version of Rapture we can use instead. Can someone clarify? Thanks! Eric

My son just turned 16 last week, so this touches some papa nerves for me in what you are looking to do for your son.  It is really nice to see a parent caring enough to do the research into doing something like this.  I think you and your son will find lots and lots of help here in this forum, we are a community of folks who often go to pretty good lengths ti help each other, so post your questions, do the tutorials, watch the YouTube clips, and this can hopefully ignite a passion in your son for the endless possibilities for creativity and expression that music offer.

Here is a link to the Cakewalk Features page for X2 Essentials, which lists the components that you would get with purchase.  It is really a lot of good stuff for the minor investment that it is.  The link: http://cakewalk.com/products/SONAR/X2-Essential/

So, if you pick up that software, and buy a midi to USB adapter, as someone had mentioned, you could use your existing keyboard to trigger sounds in the computer-based synthesizers that come with X2 Essentials.  There are I believe 11 such instruments that you would get with X2 Essentials.  We tend to call computer-based synthesizers 'soft synths' for short, or plugins, although plugins would also include things like computer-based effects and things like that.

There is also a 30-day free trial available for Sonar X2, and the link for that is found on the Cakewalk home page: http://www.cakewalk.com/

To help you decide prior to buying some version of Sonar, you could choose to pick up the midi to USB converter, but as am typing this - guys help me out here with some additional posts, what would be a good choice for a basic audio interface?  Or do you think perhaps just the free ASIO4ALL drivers and whatever PC-based speakers would do to start?

Anyways, I am hoping some additional information comes your way from other posters here in the forum, to extend or better explain what I have commented on.

Good luck to you both, perhaps you too would rekindle some musical passion from back when you were playing the Kurzweil yourself.

Bob Bone

I personally have never had much issue (in fact no issues) with on board sound using ASIO4ALL but if any sort of audio recording is an aim an interface would definitely be worth getting.

"Most interfaces of this sort will give you your Midi in sockets, USB out to the computer, as well as at least 1 and more usually 2, pre-amps for capturing audio signals - keyboard audio, microphones, guitars etc." Capturing audio signals -- this would be the audio signal from the instrument? I can see that feature being useful for a rehearsal or performance setup, such as when I don't want to play the Kurzweil as a MIDI controller.

Oh -- I see -- they're line INPUTS.

Mr caring father:

I am an IDIOT.  I say that because sitting right in front of me, literally on the computer desk, is a completely unused audio interface with 2 instrument inputs, 2 mic inputs with some preamps, and might be a place to start.  I just checked the Presonus site, and they have drivers for it - it is a legacy product (old), but the drivers DO support Windows 7 x64.  It is a Firewire interface and does not have any midi jacks, but it you want it, it's my gift to you and your son.

I do not use it - bought it for my son, but he moved on.

I do not need any money for it - just send me a private message with a phone/email and we can work out the getting it to you part.  I am in Maryland, the box is the size of a reasonable CD case, and weighs next to nothing.

So, if you want it, it's yours, and for free!  One less unused thing on my desk stop.

Bob Bone