COMPLETE Newbie here.

Author
norcalwm
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 2
  • Joined: 2010/12/31 16:22:39
  • Status: offline
2010/12/31 17:14:06 (permalink)

COMPLETE Newbie here.

Ok, so it has been decades since I last used a synth. But, want to do it now. I have a Roland XP 10 and a pretty beefy PC.  The XP 10 only has MIDI not USB connectors. Does anyone have suggestions of easiest and least expensive way for me to create/record music? Do I just need a Cakewalk Software and a MIDI to USB cable? Or do I need an interface device? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#1

7 Replies Related Threads

    57Gregy
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 14404
    • Joined: 2004/05/31 17:04:17
    • Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2010/12/31 21:24:57 (permalink)
    A MIDI-to-USB connector and a Cakewalk program will make it easy to get into computer recording. An audio interface designed for recording will make it easy to reproduce the sound you hear in your head, without worrying about latency or dropouts.
    If you want to go that route, and audio interface with MIDI connections eliminates the need for the MIDI-to-USB connector.

    Greg 
    I am selling my MIM Fender Stratocaster HSS, red and black. PM for more details.

    Music Creator 2003, MC Pro 24, SONAR Home Studio 6 XL, SONAR  X3e, CbB, Focusrite Saffire, not enough space.
    Everything is better with pie. 

    http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=609446
    http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/gregfields 
    #2
    Robomusic
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8943
    • Joined: 2004/05/30 00:54:24
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2010/12/31 22:25:43 (permalink)
    Or if you are a rather good keyboard player just connect audio cables to the line in on the computer and record the actual sounds of the Roland. If you use midi in or midi to usb in you will not have the sounds of the Roland, but will have to either use a softsynth, and or route the midi back and then hook up the audio cables. and record that way.

    I'd Seize the day but i can't quite reach it!

    http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?AID=33477&T=1260
    Music Town
    #3
    norcalwm
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2
    • Joined: 2010/12/31 16:22:39
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2011/01/01 00:20:26 (permalink)
    Wow... Thank you guys for such a quick and excellent response! Which software do you suggest I start with if I'm thinking of routing the midi back and using the audio cables.  Will Music Creator do that? Or should I go with Sonar and a soft synth?
    #4
    Beagle
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 50621
    • Joined: 2006/03/29 11:03:12
    • Location: Fort Worth, TX
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2011/01/01 09:16:22 (permalink)
    music creator will allow you to record MIDI and then route your roland back into your soundcard for its audio.  a softsynth will only be necessary if you want to monitor using a softsynth while you're recording MIDI (which you don't have to do if your roland has speakers or if you have a keyboard amp to hear it while you're recording), or if you want to use the softsynth instead of the roland sounds.

    http://soundcloud.com/beaglesound/sets/featured-songs-1
    i7, 16G DDR3, Win10x64, MOTU Ultralite Hybrid MK3
    Yamaha MOXF6, Hammond XK3c, other stuff.
    #5
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2011/01/01 10:13:03 (permalink)
    I agree. Get MC5 form a local store (box version for $40) since it has many more instrument sounds in it than the download version. Also buy a nice audio/midi interface from a music store..... M-Audio, Focusrite, etc.

    As has been commented on above, the interface allows you to "do it right" and basically eliminates many of the problems with dropouts and latency.

    In addition, a decent interface will incorporate midi connectors so you can use a midi to midi cable to get the midi into MC5. Setup is relatively easy and that will allow you to start recording. The interface also gives audio inputs for guitar/bass/mics.   Be sure to get an interface with nice preamps, and you will NOT need to use any sort of mixer board.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #6
    Robomusic
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8943
    • Joined: 2004/05/30 00:54:24
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2011/01/02 21:37:16 (permalink)
    I agree as well. Start with MC5 route the audio cables to the line in and play away. hit record and record. Once you get very good at this you can think about upgrading IF you need it. MC5 will do a lot for you and may be all you need. Don't worry about softsynth unless you feel you want other sound than the Roland sounds.

    Make sure that the sound card is setup as input and output for MC5 and then arm the track and hit record, and play see what happens, experiment and learn.

    I'd Seize the day but i can't quite reach it!

    http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?AID=33477&T=1260
    Music Town
    #7
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:COMPLETE Newbie here. 2011/01/02 21:43:02 (permalink)
    I do all my music on MC4...(earlier version before MC5)

    I use a midi keyboard and ONE midi cable... out of the keyboard and into my interface (into MC4/5)

    I never send it back to the keyboard.... I always use the soft synths inside MC and use a mid patch or more likely, a sample to get the sound.... the options are so numerous and they sound so good..... I would not think of using the internal audio in the keyboard.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer 
    #8
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1